About the Organization
Youth Network for Sustainable Development (YNSD) is a leading indigenous non-governmental organization committed to advancing sustainable development and empowering communities across Ethiopia.
Established in 2003 by youth associations and school clubs, YNSD has grown into a strong national network supporting more than 1,000 youth-led organizations.
The organization focuses on promoting inclusive development through partnerships, capacity building, and community engagement.
YNSD plays a significant role in strengthening youth participation and creating opportunities for vulnerable groups.
Its programs span key development sectors including youth and women empowerment, health, environmental sustainability, and advocacy.
The organization is widely recognized for its grassroots approach, ensuring that community members are actively involved in shaping solutions.
YNSD’s long-term vision is to see Ethiopian youth fully empowered and contributing to sustainable national development.
The organization provides a dynamic working environment for professionals seeking impactful careers in the NGO sector.
The Future for Biniti (F4B) project is one of YNSD’s flagship initiatives implemented in partnership with a consortium led by Amref Health Africa.
This project aims to protect girls and young women from harmful traditional practices while promoting their health and overall well-being.
By combining social change efforts with economic empowerment, the project delivers sustainable and transformative results.
Job Description
The Project Field Officer for Livelihoods & Community Systems Strengthening is responsible for implementing economic empowerment and community system strengthening activities at the field level.
This role focuses on supporting vulnerable households by improving their livelihoods and strengthening local coordination systems.
The position is ideal for professionals who are passionate about community development and economic empowerment.
The officer will work closely with community groups, local leaders, and institutions to enhance resilience and promote accountability.
This role offers an opportunity to directly contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Professionals will gain hands-on experience in livelihoods programming, financial inclusion, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
Key responsibilities include:
- Establishing and supporting Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups
- Training and mentoring community members in financial literacy and small business development
- Facilitating awareness sessions for local leaders, religious institutions, and service providers
- Supporting community-based accountability and feedback mechanisms
- Coordinating meetings among health facilities, law enforcement, and community representatives
- Assisting in the distribution of livelihood inputs and vocational training support
- Monitoring the performance of VSLA groups and coordination platforms
- Collecting and reporting field data related to livelihoods and governance activities
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Agriculture, Economics, Business, Rural Development, or a related field.
Additional training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, or development studies will be an advantage.
This role allows candidates to apply their academic knowledge in real-world community development settings.
Work Experience
Candidates must have a minimum of four years of practical experience in livelihoods programming or community development.
Experience with Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) or income-generating activities is highly desirable.
Experience in community governance or accountability initiatives will be an added advantage.
Familiarity with the local context of Yabello and Moyale is strongly preferred.
This experience will help ensure effective program implementation and meaningful community engagement.
Required Skills and Competencies
Candidates should have hands-on experience with community-based savings and lending approaches.
The ability to train and mentor community members in financial literacy and entrepreneurship is essential.
Strong networking and coordination skills are required to effectively engage stakeholders.
Basic knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting is important for tracking project performance.
Applicants should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities and initiative.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills are critical for this role.
Fluency in English and Afaan Oromoo, both written and spoken, is required.
This position provides an opportunity to strengthen leadership, coordination, and technical skills in livelihoods development.
Job Location
The position is based in Yabello and Moyale, with fieldwork conducted in surrounding communities.
The role requires regular travel and direct interaction with community members and stakeholders.
Working in this setting provides valuable experience in rural development and community engagement.
Employment Type and Salary
The position is full-time.
Salary details are not specified and will follow the organization’s internal salary scale.
Employees benefit from meaningful work, professional growth opportunities, and exposure to impactful development programs.
This role supports long-term career advancement within the NGO and development sector.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit an application letter and an updated CV combined into a single PDF document.
Applicants are not required to submit scanned certificates or additional supporting documents at this stage.
Applications must include contact details of at least three professional references.
Candidates should clearly indicate the position and location in the subject line of their email as: “Application for Project Field Officer – [Location]”.
Applications should be sent to: ynsdhr2025@gmail.com
The application deadline is March 30, 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further recruitment processes.
YNSD is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.
The organization is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment and upholds strict safeguarding standards.