VSO is the world’s leading international non-governmental organization that works through volunteers to create a fair world for everyone. Our work focuses on people who are marginalized due to poverty, disability, gender, conflict, and climate-related risks. We believe communities are the primary actors of their own transformation.
VSO Ethiopia invites qualified and motivated candidates to apply for the following National Volunteer positions under the RECAP Project.
Position 1: National Volunteer – Peacebuilding & DRR Advisor
Project: RECAP – Resilient Borders: Advancing Climate Adaptation, Peace, Livelihoods, and Preparedness
Duty Station: Moyale & Miyo Districts, Ethiopia
Duration: 1 Year
Contract Type: National Volunteer
Role Purpose
The National Volunteer – Peacebuilding & DRR Advisor supports the implementation of conflict-sensitive peacebuilding and disaster risk reduction (DRR) interventions. The role focuses on strengthening community-based peace mechanisms, enhancing preparedness for climate- and disaster-related shocks, and promoting peaceful coexistence and resilience in cross-border communities.
Key Responsibilities
Peacebuilding Support
- Support implementation of community-based peacebuilding activities, including dialogue forums and mediation initiatives
- Strengthen local peace committees, traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, and cross-border peace platforms
- Facilitate inclusive peace dialogues involving elders, women, youth, and local authorities
- Promote conflict-sensitive and “do-no-harm” approaches across project activities
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
- Support community-based DRR initiatives including risk assessments and preparedness planning
- Assist communities in developing contingency plans for climate and disaster-related shocks
- Promote integration of indigenous knowledge with scientific DRR approaches
- Support awareness campaigns and community training on preparedness and response
Integration & Coordination
- Ensure integration of peacebuilding and DRR into climate adaptation and livelihood activities
- Support peace–livelihood and natural resource management initiatives
- Coordinate with government institutions, peace actors, and disaster management authorities
- Participate in cross-border coordination meetings with Kenyan counterparts
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
- Support data collection on peacebuilding and DRR outcomes
- Assist in documenting lessons learned, best practices, and success stories
Safeguarding & Ethics
- Adhere to VSO safeguarding policies and volunteer codes of conduct
- Maintain confidentiality, neutrality, and ethical engagement
Required Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent experience in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Development Studies, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, or related fields
Experience
- Internship, volunteer, or entry-level experience in community development, livelihoods, peacebuilding, or DRR
- Experience working with pastoralist or agro-pastoralist communities is an advantage
Skills & Competencies
- Community mobilization and facilitation skills
- Basic understanding of peacebuilding, DRR, and resilience
- Data collection and reporting skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to work in remote and cross-border areas
- Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, email)
Language
- Fluency in English required
- Knowledge of Afan Oromo and local customs is highly desirable
Position 2: National Volunteer – Livelihood Officer
Project: RECAP
Duty Station: Moyale & Miyo Districts, Ethiopia
Duration: 1 Year
Contract Type: National Volunteer
Role Purpose
The National Volunteer – Livelihood Officer supports livelihood-related interventions aimed at strengthening household and community resilience through sustainable income-generating activities, market linkages, and skills development, aligned with climate adaptation and peacebuilding objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Livelihood Program Implementation
- Support implementation of climate-smart agriculture, livestock-based livelihoods, and IGAs
- Assist community groups, women, and youth in livelihood activities
- Support distribution and use of livelihood inputs and starter kits
- Promote environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient practices
Community Engagement & Capacity Building
- Facilitate training on livelihoods, financial literacy, savings, and market access
- Support enterprise development, value chain engagement, and business skills training
- Promote inclusive participation of marginalized groups
Conflict Sensitivity & Peace Integration
- Apply conflict-sensitive and do-no-harm approaches
- Support shared livelihood initiatives that promote social cohesion
- Assist in data collection, reporting, and documentation of success stories
Coordination & Compliance
- Coordinate with local partners, government offices, and extension services
- Support cross-sector collaboration with DRR and peacebuilding teams
- Adhere to safeguarding, accountability, and volunteer conduct standards
Required Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent experience in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Development Studies, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, or related fields
Experience
- Internship, volunteer, or entry-level experience in livelihoods or community development
- Experience with pastoralist/agro-pastoralist communities is an asset
Skills & Competencies
- Community mobilization and facilitation
- Understanding of sustainable livelihoods
- Field data collection and reporting
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Willingness to work in remote and cross-border settings
Language
- Fluency in English required
- Knowledge of Afan Oromo is highly desirable
Volunteer Benefits
- Monthly allowance paid in local currency
- Allowance covers reasonable living expenses (not intended for remittance)
- Learning and professional development opportunities
Equal Opportunity Statement
VSO promotes diversity and equal opportunity. Recruitment is merit-based, transparent, and free of charge. VSO reserves the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online using the link below:
🔗 https://vso.my.salesforce-sites.com/VsoJobDetails?id=a0mQ2000004bSJBIA2