About the Organization
Youth Network for Sustainable Development (YNSD) is a prominent indigenous non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing sustainable development across Ethiopia.
Founded in 2003 by youth groups and associations, YNSD has evolved into a national umbrella organization supporting more than 1,000 youth-led initiatives.
The organization focuses on empowering communities through partnerships, networking, and capacity-building programs.
YNSD plays a critical role in promoting youth participation and strengthening grassroots institutions.
Its work spans various thematic areas, including youth and women empowerment, public health, environmental sustainability, and advocacy.
The organization’s long-term vision is to see Ethiopian youth actively engaged and contributing to inclusive national development.
YNSD is known for its community-centered approach, ensuring that interventions are locally relevant and sustainable.
The Future for Biniti (F4B) project is one of its flagship programs, 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 improving their health and overall well-being.
By addressing both social norms and economic vulnerability, the project creates lasting and meaningful change in communities.
Job Description
The Project Field Officer for Livelihoods & Community Systems Strengthening is responsible for implementing economic empowerment and local governance activities at the field level.
This role focuses on strengthening community resilience by supporting income-generating activities and improving local coordination systems.
The position is ideal for professionals passionate about combining economic development with social impact.
The officer will work closely with vulnerable households, community groups, and local institutions to enhance livelihoods and accountability systems.
This role offers an opportunity to directly contribute to poverty reduction and social transformation.
Professionals will gain valuable experience in livelihoods programming, financial inclusion, and community governance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Establishing and supporting Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups
- Training and mentoring community members in financial literacy and small business skills
- Facilitating awareness workshops for local leaders and service providers
- Supporting community-based accountability and feedback systems
- Coordinating meetings among health facilities, police, and community representatives
- Assisting in the delivery of livelihood inputs and vocational training
- Monitoring progress of VSLA groups and local coordination platforms
- Collecting and reporting field data on project activities
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Agriculture, Economics, Business, Rural Development, or a related field.
Additional training in financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, or development studies will be considered an advantage.
This position provides an excellent opportunity to apply academic knowledge in practical community development work.
Work Experience
Candidates must have a minimum of four years of relevant experience in livelihoods programming or community development.
Experience with Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) or income-generating activities is highly desirable.
Applicants with experience in community governance or social accountability initiatives will have an added advantage.
Strong familiarity with the local context of the project area is important for effective implementation.
This experience will enable candidates to design and support impactful community-based solutions.
Required Skills and Competencies
Candidates should have practical experience in community-based savings and lending methodologies.
The ability to train and mentor adults in financial literacy and entrepreneurship is essential.
Strong networking and coordination skills are required to engage with local authorities and community structures.
Basic knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting is important for tracking project progress.
Applicants must demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities and initiative in supporting community-led activities.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills are necessary for effective engagement.
Fluency in English and Afaan Oromoo, both written and spoken, is required.
This role provides an opportunity to enhance leadership, coordination, and technical skills in livelihoods programming.
Job Location
The position is based in Yabello and Moyale, with field activities conducted in surrounding areas.
The role requires regular field visits and close collaboration with community members and local stakeholders.
Working in these locations provides valuable exposure to rural development challenges and opportunities.
Employment Type and Salary
The position is full-time.
Salary details are not specified and will be based on the organization’s salary scale.
Employees benefit from meaningful work, professional development, and exposure to impactful development programs.
This role supports long-term career growth in the NGO and development sector.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit an application letter and 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 selection processes.
YNSD is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
The organization maintains a strict safeguarding policy and is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment.