About the Organization
SOS Sahel Ethiopia is a distinguished national non-governmental organization with over 30 years of dedicated service in Ethiopia. Registered as an independent national NGO in 2005, the agency has built an extensive legacy of working alongside rural communities and the Ethiopian government to address the root causes of poverty. Our primary focus lies in supporting smallholder farmers and marginalized pastoralist populations through Sustainable Natural Resources Management and Value Chain Development.
The organization’s mission is to improve the living standards of rural communities by enhancing their environment management and providing better access to fair, sustainable agricultural markets. We are driven by a vision to eliminate food insecurity while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability across the Ethiopian landscape. Our decades of experience have allowed us to become a trusted partner in driving systemic change for marginalized groups.
At SOS Sahel Ethiopia, we believe that sustainable development is only possible through a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We prioritize reaching the most vulnerable, including women, youth, and pastoralists, ensuring they are active participants in the development process. Our institutional values emphasize integrity, local empowerment, and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches.
We contribute to the industry by designing and implementing scalable models for sustainable trade and climate-resilient livelihoods. Our work bridges the gap between local production and global market requirements, ensuring that Ethiopia’s agricultural and forest-based commodities meet international standards. This commitment to excellence ensures that our interventions lead to lasting, positive impacts on both people and the planet.
SOS Sahel Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce to better serve our diverse communities. We explicitly encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply for these positions. We are committed to providing a professional environment where all employees can grow and contribute to our mission of environmental and social transformation.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The roles of Deforestation-Free Supply Chain Expert, Community Development Facilitator, and Senior Forest and Landscape Specialist are vital to the strategic success of the HARNESS program. These positions are designed to move beyond fragmented activities toward coherent, scalable systems that align with national policies and global climate commitments. Your work will be central to transforming how Ethiopia manages its natural resources and connects to global trade.
A day-in-the-life in these roles involves a dynamic mix of technical leadership, stakeholder engagement, and field-level implementation. Specialists will lead the design of traceable supply chains, while facilitators work directly with communities to ensure project activities are inclusive and effective. The strategic impact of your work will be seen in the establishment of sustainable, deforestation-free value chains that secure livelihoods while protecting vital forest landscapes.
Career development at SOS Sahel Ethiopia is built on the foundation of technical excellence and leadership in the NGO sector. We offer professionals the opportunity to work at the forefront of international environmental standards, including REDD+, carbon finance, and advanced traceability technologies. By joining our team, you will gain unparalleled experience in managing complex, multi-partner environments and influencing national agricultural and forestry policies.
These roles are essential for ensuring that Ethiopia’s forest and agricultural commodities can access global markets while contributing to sustainable landscape management. The experts and specialists will bridge the gap between smallholder producers and international buyers, while the facilitators ensure that these market linkages remain inclusive of women and youth. Your contribution will help create a scalable model for sustainable trade that can be replicated across the region.
The collective impact of these positions will drive systemic transformation in Ethiopia’s forest and landscape management. By aligning governance, markets, and finance, you will help transition the sector from individual projects to a robust, climate-resilient system. This is a unique opportunity to lead interventions that protect the environment and provide sustainable, long-term economic benefits to rural communities.
Job Positions and Requirements
Deforestation-Free Supply Chain Expert
Educational Qualification: Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Supply Chain Management, Forestry, Environmental Policy, or a related field.
Work Experience: 8–10 years of relevant experience in supply chain development, sustainable sourcing, or market systems strengthening.
Job Location: Ethiopia (Oromia/National).
Salary: Per Scale / Negotiable.
No. Required: 1.
Community Development Facilitator (CDF)
Educational Qualification: Minimum of BSc Degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, or related fields.
Work Experience: 5 years of practical work experience; knowledge of Afaan Oromo is required.
Job Location: Ethiopia (Field-based).
Salary: Per Scale / Negotiable.
No. Required: 1.
Senior Forest and Landscape Specialist
Educational Qualification: PhD or MSc Degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Policy, Climate Change, or related field.
Work Experience: Minimum of 10–12 years of relevant experience in forest and landscape management, REDD+, climate finance, and policy engagement.
Job Location: Ethiopia (National).
Salary: Per Scale / Negotiable.
No. Required: 1.
Employment Type and Compensation
All positions are offered on a contract basis, aligned with the specific requirements of the HARNESS program and SOS Sahel Ethiopia’s operational needs. These roles provide the stability of working with a long-established national NGO while participating in cutting-edge, donor-funded environmental initiatives. We seek committed professionals who are looking to make a high-impact contribution over the project duration.
The compensation package is designed to be competitive and growth-oriented, reflecting the senior technical nature of the specialist roles and the critical field-level responsibilities of the facilitators. Salaries are determined based on the organization’s scale, taking into account the candidate’s level of education and years of relevant experience. We value the expertise our staff brings to the mission and ensure our packages support professional retention.
In addition to competitive pay, SOS Sahel Ethiopia offers a professional environment focused on continuous learning and systemic impact. Specialists will have the opportunity to engage with international market regulators and private sector actors, while all staff benefit from being part of a multi-partner ecosystem involving global donors and national government agencies. We emphasize a workplace that upholds strict safeguarding, anti-corruption, and code of conduct policies.
Our organizational culture supports climate-resilient livelihoods and inclusive business models, and we apply these same principles to our internal team. We provide the tools and institutional support necessary for our staff to lead restored and climate-smart land use practices effectively. Compensation at SOS Sahel Ethiopia is more than a salary; it is an investment in professionals dedicated to Ethiopia’s sustainable future.
How to Apply
Scanned certificates or other supporting attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. Candidates should focus on submitting a high-quality application letter and a concise professional CV that highlights their relevant expertise. This approach ensures that the initial screening process is efficient and focused on the core qualifications and experience of each applicant.
Original documents, including educational credentials and work experience certificates, will be required only for physical verification during the interview stage. Applicants must ensure that their CV does not exceed three pages and their application letter is limited to one page. Providing accurate information in these documents is essential for moving forward in the selection process.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the SOS Sahel Ethiopia human resources team. Given the specialized nature of these roles, the review process is thorough, and we appreciate the patience of all applicants while we identify the most suitable candidates. If you do not hear from us after the shortlisting period, please understand that your application may not have been successful for this specific round.
The recruitment timeline will proceed swiftly following the closing date. Shortlisted candidates can expect to participate in a rigorous assessment process designed to evaluate their technical competencies and strategic thinking abilities. Our goal is to onboard these critical experts as soon as possible to begin work on the HARNESS program objectives.
Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit their one-page application letter and maximum three-page CV via email to sossahelhrm@gmail.com. Please ensure the job title is clearly stated in the subject line of your email.
Application Deadline
May 10, 2026 (Note: CDF position mentions May 11 in title but May 10 in footer; please apply by May 10 to ensure consideration).
Official Application Link / Contact
Email: sossahelhrm@gmail.com.