Youth Care & Development Officer

WHO WE ARE

SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia is an International Non-Governmental Organization and a member of SOS Children’s Villages International Federation. We began our humanitarian work in Ethiopia in 1974 with the opening of our first Village in Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia. Since then, we have expanded our programs to various regions where there are significant needs for intervention.

Today, we have grown significantly to meet the persistent challenges confronting Ethiopian children who have lost parental care. We work in close collaboration with international donors, local government, and community-based organizations across seven program locations, aspiring for every child to grow up with love, respect, and security.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

An amazing work environment that promotes personal growth through providing professional space to grow and advance your career!

YOUR ROLE?

Under the supervision of the Family-like Care Coordinator, the Youth Care Officer is responsible for guiding the SOS CV young people according to the SOS CV youth development guide and procedures towards independence. Responsibilities include:

• Planning, coordinating, directing, monitoring, and delivering support for the educational, psycho-social, and emotional development of young people.
• Creating a safe and nurturing environment for young people.
• Offering guidance, mentorship, and organizing educational and recreational activities.
• Ensuring the individual and safeguarding needs and rights of young people are addressed and respected.

PRIORITY TASK AND RESPONSIBILITY

MANAGE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT WORK

• Support the individual development planning (IDP) process of the young people.
• Enable young people to take responsibility for their own development.
• Support the psychological development of young people.
• Identify risk behaviors and situations young people are exposed to.
• Accompany and support the transition processes for young people.

PROMOTE AND FOSTER SOCIAL INTEGRATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE

• Support young people in developing and maintaining good relationships.
• Encourage young people to have regular contact with their families of origin.
• Help young people understand their social, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
• Work with SOS caregivers in the Family-like Care.
• Ensure young people maintain close contact with SOS caregivers.

INVOLVE SOS CAREGIVERS ON DECISIONS AFFECTING YOUNG PEOPLE

• Ensure SOS caregivers remain involved in important discussions.
• Meet with SOS caregivers to discuss each young person’s progress.
• Maintain good working relationships with SOS caregivers.

YOUTH PARTICIPATION

• Encourage youth participation and listen to young people.
• Support young people in being active members of the SOS community.
• Organize youth-related leisure activities.
• Counsel caregivers working with young people.
• Build young people’s participation skills.

SUPPORT EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE

• Provide ongoing career counseling and job orientation.
• Stay informed about vocational training and educational opportunities.
• Monitor young people’s school/work progress.
• Motivate young people to be active in their education.
• Maintain close contact with educational facilities.
• Guide young people towards suitable employment.
• Support young people in gaining financial skills.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND LIAISON WORK

• Fulfill necessary managing and administrative duties.
• Regularly update the Programme Database.
• Monitor young people’s development and transition.
• Support partnerships that benefit young people.

SAFEGUARDING (CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, AND ASSETS)

• Ensure all target groups receive information about SOS Children Village’s Child Protection Policy.
• Provide support in the best interest of the young person.
• Participate in awareness-raising sessions about safeguarding.
• Support young people in understanding safeguarding risks.
• Report any safeguarding suspicion or concern immediately.
• Ensure behaviors are based on safeguarding principles.
• Be vigilant about any possible form of abuse or harm.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Up for the challenge?

Then check out our criteria below:

Must Criteria

• Education: Ideally a post-high school diploma/degree in education, child and youth care development, community/social work, psychology, or other relevant fields.
• Experience: At least 3-5 years of previous experience in child/youth care, education, social work, or community development, with experience working with adolescents in the national/local environment.

Technical Competencies - Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Understanding the organization: Commitment to its vision and mission, able to communicate SOS Children’s Villages' vision, mission, and values.
• Youth Project Implementation: Knowledge of youth care and development, trauma-informed care, mental health, and relevant legislation.
• Creativity: Experience in running youth-centered, participatory, and dynamic approaches.
• Result Oriented: Analytical and constructive capability for goal-oriented planning and proactive actions.
• Empathy: Cultural sensitivity, active listening, and respect for young people.
• Counseling Skills: Motivational skills, conflict management, and clear communication.
• Personal Competencies: Strong interest in child and youth care, readiness for long-term commitment.
• Emotional Intelligence: Stable, mature personality with self-management and resilience.
• Collaboration: Ability to work with various stakeholders, including government and like-minded organizations.
• Digital Skills: Good level of digital skills and knowledge to use technology.

Required Competencies

The following set of value-based competencies are expected from everyone who works for or on behalf of SOS Children’s Villages:

• Kindness: Act with empathy towards everyone.
• Continuous Learning: Make an effort to learn and grow as a person.
• Inclusiveness: Show respect and care for others in all actions.
• Initiative: Speak up when things are not right and adapt to change.
• Result Orientation: Look for solutions and focus on desired results.

Skills Required:

• Education / Teaching / Training
• Health / Medical
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development