Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And its girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for – and respond to – crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years and are now active in more than 70 countries.

ROLE PURPOSE

We actively unite children, communities and other people who share our mission to make positive lasting changes in children’s and young people’s lives. We support children to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to claim their rights to a fulfilling life, today and in the future. We place a specific focus on girls and women, who are most often left behind.

Plan International Ethiopia is looking for Business Development Center (BDC) Officer under a project titled, “Increasing youth employment in Ethiopia by re-shaping the vocational training model together with companies from the water and textiles sectors.”, funded by DANIDA (development cooperation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark). The overall purpose of this project is to increase the economic opportunities for youths, and particularly women, in Ethiopia. Targeting two economic growth sectors (textile and water), the project features an innovative collaboration between:

a) the private sector

b) two governmental Polytechnic Colleges, and

c) the Ethiopian Water and Technology Institute

The partnership proposes a new model for the design and implementation of demand responsive vocational training for young people, combined with an enhanced and embedded job centre function at the level of the TVET institutions responsible for ensuring that the required skills are translated into sustainable employment/self-employment and hence into the growth of the chosen sectors

Dimensions of the Role

With the main aim of translating the TVET level skills into sustainable employment/self-employment in Water & Textile sectors, the BDC Officer is responsible to manage planned activities at the Business Development Center which is established in the Poly Technique Colleges in Hawassa. The main responsibility of the Officer will be to assist graduates with acquiring job readiness skills and entrepreneurial skills as well as establish networks in both the public and private sector with the purpose of facilitating job placements in the water and textile sector. Additionally, the BDC Officers will take part on other YEE Project related activities assigned by the Project Coordinator as part of this “Increasing youth employment in Ethiopia by re-shaping the vocational training model together with companies from the water and textiles sectors.” project. The post holder will report to the Project Coordinator at SNNP Program Area respectively as well as to the DANIDA Project Manager placed at the Country Office through Matrix reporting

The positions will be based at Hawassa Poly Technique College

Roles and Responsibilities

• Management of the Business Development Center

• Increase youth’s access to employment opportunities in the two sectors (Water & Textile) by i) establishing networks in both the public and private sector, ii) developing a job database and iii) linking youth, particularly women, to on-job training, apprenticeships and jobs. The ideal candidates will therefore have experience from either the water or textile sector. Support trainees/graduates in translating their skills into sustainable job opportunities. 

• Assist trainees/graduates with acquiring i) life skills e.g. communication, social skills, problem solving etc. ii) job-readiness skills e.g. employ-ability assessments, job application letter and interview training, beneficiary tracking, market scans etc. and iii) entrepreneurial skills e.g. business strategy, innovation, creativity etc.

• Reach out to job seekers, particularly to women and youth to motivate them to use the BDCs (e.g. through campaigns, noticeboards, cultural events, exchange visits, awarding best performing youth etc.).

• Organize various kinds of career guidance events involving graduates/trainees and stakeholders.

• Regularly maintaining the cleanliness, connection and standards of the BDC established at the Polytechnic.

Internal collaboration

Collaborate with technical program specialists in the Country Office and with Plan International Denmark staffs (when required) to develop maximize on Plan International Ethiopia’s experience in this regard.

Collaborate with other functions (finance, risk management, grant compliance coordinator and gender) to ensure that Program Quality standards and processes integrated across functions.

Mainstream child protection in the program area as well as observe the Child Protection Policy and be vigilant to report all child protection concerns.

The post holder has required to have a clear understanding of the policies, procedures, strategic direction of the organization and the ability to conceptualize the existing interrelationships, organizational working environment and other prevailing conditions. The post holder must be able to cope up with and address all M&E related problems that the project will face.

Job Requirements

Technical expertise, skills and knowledge

Education, qualification, knowledge and experience.

First degree in in development studies, business & economics, water & textile related fields and 3 years youth employ ability and entrepreneurship related project implementation experience.

Excellent English both written and verbal

Preferential

Grass-root development management experiences-understanding challenges and opportunities in the communities and field level realities of NGOs are desirable.

Skills specific to the post

• Excellent conceptual and strategic thinking skills

• Proactive and good networking skills

• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail

• Negotiation and influencing skills

• Excellent writing and editing skills

• Strong team building and motivational skills

• Strong organizational and project management skills, and ability to deliver within tight deadlines

• Establishes strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions and cultures.

• An understanding of and commitment to the aims and values of Plan.

 Competencies

Innovative, build relationships, communicate effectively, coach and mentor, facilitate change, develop teams, planning and organizing and a personal commitment to children’s development and protection.

Values

Commitment to Plan Ethiopia Values:

• Integrity

• Unity/Oneness

• Accountability

• Excellence

• Embracing Change

• Speed/Agility

Attitudes & Behaviors

• Relates to people in a friendly, open manner and engenders trust from other staff

• Creates strong sense of purpose within organisation and with stakeholders

• commits to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behavior

• Sound judgement and decision-making

• Aware of impact on others and adjusting own behavior accordingly

• Humble, supportive, ethical and service oriented

• Promotes innovation and learning

• Able to work with minimal supervision.

• Plan International’s Values in Practice

• Develops trusting and ‘win-win’ relationships with funders, partners and communities.

• Engages and works well with others outside the organization to build a better world for girls and all children.

How to Apply

Register using the following LINK

Note: Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply