About the Organization
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) is a preeminent humanitarian organization that has served as a vital auxiliary to the Ethiopian government since its establishment on July 8, 1935. With a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and facilitate development interventions, the ERCS operates a comprehensive network across the country. By working in close partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and various other National Societies, the organization maintains a global standard of service and humanitarian commitment.
At the core of the ERCS Oromia Regional Branch is a mission to enhance community resilience, support vulnerable populations, and promote the fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The organization’s work is deeply rooted in community-based humanitarian approaches, utilizing an extensive network of dedicated volunteers to deliver life-saving services. By fostering an environment of professionalism and compassion, the ERCS provides a unique space for humanitarian workers to engage in impactful, purpose-driven work.
Professional development is a cornerstone of the ERCS experience. Employees are empowered to take on responsibilities that directly alleviate human suffering and foster long-term community recovery. The organization prides itself on maintaining high operational standards, ensuring that all projects—whether in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) or livelihoods and economic resilience—are implemented with the highest level of accountability, transparency, and technical rigor.
The ERCS is a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce. Recognizing that humanitarian challenges are best addressed by teams that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, the organization strives to create a supportive, inclusive workplace. By providing equal opportunities for career advancement, the ERCS ensures that talented individuals from all backgrounds can contribute to its storied legacy.
We explicitly encourage women and persons with disabilities to apply for our open positions. At ERCS, we believe that your unique background and perspective are your greatest assets in humanitarian work. We are seeking motivated, ethical, and talented professionals who are ready to dedicate their skills to the service of humanity. If you are passionate about community development and want to be part of an organization with nearly a century of service to the Ethiopian people, we welcome you to our team.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The position of Livelihood Zonal Officer is a strategically significant role designed to spearhead economic recovery and resilience-building interventions under the ERCS–Swedish Red Cross Migration Project. In this capacity, you will lead efforts to restore sustainable income sources for vulnerable returnees and host communities in the Jimma Zone. Your work will directly influence the economic trajectory of households, providing them with the tools, training, and market linkages necessary to foster self-reliance and long-term stability.
This role provides a unique opportunity to gain profound experience in livelihood programming and economic recovery. You will be responsible for conducting market and vulnerability assessments, facilitating vocational training, and supporting the development of small businesses. Your daily activities will involve navigating complex economic landscapes, engaging with local TVET institutions and community structures, and ensuring that our interventions are effectively reducing vulnerability and enhancing community resilience.
Beyond the immediate project impact, this role is a gateway to specialized expertise in the humanitarian sector. You will be provided with the mentorship, technical support, and resources necessary to refine your project coordination, monitoring, and reporting skills. Working within the ERCS structure, you will develop a deep understanding of market systems, resilience-building, and donor relations—skills that are essential for any professional seeking a long-term career in international development.
The impact of your work extends beyond the immediate implementation phase; your efforts in livelihood restoration will leave a lasting footprint in the Jimma Zone. You will be working at the intersection of immediate humanitarian aid and long-term development, ensuring that our interventions are not just temporary fixes but foundational steps toward permanent economic recovery. We value individuals who are proactive, analytical, and capable of working in challenging, high-pressure environments.
We are seeking someone who is not just filling a role but is ready to champion the values of the Red Cross through economic empowerment. If you are a compassionate professional with a strong background in economics, agriculture, or development studies, this role offers a platform to make a tangible, measurable difference in the lives of vulnerable communities. We provide a supportive environment where your leadership is recognized, your voice is heard, and your contribution to the humanitarian cause is deeply valued.
Job Positions and Requirements
Livelihood Zonal Officer
Educational Qualification: BA/BSc or Master’s Degree in Development Studies, Economics, Agriculture, Rural Development, Business Administration, Socio-Economic Development, Disaster Risk Management, or other related fields of study
Work Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience in livelihood programming, economic recovery, resilience-building, or climate change adaptation interventions
Job Location: Oromia Region, Jimma Zonal Branch
Salary: Branch Scale
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
The position is a full-time, permanent engagement, initially offered for a 12-month period with the strong possibility of extension based on project requirements and performance. The salary is determined according to the official ERCS branch scale, reflecting the responsibilities of the role and the professional expertise required.
Employees at the Ethiopian Red Cross Society benefit from a culture that prioritizes professional growth, stability, and the rewarding nature of humanitarian service. We offer a supportive, high-performance environment where your professional achievements are celebrated, and your career trajectory is supported through mentorship and opportunities to work on high-profile, international-partnered projects.
How to Apply
To ensure a streamlined recruitment process, please note that scanned certificates or attachments are not required during the initial application phase. We focus on your suitability, experience, and the potential you bring to this mission-driven role.
Original documents and academic certificates will only be required for physical verification during the interview stage. Please ensure that all information provided in your application is accurate, as this is critical to our initial assessment of your candidacy.
Please be advised that due to the high volume of interest, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process. We appreciate your patience and your dedication to the principles of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society.
The selection process involves a thorough review of your submitted credentials and cover letter, followed by a formal interview to evaluate your technical skills and alignment with our organizational values. We aim to identify the best candidates who are ready to make an immediate impact on our livelihood and economic resilience programming.
Interested and qualified candidates should apply by submitting their updated CV and a cover letter that outlines their specific suitability for the role via the official application link provided below. We encourage you to be thorough and thoughtful in your application to ensure your qualifications are clearly represented.
Application Deadline
June 14, 2026