Program Director

Key facts

About the role

Highlights

• Position: Program Director / PMU Head
• Reports To: Managing Partner, Target Business Consultants Plc (oversight by the Target Advisory Panel)
• Supervises: • Six Functional Managers • Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit Officer • PMO and Partner Coordination Officer • GPM Advisory Team
• Terms: • Employment Type: Full-time • Location: Addis Ababa • Contract Duration: Fixed-term until July 2029 • Employer: Target Business Consultants Plc (TIFM for GIGS MARKET JOB CREATION)
• JOB SUMMARY
• The Program Director / PMU Head leads the GIGS MARKET JOB CREATION Program Management Unit, which aims to connect 350,000 young people, the majority of whom are young women, to dignified gig and digital work through Gig and Professional Marketplaces (GPMs).
• The position holds full operational authority and is accountable for program delivery, fiduciary integrity, and results. The Program Director serves as the primary liaison with the financier and service providers.
• ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Translate the program design into Annual Work Plans and Budgets (AWPB), obtain Steering Committee approval, and ensure delivery against milestones and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Direct all PMU functions, including portfolio delivery, finance and grants, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL), communication, inclusion and safeguarding, and operations.
• Lead relationships with the Foundation, chair monthly partner coordination meetings and bi-weekly technical check-ins, and enforce the RACI matrix and escalation protocol.
• Oversee GPM selection, due diligence, and grant decisions through the Investment Committee, ensuring milestone-based disbursements.
• Approve commitments and expenditures within delegated authority and ensure compliance with the grant agreement, Project Implementation Manual (PIM), and Ethiopian law.
• Serve as Secretary to the Advisory Team and custodian of the PIM, ensuring decisions and audit findings are tracked through to closure.
• Submit consolidated quarterly and annual technical and financial reports.
• Use MERL evidence and youth feedback to adapt and improve program implementation.
• Set annual objectives for direct reports, conduct performance reviews, and promote a culture of integrity, safeguarding, and continuous learning.

Required qualifications

• EDUCATION AND TRAINING
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Project Management, or a related field.
• PMP or equivalent certification is an advantage.
• An additional degree in an Information Technology-related field is an advantage.
• EXPERIENCE
• At least 15 years of experience in program management.
• At least 7 years of experience leading large, multi-partner, donor-funded programs in Ethiopia.
• Experience in youth employment, MSME development, financial inclusion, or the digital economy is preferred.
• Experience working with Financer programs is preferred.
• SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
• Strong strategic leadership and results-based, adaptive management skills.
• Ability to manage relationships with donors, government institutions, and program partners.
• Sound understanding of grants management, budgeting, and internal controls.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Amharic.
• Strong report-writing skills.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

How to apply