Career Opportunity for Development Officer

Job Purpose

The Development Officer plays a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and overseeing community development programs aimed at improving the well-being of individuals and communities. This role involves working closely with community members, local organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to address key issues such as poverty, child protection, gender equality, economic empowerment, and social inclusion. He/She is a catalyst for positive change, empowering communities to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. The Development Officer will also play a critical role in implementing and overseeing community development programs focused on Saving for Transformation (S4T), Empower World View, Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Child Protection, Growth Monitoring Programs, and Livelihood and Economic Inclusion. The officer will ensure the effective delivery of these programs, fostering community-led initiatives, strengthening local systems, and promoting sustainable development. The role requires a strong background in transformation development, partnership management, and program monitoring.

Major Responsibilities

Program Implementation

• Lead the implementation of community development programs, including Saving for Transformation (S4T), Empower World View, and Livelihood and Economic Inclusion.
• Facilitate the integration of GEDSI principles into all program activities to ensure inclusivity and equity.
• Support the rollout of Child Protection initiatives, including awareness campaigns, capacity building, and community-led advocacy.
• Oversee the implementation of Growth Monitoring Programs to improve child health and nutrition outcomes.
• Ensure programs align with organizational goals and donor/SO requirements.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building

• Build strong relationships with community members, local leaders, and stakeholders to foster ownership and participation in development programs.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops to enhance the capacity of community groups, local partners, and stakeholders on Child Protection, GEDSI, and Livelihood Programs.
• Support the formation and strengthening of community-based structures, such as Child Protection and Advocacy (CP&A) Groups and Savings Groups.
• Promote community-led initiatives that address child protection, gender equality, and economic empowerment.

Partnership and Collaboration

• Identify and establish partnerships with local government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations to enhance program impact.
• Collaborate with partners to leverage resources, share expertise, and scale up successful interventions.
• Represent the organization in meetings, workshops, and forums related to child protection, GEDSI, and livelihood programs.
• Ensure effective coordination and communication with partners to achieve program objectives.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track program progress and impact.
• Collect and analyze data to measure the effectiveness of interventions and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare timely and accurate reports for internal and external stakeholders, including donors and government agencies.
• Document best practices, success stories, and lessons learned to inform future programming.

Advocacy and Awareness

• Advocate for policy changes and resource allocation to support child protection, gender equality, and livelihood programs.
• Conduct awareness campaigns to promote community understanding of child rights, gender equality, and economic inclusion.
• Engage with media and other communication channels to amplify program impact and raise awareness of key issues.

Required Education, Training, License, Registration, and Certification

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, or a related field. A master’s degree is an added advantage.

Required Professional Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in community development, child protection, or livelihood programs.
• Proven experience in implementing GEDSI-responsive programs and promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
• Strong understanding of Saving for Transformation (S4T), Empower World View, and Growth Monitoring Programs.
• Excellent project management, monitoring, and evaluation skills.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in local languages and English.

Preferred Knowledge and Qualifications

• Experience in community development.
• Ability to engage religious leaders of all faiths to promote holistic development.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff and stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Commitment to gender equality, child protection, and social inclusion.
• Excellent training, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong character traits, including emotional stability, adaptability, stress management, cultural and gender sensitivity, and integrity.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills in English and the local language.
• Strategic thinking, flexibility, responsiveness, and compassion.
• Relationship management skills and ability to collaborate with other sectors and partners.
• Experience in design, monitoring, and evaluation and skills in data analysis and interpretation.
• Collaborative approach to working with partners and stakeholders, including faith-based organizations (FBOs) and children/youth groups.

Travel and/or Work Environment Requirement

Full-time field-based position.

Language Requirements

English and knowledge of local language is advantageous.

Commitment to Safeguarding

World Vision is a child-focused organization that is committed to safeguarding all children as well as adult beneficiaries, and has zero tolerance for incidents of violence or abuse against children or adults, including sexual exploitation or abuse, committed either by employees or others affiliated with our work. Therefore, World Vision does not hire staff whose background is not suitable for working with children or vulnerable adults, even if their role does not interact directly with them.

Disclaimer

World Vision Ethiopia is a reputable organization that values transparency and fairness in its recruitment process and does not solicit any money for any job application. We encourage all job seekers to be cautious of any job ads that require payment or personal information upfront. If you have any questions or concerns about our job ads or recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Applicant Types Accepted

Local Applicants Only

Skills Required:

• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development