COUNTRY DIRECTOR - ETHIOPIA
CARE
Ethiopia
Posted on May 8, 2025
JOB SUMMARY:
**NATIONAL CANDIDATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Lead Transformational Change at One of CARE’s Most Critical Country Programs.
CARE started working in Ethiopia in 1984 with the focus of addressing the root causes of poverty and vulnerability through nexus development programming as well as a humanitarian response. This includes programming for improved governance; food and water systems; food security; women’s economic justice; sexual and reproductive health and rights; nutrition; and household and community-level resilience. CARE Ethiopia works in seven of the 12 regional states as well as in the two city council administrations. With a staff of more than 1,300 and an annual budget of more than $94 million, CARE Ethiopia leads nearly 50 projects that save lives, reduce poverty, and advance social justice.
The Opportunity
Are you a courageous, strategic, and principled leader ready to guide one of CARE’s most significant and complex country programs? CARE is seeking a Country Director (CD) for Ethiopia—an influential role with the power to shape the lives of millions and advance gender equality, humanitarian response, and sustainable development.
Ethiopia stands at the crossroads of extraordinary need and profound potential. With a rapidly evolving landscape, CARE Ethiopia requires a leader with deep contextual understanding, proven management expertise, and a relentless commitment to social justice.
We’re looking for Country Director who can develop a new playbook for CARE in Ethiopia. Someone who can create a cohesive team and manage a near $100 million budget. Open doors to new partners and strengthen relationships with existing ones. Secure new revenue and ensure that all funds are spent wisely. We need you to:
- Drive strategy and results. Enhance the blueprint to guide CARE’s work in Ethiopia, largely through partners and with partners, ensuring impactful, accountable programming and continuous adaptation to a dynamic operational environment.
- Lead the team. Guide a staff of 1,300 humanitarian practitioners, program managers, operations experts, and technical experts.
- Promote CARE, strengthen partnerships and influence. Maintain strong relationships with local governments, partners and donors, civil society, while shaping national and regional agendas.
- Grow the portfolio. Work with business development staff to identify, track and coordinate responses to funding opportunities. Develop partnerships that lead to new funding.
- Make sure we play by the rules. Serve as our chief compliance officer in the country. Ensure that we are ethical and efficient, that we have the procedures in place to be strong stewards of donor funding.
- Lead with integrity. Create a positive and productive workplace. One that values hard work, feedback and continuous improvement, diversity and a strong commitment to CARE.
- Champion CARE’s mission and values, advancing equality and social inclusion through locally led, rights-based approaches.
- Ensure operational excellence, overseeing financial and risk management, compliance, and team well-being.
Your Background
- Humanitarian and development leader. You have at least 8-12 years’ experience leading humanitarian and/or development programs in global companies or international NGOs preferably with offices in Ethiopia. You have master’s degree International Development or other relevant post-graduate degree. You are fluent in English and preferably, proficient in Amharic.
- Commitment to diversity - You are an advocate for women and girls. You’ve worked in programs or organizations that strive to advance economic diversity.
- Natural fundraiser. You have experience identifying business opportunities for NGOs or securing funds from foundations and institutional donors.
- Collaborative manager. You are able to inspire a shared vision and motivate a country-wide team. You’ve managed an annual budget of at least $15 million and regional or country-wide teams of 200+.
- A natural connector. You are able to build and sustain relationships with government ministries and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). You are able to identify new donors and partners to work with us. You can spot trends and keep the CARE regional executive team informed about gender, development and health needs and opportunities in Jordan.
- A strategist. You are a quick thinker, laser focused and clear decision maker. You have a strong interest in private-sector approaches to development and a proven ability to produce results. You can apply what you learn in your country to other countries CARE works in.
Why CARE?
At CARE, we work with courage, integrity, and a deep belief in the dignity of all people. As Country Director, you’ll join a global network of changemakers dedicated to tackling poverty and injustice. In Ethiopia, you’ll lead one of our most strategic and high-profile operations—backed by a passionate team and long-standing community trust.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply today and bring your leadership to where it’s needed most.
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