Livelihood Officer (national Volunteer)

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.

Skills Required:

• Agricultural / Studies
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development