Livelihood Officer (national Volunteer)

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Project: Advancing Climate Adaptation, Peace, Livelihoods, and Preparedness in Cross-Border Communities of Ethiopia and Kenya (RECAP)

Position: National Volunteer – Livelihood Project Officer

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Role Description

The National Volunteer – Livelihood Project Officer supports the effective implementation of livelihood-related activities under the RECAP project. This role focuses on strengthening household and community resilience through sustainable livelihood diversification, income-generating activities, market linkages, and skills development, while ensuring alignment with climate adaptation and peacebuilding objectives.

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Key Responsibilities

Livelihoods Program Implementation

• Support the implementation of project livelihood activities, including climate-smart agriculture, livestock-based livelihoods, income-generating activities (IGAs), and vocational or skills development initiatives
• Assist in mobilizing and supporting community groups, youth, and women groups engaged in livelihood interventions
• Support the distribution and appropriate use of livelihood inputs, starter kits, or productive assets in line with project guidelines
• Promote environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient livelihood practices at the community level

Community Engagement and Capacity Building

• Facilitate community sensitization and awareness sessions on sustainable livelihoods, financial literacy, savings and loan schemes, and market access
• Support training and coaching of beneficiaries on business skills, value chain development, and basic enterprise management
• Encourage inclusive participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in livelihood activities

Integration of Peace and Conflict Sensitivity

• Support livelihood activities that contribute to social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in cross-border and conflict-prone areas
• Apply conflict-sensitive and do-no-harm approaches in all livelihood interventions
• Support joint or shared livelihood initiatives that promote cooperation across communities and borders where feasible
• Assist in collecting, verifying, and submitting livelihood-related data in line with MEAL requirements
• Document success stories, lessons learned, and beneficiary feedback related to livelihood interventions

Coordination and Partnerships

• Coordinate with local partners, community leaders, extension services, and government offices relevant to livelihoods, agriculture, and livestock
• Support cross-sector coordination with climate adaptation, DRR, and peacebuilding teams to ensure integrated programming
• Participate in coordination meetings, field visits, and joint assessments as required

Compliance, Safeguarding, and Volunteer Conduct

• Adhere to organizational policies, safeguarding standards, and volunteer codes of conduct
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical engagement with communities
• Support identification and reporting of risks related to livelihoods, climate shocks, conflict dynamics, or operational challenges

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Personal Consideration

Qualification

• A formal qualification or equivalent experience in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Economics, Development Studies, Rural Development, Natural Resource Management, or a related field

Experience

• Relevant internship or volunteer experience supporting livelihood, agriculture, or community development initiatives
• Experience working with pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, or rural communities is an asset
• Previous exposure to climate resilience, food security, or market-based approaches is an advantage

Skills and Competencies

• Strong community mobilization and facilitation skills
• Basic understanding of sustainable livelihoods and income-generating activities
• Ability to collect field data and prepare simple reports
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness and ability to work in remote and cross-border settings
• Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, email)

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English required
• Knowledge of relevant Oromia local languages spoken and customs of the community in project areas is highly desirable

Personal Attributes

• Strong motivation to contribute to community resilience and development
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity
• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment

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Expected Learning Outcomes for the Volunteer

• Practical experience in livelihoods programming within fragile and cross-border contexts
• Enhanced skills in community engagement, monitoring, and reporting
• Exposure to integrated approaches linking climate adaptation, peacebuilding, and livelihoods

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Safeguarding

VSO has zero tolerance for abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people. We expect all our employees/volunteers to commit to protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm and abide by our safeguarding policy.

Safeguarding Level 2: This post will have direct access or contact with children or will have responsibility for the day-to-day management of those with direct access to children. A criminal background check will be obtained for post holders at this level prior to their start date.

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