National Volunteer – Livelihood Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
VSO is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting volunteering as a powerful and practical means to combat poverty and inequality. Established with the mission to create lasting change through volunteering, VSO believes in empowering individuals in some of the world's most impoverished and fragile regions. The organization operates on the principle that people in developing countries possess the desire, power, courage, and determination to shape their own futures. Through its Volunteering for Development (VfD) approach, VSO prioritizes the most marginalized individuals, fostering active citizenship that drives local community-led change and contributes to sustainable development goals long after projects conclude. VSO's commitment to this mission is grounded in years of evidence and learning, ensuring that their initiatives are effective and impactful across various regions.

Job Overview:
The National Volunteer – Livelihood Project Officer plays a crucial role in the effective implementation of livelihood-related activities within the project framework. This includes initiatives focused on climate-smart agriculture, livestock-based livelihoods, income-generating activities (IGAs), and vocational or skills development programs. The primary objective of this role is to enhance household and community resilience through sustainable livelihood diversification, facilitating income-generating activities, establishing market linkages, and promoting skills development. The officer will also work towards enhancing cooperation and ensuring conflict-sensitive market access, all while aligning with climate adaptation and peacebuilding objectives. This position requires a proactive approach to community engagement and the ability to adapt strategies to meet the evolving needs of the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Volunteer – Livelihood Project Officer include but are not limited to:

• Supporting the planning and implementation of livelihood-related activities, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Engaging with local communities to identify their needs and challenges related to livelihoods.
• Facilitating training sessions on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices.
• Assisting in the development and promotion of income-generating activities tailored to community strengths and resources.
• Establishing and maintaining partnerships with local stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community groups.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of livelihood initiatives, providing feedback for continuous improvement.
• Ensuring that all activities are conducted in a conflict-sensitive manner, promoting peacebuilding within the community.
• Reporting on progress and challenges to project management and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the National Volunteer – Livelihood Project Officer position should possess the following qualifications:

• Strong understanding of livelihood development, particularly in the context of climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices.
• Experience working with marginalized communities and a commitment to empowering individuals through capacity building.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A proactive and adaptable approach to problem-solving and community engagement.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a background in fields related to agriculture, development studies, social sciences, or a related discipline. A degree or equivalent qualification in these areas is preferred, along with relevant training or certifications in livelihood development or project management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of experience working in development, particularly in roles focused on livelihood enhancement, community development, or related fields. Experience in implementing projects in challenging environments and working with local communities is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the communities served would be an advantage, as it would facilitate better engagement and understanding with community members.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time volunteer role, and while the salary is not specified, volunteers will receive an allowance paid in local currency to cover reasonable living expenses in the country. It is important to note that the allowance may not be sufficient to send money home. Accommodation provided will vary and is expected to be basic, reflecting the organization's commitment to working with some of the poorest communities in the world. The application closing date is set for February 5, 2026, with interviews scheduled for March 10, 2026, and a projected start date of April 1, 202

• VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce, ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process.