Program Officer

The Role:

We are seeking a Program Officer to lead the post-award grant implementation of our mental health and psychosocial support initiatives in Northern Ethiopia. This role will oversee grant management, throughout the entire post-award life cycle, from planning, implementation, monitoring, sub-contract management and close-out procedures, ensuring compliance with federal grant requirements and maximizing program impact. This is a position that requires spoken and written communication proficiency, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to adjust to an ever-changing environment. Future growth into team management potential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, refine, and document written materials, policies, procedures, and tools for effective grantee program implementation and design.
• Manage subrecipient agreements comprehensively, including tracking, reviewing invoices, coordinating technical assistance, and ensuring compliance.
• Conduct regular financial reviews comparing forecasts to actuals, and maintain oversight of award budgets for accurate financial reporting.
• Provide administrative support by managing email correspondence and drafting communications on behalf of organizational leadership.
• Assist in the day-to-day management of activities, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, taking minutes, and sending reminders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external stakeholders, such as human rights organizations and local implementing partners, facilitating seamless communication and relationship management to ensure efficient collaboration.
• Ensure timely monthly financial reporting, forecasting, and activity updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Refine organizational processes by developing comprehensive policies, procedures, and SOPs, while also optimizing knowledge management, filing systems, and tracking mechanisms to enhance overall efficiency.
• Implement program and people management strategies using methodologies such as agile and the RACI matrix.
• Communicate project status updates to the executive team and board to maintain transparency and alignment.
• Facilitate the vetting, onboarding, and ongoing monitoring of new partners to ensure alignment with organizational goals and standards.

Must Have Qualifications:

• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience in managing donor agreements, leading cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance, and handling reporting.
• Excellent time management skills, with the proven ability to handle multiple projects with high attention to detail
• Experience in preparing agendas, status reports, and follow-up actions for meetings with external partners and subcontractors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, along with other office productivity tools, with a willingness to learn new software and systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of grantmaking operations, including practices, regulations, and federal guidelines.
• General knowledge of Financial/Cost Accounting, ensuring accurate financial management and reporting.
• Strong interest and expertise in administrative systems creation and processes, optimizing operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, essential for resolving challenges and making strategic choices in grant management.
• Experience with partnership/relationship management, facilitating effective collaboration with external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, along with other office productivity tools, with a willingness to learn new software and systems.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in Nonprofit Management, International Development, Public Health, Psychology, Social Work, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• Experience working in the global south, preferably in high-risk countries, demonstrating an understanding of diverse cultural contexts and challenges.
• Contributed to a dynamic and evolving team young organization, aligned with the mission and values of advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• Language proficiency in Amharic, Tigrinya and/or Afar.