Application Guide
How to Apply for Country Representative, Ethiopia
at Population Services International
🏢 About Population Services International
Population Services International (PSI) is a global nonprofit dedicated to improving health outcomes in low-resource settings, with a focus on social marketing and behavior change. PSI is unique for its entrepreneurial approach, operating like a business to deliver affordable health products and services, and for its commitment to measuring impact through data-driven decisions. Working at PSI means joining a mission-driven organization that values innovation, local partnerships, and tangible results.
About This Role
As the Country Representative for Ethiopia, you will lead PSI's operations in Ethiopia, overseeing program strategy, partnerships, and team management to drive health impact. This role is impactful because it places you at the helm of initiatives addressing critical health challenges like family planning, malaria, and HIV/AIDS, directly influencing the well-being of millions. You'll navigate complex local contexts, foster donor relationships, and ensure programs are sustainable and scalable.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the Ethiopia team to review progress on key programs, followed by a call with a donor to discuss reporting requirements. You might then analyze program data with the M&E team to identify bottlenecks, and later meet with a local partner to explore a new distribution channel. The day often involves strategic planning for the next quarter, balancing urgent operational issues with long-term vision.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Population Services International Is Looking For
- Proven experience in senior leadership within international development, preferably in Ethiopia or East Africa, with a track record of managing multi-million dollar budgets and diverse teams.
- Deep understanding of public health systems in low-resource settings, including experience with social marketing, behavior change communication, and health system strengthening.
- Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with ability to cultivate relationships with government ministries, donors (e.g., USAID, Gates Foundation), and local partners.
- Strategic thinker with entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable with ambiguity and able to adapt PSI's global strategies to the Ethiopian context.
📝 Tips for Applying to Population Services International
Tailor your resume to highlight Ethiopia-specific experience or similar East African contexts; mention any familiarity with PSI's health focus areas (e.g., reproductive health, malaria).
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your leadership style to PSI's values of 'business-minded' and 'data-driven' – provide examples of how you've used metrics to improve program outcomes.
Research PSI's current projects in Ethiopia (e.g., on their website or annual reports) and reference them to show genuine interest and initiative.
If you have experience with USAID or other major donor compliance, emphasize it – donor management is critical for this role.
Demonstrate your ability to work in a remote setting by highlighting past experience managing distributed teams or cross-cultural collaboration.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your commitment to PSI's mission of 'measurable health impact' and how your leadership has driven similar results.", 'Specific examples of navigating complex political or social environments in Ethiopia or similar countries to achieve program goals.', "Your approach to building local capacity and fostering sustainable partnerships, aligning with PSI's focus on local ownership.", "How your strategic vision can elevate PSI's presence in Ethiopia, including potential growth areas or innovative interventions."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review PSI's Ethiopia country page and recent publications (e.g., on family planning or malaria) to understand current priorities.
- → Explore PSI's 'Impact' section to see how they measure success – this will help you align your answers with their metrics.
- → Look into the Ethiopian Ministry of Health's recent strategies (e.g., Health Sector Transformation Plan) to show awareness of local policy.
- → Check news or reports on health challenges in Ethiopia (e.g., drought, conflict) to discuss how PSI can adapt.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on global experience without showing local relevance – the interviewers want to see you understand Ethiopia's context.
- Avoid vague statements about 'making a difference' – be specific with examples and data.
- Don't underestimate the remote aspect – failing to mention how you'll maintain team cohesion and communication from afar can be a red flag.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Population Services International!