Project Facilitation Officer

Job Posting Organization:
VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) is an international development organization that aims to tackle poverty through the power of volunteering. Established in 1961, VSO has a mission to bring people together to share skills, build capabilities, and promote sustainable development. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, engaging thousands of volunteers and local partners to create lasting change. VSO values diversity and promotes equal opportunities, ensuring a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Project Facilitation Officer will play a crucial role in enhancing the engagement of host enterprises and their capacity to provide safe, inclusive, and quality internship and employment opportunities for young women and disadvantaged youth. This position involves building partnerships with enterprises, supporting the placement of youth in these enterprises, monitoring their progress, and connecting businesses with relevant development and financial services. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including government entities, communities, and other partners, to ensure that the initiatives are aligned with local labor market needs and gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) principles. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of business development and financial linkages, as well as experience in youth employment and development programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strengthen partnerships with host enterprises to create internship and employment pathways for youth.
• Facilitate the placement of young women and disadvantaged youth in enterprises, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of placements, providing feedback and support to both the enterprises and the youth involved.
• Connect businesses with relevant development and financial services to enhance their capacity to support youth employment.
• Collaborate with government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to promote youth employment initiatives.
• Conduct training and workshops for enterprises on best practices for engaging with youth and creating inclusive work environments.
• Collect and analyze data on labor market needs and trends to inform program development and implementation.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support youth employment and gender equality in the workplace.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in enterprise engagement, youth employment, internships, or MSME support.
• Strong skills in partnership building, facilitation, and stakeholder coordination.
• Knowledge of labor market needs, GESI, and safeguarding principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business administration, social sciences, or development studies is required. A master's degree or additional qualifications in project management or youth development would be an advantage.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3-5 years of relevant experience in enterprise engagement, youth employment, or development programs. Experience working with marginalized communities and understanding their challenges is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages such as Amharic or Tigrinya would be an advantage, as it would facilitate better communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve travel within Ethiopia to various project sites. The role is full-time, and VSO reserves the right to close the job early if a sufficient number of applications are received. The organization promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals.