Ethiopia Program Manager (EWAS)

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) brings together philanthropy including the IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, governments, technology, policy and development partners, and the private sector to tackle the twin challenges of energy access and transition in emerging and developing countries. By 2030, we aim to expand clean energy access to one billion people, enable 150 million new jobs and reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions. We believe clean energy is development: without it, every other form of progress is undermined so we’re building a movement to unlock a new era of inclusive green economic growth that accelerates universal energy access while enabling the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.  

Employment Type: Contract

Duration: The Ethiopia Program Manager (EWAS) will be contracted for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension to 3 years subject to satisfactory performance (contingent on an initial 3-month probation period).

About The Energizing Women and Youth in Agriculture (EWAS) Program 

EWAS will electrify agri-food systems to enable 17,000 jobs, improve livelihoods for 136,000 people, and build compelling demonstrations in Nigeria and Ethiopia of how green electricity and agricultural development can work together, paving the way for rapid growth across the continent. It is a 3-year program funded by the Mastercard Foundation that aims to create proof-points of electrifying agri-food systems with green energy, creating and retaining value for young women as farmers, processors, and employees. Such proof-points can help bridge the existing gaps between fragmented energy and agriculture sectors while ensuring and integrating inclusivity for youth and women and providing evidence to develop replicable solutions.  

EWAS's strategy has three interconnected interventions: (i) reducing technology costs for young women to purchase productive use appliances; (ii) develop a PUE ecosystem that supports the growth of nascent green tech SMEs with a focus on young women as employees and leaders in these businesses; and (iii) offering centralized technical support coupled with knowledge creation and advocacy. 

Reporting directly to the EWAS Program Management Team Lead with a dotted line the Ethiopia Country Lead, the Program Manager will be primarily responsible and accountable for the management and supervision of the implementation of the Energizing Women & Youth in Agri-Food Systems Program (EWAS) in Ethiopia including stakeholder management, budgetary and financial management, troubleshooting, compliance management, monitoring & evaluation, and reporting. The Ethiopia PM in a secondary role will also support the Ethiopia country lead in execution for other GEAPP project in Ethiopia including the DREAM program. 

Tasks and Responsibilities 

Program Delivery 

• Implementation of the Ethiopia portion of the the program: Based on the work plan, budget (in collaboration with the Program Accounting Associate), M&E indicators in accordance with GEAPP and Mastercard guidelines to ensure effective program activities delivery. 
• Conduct regular program review meetings with the relevant partners and stakeholders i.e. EWAS program management team, implementing partners, government agencies, subcontractors, etc. to enhance information sharing and improve efficiency and effectiveness of program implementation and operations. 
• Monitoring Program Progress and Risk Mitigation: Oversee day-to-day project implementation including the performance of implementing partners to ensure quality performance in line with the agreed work plans and deliverables.  
• Support the Ethiopia Country Lead:   
  • For EWAS (primary role- 70-80%) in ensuring adherence to timelines, evaluate partner performance, and ensure alignment of their tasks with the overarching program goals. 
  • For other Ethiopia programs (secondary role 20-30%), to execute activities associated with delivery of other GEAPP Ethiopia projects. 

Reporting and Compliance 

• Reporting and Knowledge Management: Provide input on required reports i.e. bi-annual reports, post-field reports surveys, reports, case studies, best practices etc.  
• Compliance Management: Maintain accurate grant records and files to ensure that program implementation is in compliance with all GEAPP and Mastercard Foundation requirements, rules and regulations.   
• Budget Management and Efficiency: Support the EWAS PMT Lead and Program Accounting Associate to efficiently manage the program budget, optimizing fund usage while meeting project objectives. 
• Fraud prevention: foster a culture of integrity, ethics and transparency to ensure appropriate use of the grant’s resources by: 
  • Ensuring proper segregation of duties whenever possible 
  • Require grantees to follow all procurement policies and procedures set by GEAPP. 
  • Independent verification: Conduct site visits and spot checks to ensure activities reported occurred. 
  • Require adequate expense documentation. 
  • If required, conduct fraud awareness training team members and partners. 

Partner and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Effective Communication and Stakeholder Management: Streamlining communication flow among all program partners to quickly respond to emerging issues, troubleshooting and maintaining high standard of transparency and accountability.  
• Networking and partnerships: Explore partnerships and network to expand the program's reach, fostering strategic alliances and leadership in the field. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in related field, i.e., international development or relations, economics, renewable energy with a relevant combination of education and work experience required. 
• 4-6 years relevant experience in donor funded program (i.e. Mastercard Foundation, USAID, Gates Foundation) management and extensive knowledge of donor regulations and policies, especially as they relate to reporting and compliance, with progressive management responsibilities 
• Program management certification i.e., PRINCE2, PMP is highly desirable 
• Fluency in English and Amharic is required 
• Knowledge of renewable energy, productive uses of energy, agrifood systems, and the intersection of gender and youth is highly desirable but not required 

Core Behavioral Competencies 

• Strong organization and prioritization skills with keen attention to detail.   
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals. Participates in building a culture characterized by inclusion, trust and commitment. 
• Communication: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts professionally. Demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts. 
• Adaptability: Adjusts planned work by gathering relevant information and applying critical thinking to address multiple demands and competing priorities in a changing environment. 
• Professionalism: Displays appropriate and ethical behavior, integrity and personal presentation in the workplace always; demonstrates respectful communication for others, both verbal and non-verbal. 

We operate from a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do. It is not only the right thing to do – we could not make an impact without our team members' diverse perspectives and experiences. We expect all GEAPP employees to contribute by developing their unique perspectives and talent, challenging conventional wisdom through evidence and reason, and amplifying marginalized voices.  

 GEAPP LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, the organization ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status, or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.  

GEAPP LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.