The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Ethiopia Office is looking for a highly motivated and competent professional for the following position. KOICA is a government agency dedicated to the implementation of the Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Its mission is to help developing countries reduce poverty, promote wellbeing, and achieve sustainable development. KOICA Ethiopia Office works with various partners including the government, international organizations, business, academia and civil society. Activities include implementing projects, providing capacity-building programs to government officials, and dispatching Korean volunteers and advisors to local institutions.

Position Title: Assistant Program Manager 

• The final position title will be determined based on the candidate’s relevant work experience (e.g., “Program Manager” for a candidate with more than 7 years of relevant experience).

Functional Responsibilities

• The Program Manager will play a leading role in managing KOICA’s development cooperation programs in Ethiopia. This position requires strategic leadership, and a high level of adaptability in a multicultural and fast-paced work environment. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program Management Tasks

• Lead end-to-end planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of KOICA-funded health projects in alignment with Ethiopia’s Health Sector Transformation Plan two (HSTP-II), Health Sector Medium-Term Development and Investment Plan (HSDIP), Primary Health Care (PHC) approach, and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) priorities.

• Identify health system gaps and emerging public health needs; initiate concept development aligned with Ethiopia’s health goals and KOICA’s mandate. 

• Oversee the preparation and review of detailed project implementation plans, including budgets, schedules, and key milestones.

• Manage project budgets and financial resources to ensure optimal utilization and compliance with regulations.

• Develop and maintain risk management frameworks to proactively address potential challenges and implement mitigation strategies.

• Monitor and evaluate project performance using tools such as Project Design Matrix (PDM), performance indicators, and field missions.

• Utilize data-driven approaches to analyze progress and impact, adjusting plans to enhance outcomes.

• Facilitate stakeholder(s) consultations, needs assessments, and capacity-building activities with government bodies and communities.

• Lead the design and implementation of interventions in areas such as RMNCH-N, Health Systems Strengthening, WASH, and Public Health Emergency.  

• Lead multi-sectoral coordination and promote collaborative decision-making among diverse stakeholders to maximize project synergy.

• Employ project management tools to streamline workflows, track deliverables, and enhance communication.

• Mentor and supervise project staff and partners to build local capacity and ensure consistent quality standards.

• Adapt program activities flexibly to dynamic field conditions, security situations, and evolving community needs.

• Ensure timely resolution of implementation challenges while maintaining accurate and transparent communication with all stakeholders.

• Demonstrate strong documentation skills in drafting project monitoring reports, work plans, final outcome reports, official correspondences, and other relevant documentation.

• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain smooth reporting systems with Korean management.

3. Contract Type: 

• Fixed Term Appointment (contract renewable on an annual basis, subject to satisfactory performance) 

• The contract will enter into force after the performance evaluation of a 60-day probation period.

4. Basis Monthly Salary: 700 USD

• Note that this amount is the minimum base salary. Final offer will reflect the applicant’s experience, performance potential, and alignment with the organization’s compensation framework.

• During the probation period, 90% of basis salary will be paid.

5. Workplace:

•  10th Floor, Platinum building, Bole Sub-district 03 (Bole Atlas), House Number 386, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 

Job Requirements

6. Requirements                  

Qualifications 

• Master’s degree or higher in Public Health (MPH), Global Health, Health Systems Management, Health Policy, or a related field from a recognized institution. 

• Advanced training in Health Program Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, or Health Leadership is highly desirable.

• Minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in program/project management in international cooperation.

• Demonstrated experience in project cycle management, results-based reporting and writing, and working with international organizations or government institutions.

• Full professional fluency in English (spoken and written) is required; knowledge of Korean is an advantage.

• Experience working in Ethiopia or similar development contexts preferred.

• Proven experience leading complex health initiatives at national and sub-national levels, including coordination with government ministries, project implementers, and development partners. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-million-dollar health project budgets, procurement processes, and donor compliance requirements.

Technical Competencies:

• Strong understanding of Ethiopia’s Health Sector Transformation Plan (HSTP), Primary Health Care (PHC) framework, and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) priorities.

• Expertise in health systems strengthening, service delivery assessments, and integrated program design.

• Advanced knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems, including DHIS2, HMIS, logframes, and operational research methods.

• Skilled in data analysis, evidence-based decision-making, and adaptive program management.

Leadership & Management Skills:

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor staff, and build partner capacity for sustainable program outcomes.

• Experience in risk management, contingency planning, and program implementation in fragile, remote, or humanitarian settings.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and negotiation skills, with a strong focus on collaboration and ownership.

Advantages

• Experience in managing health-related projects is preferred

• Strong strategic thinking, initiative, and ownership of program delivery from start to finish.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing deadlines, and evolving political dynamics.

• Proven skills in facilitation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement with government institutions, communities, and partner organization

• Ability to navigate a foreign government agency environment with diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, and high ethical standards.

• Familiarity with Ethiopian labor law, tax regulations, VAT procedures, and NGO operations.

• Excellent communication, coordination, and report writing skills.

• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.

• Ability to work independently, proactively, and in a team-based setting under pressure.

• Understanding of KOICA’s mandate and Korean organizational culture is a plus.Experience using AI technologies in project management or legal advisory work is desirable.

How To Apply

7. Application Process

• All interested and qualified candidates are required to apply online through KOICA Ethiopia Office email address : ethiopia@koica.go.kr by 15 April 2026. KOICA Ethiopia Office will only accept applications submitted online.

The application must include:

• Cover letter

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• One (or more) letter of recommendation

• Copy of Final Degree 

• Application Document Self-Checklist

• Please mention in the subject line of the email: “Assistant Program Manager / KOICA Ethiopia 2026” 

NB:

• The information provided in the application will be verified. Any file with inconsistent information will be automatically eliminated. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks which may include a criminal records check. 

8. Recruitment Schedule

• Job Announcement: April 8, 2026

• Application Period: April 8, 2026 – April 15, 2026

• First Interview: Fourth week of April

• Second Interview: First week of May

NB:

• The exact interview dates will be determined later and subject to change based on the company's internal schedule. 

• The first and second interviews may be combined depending on the number of applicants.

• Notification of the application results and interview dates will be sent to successful candidates via email.

9. Others

• For more detailed information, please visit our website at www.koica.go.kr. KOICA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified female candidates, people with disabilities, and minorities are highly encouraged to apply
   

10th Floor, Platinum Building, Bole Sub-district 03 (Bole Atlas), House Number 386, 

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tel No. : 251-11-372-0340  E-mail: ethiopia@koica.go.kr

Job Requirements Candidates must hold at least a master’s degree in Public Health or related fields, possess advanced training in program planning, monitoring & evaluation, and have a minimum of seven years’ experience managing international development programs. Fluency in English is mandatory, while Korean language skills are an advantage. The role requires strategic leadership, budget management, risk mitigation, stakeholder coordination, and capacity-building across multidisciplinary teams. How to Apply Submit your non-returnable application and CV along with supporting documents in Via email ethiopia@koica.go.kr