Position Title: Livelihood Officer (national Volunteer)
Employer: VSO
Employment: Part-Time | Contract
Place of Work: Moyale - Ethiopia
Salary: As per company's scale
Posted date: 1 hour ago
Deadline: March, 23/2026 (13 days left)
Role Purpose
Under the Advancing Climate Adaptation, Peace, Livelihoods, and Preparedness in Cross-Border Communities of Ethiopia and Kenya (RECAP) project, the National Volunteer – Livelihood Project Officer supports the effective implementation of livelihood-related activities of the project. The role focuses on strengthening household and community resilience through sustainable livelihood diversification, income-generating activities, market linkages, and skills development, while ensuring alignment with climate adaptation and peacebuilding objectives.
Role Description
The National Volunteer – Livelihood Officer supports the effective implementation of livelihood-related activities under the RECAP project. This role focuses on strengthening household and community resilience through sustainable livelihood diversification, income-generating activities, market linkages, and skills development, while ensuring alignment with climate adaptation and peacebuilding objectives. The role includes:
Livelihoods Program Implementation:
Support the implementation of project livelihood activities, including climate-smart agriculture, livestock-based livelihoods, income-generating activities (IGAs), and vocational or skills development initiatives.
Assist in mobilizing and supporting community groups, youth, and women groups engaged in livelihood interventions.
Support the distribution and appropriate use of livelihood inputs, starter kits, or productive assets in line with project guidelines.
Promote environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient livelihood practices at the community level.
Community Engagement and Capacity Building:
Facilitate community sensitization and awareness sessions on sustainable livelihoods, financial literacy, savings and loan schemes, and market access.
Support training and coaching of beneficiaries on business skills, value chain development, and basic enterprise management.
Encourage inclusive participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in livelihood activities.
Integration of Peace and Conflict Sensitivity:
Support livelihood activities that contribute to social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in cross-border and conflict-prone areas.
Apply conflict-sensitive and do-no-harm approaches in all livelihood interventions.
Support joint or shared livelihood initiatives that promote cooperation across communities and borders where feasible.
Assist in collecting, verifying, and submitting livelihood-related data in line with MEAL requirements.
Document success stories, lessons learned, and beneficiary feedback related to livelihood interventions.
Coordination and Partnerships:
Coordinate with local partners, community leaders, extension services, and government offices relevant to livelihoods, agriculture, and livestock.
Support cross-sector coordination with climate adaptation, DRR, and peacebuilding teams to ensure integrated programming.
Participate in coordination meetings, field visits, and joint assessments as required.
Compliance, Safeguarding, and Volunteer Conduct:
Adhere to organizational policies, safeguarding standards, and volunteer codes of conduct.
Ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical engagement with communities.
Support identification and reporting of risks related to livelihoods, climate shocks, conflict dynamics, or operational challenges.
Personal Consideration
The National Volunteer – Livelihood Project Officer should possess and demonstrate the combined skill sets and experience detailed below:
Qualification
A formal qualification or equivalent experience in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Development Studies, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
Experience
Relevant internship or volunteer experience supporting livelihood, agriculture, or community development initiatives.
Experience working with pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, or rural communities is an asset.
Previous exposure to climate resilience, food security, or market-based approaches is an advantage.
Skills and Competencies
Strong community mobilization and facilitation skills.
Basic understanding of sustainable livelihoods and income-generating activities.
Ability to collect field data and prepare simple reports.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Willingness and ability to work in remote and cross-border settings.
Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, email).
Language Requirements
Fluency in English required.
Knowledge of relevant Oromia local languages spoken and customs of the community in project areas is highly desirable.
Personal Attributes
Strong motivation to contribute to community resilience and development.
Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.
High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment.
Expected Learning Outcomes for the Volunteer
Practical experience in livelihoods programming within fragile and cross-border contexts.
Enhanced skills in community engagement, monitoring, and reporting.
Exposure to integrated approaches linking climate adaptation, peacebuilding, and livelihoods.
Safeguarding Level
VSO has zero tolerance for abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people. We expect all our employees/volunteers to commit to protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm and abide by our safeguarding policy.
Level 2: This post will have direct access or contact with children or will have responsibility for the day-to-day management of those with direct access to children. A criminal background check will be obtained for post holders at this level prior to their start date.
How to apply
