Education:

Master’s degree in a relevant field. Relevant academic disciplines include humanitarian studies, international development, social sciences, project management, or related fields.

About the Organization
Save the Children International is one of the world’s largest independent organizations working to protect children and improve their well-being. The organization operates in more than 100 countries and focuses on ensuring that children survive, learn, and grow up in safe and supportive environments.

Save the Children delivers both long-term development programs and emergency humanitarian responses. Its programs focus on education, health, nutrition, child protection, food security, and economic resilience.

In Ethiopia, the organization implements a wide range of humanitarian and development programs aimed at supporting vulnerable communities affected by conflict, climate shocks, and poverty.

The organization works closely with government institutions, international agencies, local organizations, and communities to design and implement programs that address urgent humanitarian needs.

Through strong partnerships and innovative program approaches, Save the Children aims to create sustainable change and improve the lives of children and families across Ethiopia.

Working with Save the Children provides professionals with a meaningful opportunity to contribute to life-saving humanitarian work while building a strong international career in development and emergency response.

Job Description
Save the Children International is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Program Lead to provide leadership and oversight for a large humanitarian response program in Ethiopia.

The role focuses on managing and guiding a multi-sector emergency assistance program implemented through a consortium of humanitarian partners.

The Senior Program Lead will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the program and ensuring that humanitarian assistance is delivered effectively to communities affected by crisis.

The position involves overseeing program planning, implementation, and evaluation to ensure that services are delivered efficiently and meet high quality standards.

The role also includes conducting needs assessments, service mapping, and gap analysis to identify priority humanitarian needs in affected regions.

The Senior Program Lead will coordinate with multiple partner organizations and ensure that all consortium members contribute effectively toward achieving program objectives.

The position requires leadership in developing and implementing an area-based response strategy focused on emergency assistance in Wag Himra Zone and other contested areas.

Another key responsibility is facilitating collaboration among consortium partners and ensuring integrated service delivery across different humanitarian sectors.

The Senior Program Lead will also play an important role in coordinating with government authorities, community leaders, and humanitarian coordination platforms.

The position involves representing the program at national-level meetings and advocating for the needs of vulnerable populations affected by humanitarian crises.

This role requires strong leadership to guide multidisciplinary teams and create an environment of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

The Senior Program Lead will also oversee reporting processes to ensure accurate and high-quality reporting to donors and stakeholders.

The role includes ensuring that community engagement and accountability mechanisms are integrated into program activities.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact humanitarian programs while strengthening leadership skills in international development.

Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field.

Relevant academic disciplines include humanitarian studies, international development, social sciences, project management, or related fields.

Additional professional training in humanitarian program management, leadership, or monitoring and evaluation will be considered an advantage.

Work Experience
Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in humanitarian program management.

At least five years of this experience must be in a leadership or senior management role.

Applicants should have demonstrated experience managing complex multi-sector humanitarian programs in emergency contexts.

Experience working within consortium partnerships and coordinating multiple stakeholders is highly desirable.

Familiarity with the Ethiopian humanitarian context will be considered an advantage.

Experience in capacity building and training of staff and partner organizations is also valuable.

Required Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to guide large multidisciplinary teams.

Applicants should have strong strategic thinking and planning abilities to lead complex humanitarian programs.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required for engaging with partners, donors, and community stakeholders.

The candidate should have strong financial management skills, including experience managing large program budgets and financial reporting.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong understanding of humanitarian principles, standards, and coordination mechanisms.

Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills are important for managing consortium partnerships.

Candidates should demonstrate integrity, transparency, and commitment to ethical standards.

The ability to foster collaboration and build partnerships with diverse stakeholders is essential.

Applicants should be committed to safeguarding, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Job Location
The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

However, the role may require travel to project locations including Wag Himra Zone and other operational areas where humanitarian programs are implemented.

Employment Type and Salary
This is a full-time permanent position with a contract duration of 24 months.

The salary grade will be determined according to the organization’s internal compensation structure.

The position also provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and exposure to large-scale humanitarian program management.

Working in this role offers valuable experience in consortium leadership, strategic planning, and international humanitarian coordination.

Employees will work with experienced humanitarian professionals and partner organizations to deliver high-impact programs.

The position provides an excellent opportunity for professionals who are passionate about humanitarian response and community resilience.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official recruitment platform of Save the Children International.

Applicants should ensure that all required information is accurately filled out in the application form before submission.

Women and candidates from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply, as the organization is committed to promoting diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace.

Applicants should note that scanned educational certificates or additional attachments are not required during the initial application stage.

Only candidates who are shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment process will be contacted by the organization.

Save the Children maintains strict safeguarding procedures, and the recruitment process includes background checks to ensure the safety and protection of children.

Candidates should carefully review the role requirements and ensure they meet the minimum qualifications before applying.

The application deadline for this position is 22 March 2026.