About the Organization
Youth Network for Sustainable Development (YNSD) is a well-established indigenous non-governmental organization committed to empowering Ethiopian youth and communities.
Founded in 2003 by youth-led initiatives, the organization has grown into a national network supporting over 1,000 youth associations across the country.
YNSD works to promote sustainable development through partnerships, capacity building, and community-driven initiatives.
Its programs focus on key areas such as youth and women empowerment, health education, environmental sustainability, and social advocacy.
The organization is widely recognized for its grassroots engagement and strong connection with local communities.
Through its projects, YNSD aims to create long-term, positive social change by empowering individuals and strengthening community systems.
The current project, Future for Biniti (F4B), is a multi-regional initiative aimed at protecting girls and young women from harmful traditional practices.
The project emphasizes behavior change, community dialogue, and improved access to support services.
By joining YNSD, professionals gain the opportunity to contribute to impactful national development goals while growing within a mission-driven organization.
Job Description
The Project Field Officer will serve as the primary link between the project and the community.
This role is essential in building trust, facilitating dialogue, and driving behavioral change at the grassroots level.
The officer will actively engage women, men, youth, and community leaders in discussions aimed at eliminating harmful practices such as FGM and child marriage.
The position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate sensitive cultural topics with professionalism.
The role offers an opportunity to directly influence lives and contribute to the protection and empowerment of vulnerable groups.
It also provides a platform for professionals to develop leadership skills in community mobilization and social change initiatives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Facilitating structured community dialogues and intergenerational discussions
- Conducting peer education sessions in schools and community groups
- Organizing life skills, parenting, and leadership training sessions
- Mobilizing communities to participate in project activities
- Collaborating with schools, health workers, and social service providers
- Supporting identification and referral of at-risk girls
- Collecting field data, success stories, and community feedback
- Preparing regular reports for project coordination
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Sciences, Community Development, or a related field.
Candidates with additional training or certifications in gender studies, public health, or community development will have an advantage.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for professionals to apply academic knowledge in real-world community transformation work.
Work Experience
A minimum of four years of relevant experience in community mobilization is required.
Experience working on programs addressing harmful practices, gender issues, or social development is highly preferred.
Familiarity with the local context of Yabello, Moyale, Miyo, and surrounding areas is strongly desirable.
This experience will enable the candidate to effectively engage communities and ensure program success.
Required Skills and Competencies
Candidates must demonstrate strong communication and facilitation skills.
Fluency in English and Afaan Oromoo, both written and spoken, is mandatory.
The role requires cultural sensitivity and the ability to work respectfully within diverse community settings.
Applicants should be self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently in remote areas.
The ability to handle sensitive topics such as gender, sexuality, and violence with confidentiality is essential.
Strong skills in community engagement and mobilization are critical for success in this position.
This role also supports professional growth by strengthening leadership, communication, and field coordination skills.
Job Location
The position is based in Yabello and Moyale, with project implementation across Yabello, Moyale, Miyo, and Dirdawa.
The role involves frequent fieldwork and direct engagement with communities.
Working in these areas provides valuable experience in diverse cultural and social environments.
Employment Type and Salary
The position is full-time.
Salary details are not specified but will follow the organization’s internal scale.
Employees benefit from meaningful work, career development opportunities, and exposure to national-level projects.
Working with YNSD offers long-term professional growth in the NGO and development sector.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit an application letter and updated CV combined into a single PDF document.
Applicants are not required to submit scanned certificates or additional attachments at this stage.
Applications must include contact details of at least three professional references.
Candidates should clearly indicate the position and location in the email subject line as: “Application for Project Field Officer – [Location]”.
Applications must be sent to: ynsdhr2025@gmail.com
The application deadline is March 30, 2026.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further selection processes.
YNSD is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented communities to apply.
The organization maintains a strict safeguarding policy and promotes a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment.