Thematic Sector Lead

The Opportunity

The Thematic Sector Lead for Economic Empowerment and Food & Livelihood Security at Plan International Ethiopia (PIE) plays a critical strategic and technical role in driving the country's development agenda. This position is responsible for advising the Country Leadership Team (CLT) on inclusive, context-specific policies and strategies, particularly within Skills & Opportunities for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (SOYEE) and broader Food & Livelihood Security. The role encompasses leading the development of high-quality, people-centred program proposals that meet Plan's global standards and reflect the urgent needs on the ground. A key aspect involves leveraging analytical rigour to diagnose complex issues, applying strategic foresight to design impactful interventions, and fostering creativity and collaboration to ensure solutions are effectively implemented and adaptable to Ethiopia's dynamic challenges. This includes actively mobilising resources by exploring innovative funding avenues, including private-public partnerships, and generating compelling evidence of impact.

The position holder is crucial for strategically representing, networking, and positioning PIE within the sector. The Lead is accountable for establishing PIE as a recognised leader and preferred partner in Economic Empowerment and Food & Livelihood Security. This involves identifying, developing, and nurturing strategic partnerships that broaden PIE's programmatic reach, enhance local ownership, and amplify its technical expertise.

The Individual

• BA/Master's degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Development Studies, Livelihoods, Food Security, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in designing, managing, and implementing large-scale, complex programs in Economic Empowerment, Food Security, Livelihoods, or Youth Employment/Entrepreneurship.
• Experience in Capacity building, training & facilitation in soft & hard skills, job creation, and community managed saving & loan association, working with microfinance institutions, value chain, business development, market analysis, ICT4D, etc.
• Experience in Leadership, working with vocational training centres, liaising and networking with local implementing partners, and private sectors.
• Clear understanding of relevant governments policies, strategies, programs and priorities related to youth employment and livelihood
• Understanding government private sector policies and programs in vocational/skill training and job placement
• Deep expertise in youth workforce development, vocational training, digital skills, entrepreneurship development (including business incubation, mentorship, access to finance), and job creation strategies.
• Strong understanding and practical experience in applying MSD approaches to strengthen markets and value chains, benefiting vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of microfinance, savings groups (e.g., VSLA), digital finance, and other financial services for marginalized groups
• Knowledge of climate-resilient agricultural practices, disaster risk reduction (DRR) in food systems, and environmental sustainability.

Please click here to review the full job description

Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI)

• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
• Ensures that all staff in the unit/function/department are properly inducted on and understands their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day to day work.
• Ensures that Plan Ethiopia contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted.

Location: Addis Ababa, Country Office

Type of Role: Fixed term, full time contract

Reports to: Head of Programme Portfolio and Insight

Closing Date: July 20, 2025

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is at the very heart of everything that Plan International stands for.

We want Plan International to reflect the diversity of the communities we work with, offering equal opportunities to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Plan International is based on a culture of inclusivity and we strive to create a workplace environment that ensures every team, in every office, in every country, is rich in diverse people, thoughts, and ideas.

We foster an organisational culture that embraces our commitment to racial justice, gender equality, girls’ rights and inclusion.

Plan International believes that in a world where children face so many threats of harm, it is our duty to ensure that we, as an organisation, do everything we can to keep children safe. This means that we have particular responsibilities to children that we come into contact with and we must not contribute in any way to harming or placing children at risk.

A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with Plan International's Safeguarding Children and Young People policy. Plan International also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this scheme we will request information from applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Please note that Plan International will never send unsolicited emails requesting payment from candidates.

Skills Required:

• Agricultural / Studies
• Economics / Statistics
• Sales / Marketing / Business / Management
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development