Country Director

About Goal
GOAL has responded to the world’s major humanitarian crises since its founding in 1977, working with vulnerable communities in 13 countries across the globe with a dedicated team of personnel. While GOAL continues to be an agile first-responder to humanitarian crises, it is also committed to working with vulnerable communities to help them survive crises and support them on the road to recovery.
About Our Programme
GOAL has operated in Ethiopia since the 1980’s and is supported by a dedicated team of approx. 500 staff delivering a diverse portfolio of donor-funded humanitarian and development programmes. Goal’s office is based in Addis Ababa, with field operations across 60 districts in 8 regions and two city administrations: Afar, Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, South Ethiopia, Tigray, Addis Ababa, and Hawassa.
Our programs address critical sectors, including Health & Nutrition, WASH, Livelihoods and Food Security, Safeguarding, Protection, and Emergency Shelter. Our work is made possible through the support of valued institutional and philanthropic partners, including Irish Aid, the European Union, UNHCR, unicef, OCHA and others.
JOB PURPOSE
The Country Director (CD) provides strategic leadership, management oversight, and representation for GOAL in Ethiopia. Based in Addis Ababa and reporting to the Regional Director, the CD leads the development and implementation of the country strategy and has overall accountability for GOAL's programmes, operations, people, and resources in Addis Ababa. The role ensures alignment with GOAL's global strategic objectives, donor requirements, organisational policies, and humanitarian principles.
As GOAL's principal representative in Ethiopia, the Country Director leads the Country Management Team and is accountable for the performance, growth, compliance, sustainability, security, and reputation of the country programme. The role is responsible for delivering high-quality, impactful programming while maintaining the highest standards of governance, safeguarding, accountability, risk management, and operational excellence.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Governance
Provide strategic leadership and direction for GOAL Ethiopia, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.
Lead the development and implementation of the Country Strategy, ensuring alignment with GOAL's global priorities.
Lead the Country Management Team and ensure effective governance, decision-making, and organisational accountability.
Monitor the operating environment and adapt strategies to emerging opportunities and risks.
Maintain effective communication with and provide regular strategic, operational, financial, and risk updates to the Regional Director and GOAL headquarters, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and timely escalation of critical issues.
Programme Leadership and Quality
Provide overall leadership and oversight of all programmes and projects.
Ensure programmes are delivered in accordance with donor requirements, organisational standards, budgets, and timelines.
Strengthen humanitarian preparedness and emergency response capacity.
Promote programme quality, learning, innovation, and effective MEAL systems.
Business Development and Resource Mobilisation
Lead the growth and diversification of GOAL's programme portfolio in Ethiopia.
Identify and secure new funding opportunities in alignment with strategic priorities.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with donors, government, partners, and other stakeholders.
Oversee the development of high-quality funding proposals and partnerships.
Financial and Operational Management
Ensure sound management of finance, administration, procurement, logistics, and support functions.
Oversee financial planning, resource allocation, compliance, and value for money.
Maintain effective systems, controls, and risk management processes to support programme delivery and organisational growth.
People Leadership and Organisational Development
Lead, develop, and support a diverse and high-performing workforce.
Ensure effective talent management, succession planning, and staff development.
Foster an inclusive workplace culture that promotes wellbeing, accountability, and professional growth.
Lead by example in upholding GOAL's values, Code of Conduct, safeguarding commitments, and ethical standards, ensuring these are embedded across all country operations and programmes.
Safety, Security, Safeguarding and Risk Management
Hold overall accountability for the safety, security, and wellbeing of staff, assets, and operations.
Ensure effective security management, emergency preparedness, business continuity, and safeguarding systems.
Lead organisational responses to major incidents and emerging risks.
Representation, Advocacy and Partnerships
Serve as GOAL's principal representative and spokesperson in Ethiopia.
Build and maintain strong relationships with government, donors, UN agencies, NGOs, communities, and private sector stakeholders.
Represent GOAL in relevant coordination and policy forums.
Promote GOAL's reputation, influence, and advocacy objectives at country level.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
The Country Director is accountable for:
Achievement of country strategy objectives.
Delivery of high-quality programmes that meet donor and organisational requirements.
Financial stewardship and organisational sustainability.
Growth and diversification of the country portfolio.
Legal, regulatory and donor compliance.
Safety, security and safeguarding of staff and assets.
Effective leadership and development of personnel.
GOAL's reputation and external relationships in Ethiopia.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
At least 5 years' experience serving as Country Director, Deputy Country Director, or in a comparable senior leadership role within complex humanitarian and development settings.
Significant experience in successfully bidding for large-scale, multi-annual complex grants.
Experience managing institutional donor grants and liaising with government officials and a variety of donors.
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