Project Facilitation Officer

Job Posting Organization:
VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) is an international development organization that aims to create a world without poverty. Established in 1961, VSO works in over 24 countries, engaging volunteers to share their skills and knowledge to help communities develop. The organization focuses on education, health, and livelihoods, and promotes equal opportunities and a diverse workforce. VSO believes that progress is only possible through collaboration and partnership with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders.

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 internships, monitoring their progress, and connecting businesses with relevant development and financial services. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in enterprise engagement, youth employment, and development programs, and will be expected to facilitate positive change and sustainable working relationships within the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strengthen partnerships with host enterprises to create internship and employment pathways for youth.
• Support the placement of young women and disadvantaged youth in suitable internships and job opportunities.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of placements and provide feedback to enterprises and stakeholders.
• Connect businesses with relevant development and financial services to enhance their capacity to support youth employment.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for enterprises on best practices in youth engagement and employment.
• Collaborate with government agencies, community organizations, and other partners to promote youth employment initiatives.
• Conduct research and analysis on labor market needs and trends to inform program development.
• Ensure compliance with VSO’s safeguarding policies and promote gender equality and social inclusion in all activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in enterprise engagement, youth employment, internships, or MSME support.
• Strong skills in partnership building, facilitation, and stakeholder coordination.
• Knowledge of business development, financial linkages, and labor market needs.
• Understanding of gender equality, social inclusion, and safeguarding principles.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

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:
Candidates 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. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Ethiopia would be an advantage, as it would facilitate better communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve travel within Ethiopia. VSO promotes equal opportunities and values a diverse workforce. The organization reserves the right to close the job early if a sufficient number of applications are received. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.