Background:

The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian international NGOs, provides relief, rehabilitation and development support to vulnerable people and communities over 40 countries. We began work in Ethiopia in 2000 in response to severe drought in Ethiopia’s Somali region and are currently providing assistance to Ethiopians and refugees in nine regions in Ethiopia, implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery, and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

Job Overview:

IRC Ethiopia program is implementing an Integrated Multi-sectoral response to drought, conflict, and cholera-affected communities in Dawe Serer and Dawe Kachen woredas of East Bale zone Oromia Region, Ethiopia. The response aims to bring greater impact to the affected populations through WASH, multipurpose cash, agriculture, and Protection interventions aligns with the second strategic objective of the HRP focusing on facilitating access to integrated essential humanitarian services for vulnerable groups affected by both chronic and acute shocks.

The Livelihood Officer is based in Mio town with frequent travel to the field project area. The incumbent reports to the Livelihood Manager on day-to-day project management and implementation with complementary oversight from the Field coordinator/manager. He will provide implementation support, technical and project support to target beneficiaries in the whole project cycle implementation. The post holder will support and strengthen the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the project in Dawe Kachen woreda. He will collaborate closely with other project staff within IRC/ and consortium project manager, and among partner agencies, government, private sector, and community groups. She/he will give support to the program to ensure technically sound and complementary programming. The officers will ensure successful support for livelihoods programming which includes provision of agriculture extension services on improved agronomic practices, pests’ management & post-harvest management, Provision of veterinary drugs for treatment of prevailing animal diseases, Provision of capacity building support for Livestock treatment and vaccination campaign, supply of improved crop seeds and other related activities.

Major key Responsibilities:

Project implementation support, technical capacity building 

• Provide support to the day-to-day implementation of the project related to improved agricultural extension service, provision of veterinary drug for treatment of prevailing animal diseases, support for Livestock treatment and vaccination campaign, and other related activities.

• Set up or strengthen community-based organizations to facilitate project planning and implementation.

• Initiate and support provision of capacity building activities on crop production, livestock management and animal health to agriculture extension agents.

• Undertake detailed data collection and analysis regarding crop production and livestock husbandry in the area.

• Provide capacity build for community members, local implementing partners, and agricultural office experts, extension agents on crop production and livestock husbandry.

• Ensure appropriate methodologies and technical approaches are developed for the project response or activities.

• Work closely with the Livelihood manager/project consortium Manager/ other partners to ensure alignment of the project with the strategic plan and relevant theories of change of the plan.

• Support the development of Standard Operating Procedures and Mentorship Notes for program activities.

• Ensure regular monitoring and modification of ongoing programming as required.

Project Monitoring and Reporting 

• Prepare relevant activity donor reports as per agreed-upon schedules (monthly, quarterly, and/or annually) on activities, indicators, and achievements.

• Work closely and coordinate with IRC logistics, finance, and grant staff to ensure timely and compliant program activities and expenditures, including active participation in procurement, supply chain, grant, and other meetings.

• Together with the project manager and Accountability and Learning manager/officers, develop and implement a full monitoring and evaluation framework for livelihoods and employment activities as well as learning strategies, and adapt them to the different program methodologies.

Program design/coordination 

• Support the team to develop sound technical design and components of project proposals, business plans, and concept notes.

• Develop and maintain effective coordination and long-term mechanisms with external partners including partner agencies/NGOS, government departments and ministries, community-based organizations, private sector partners, donors, and others representing IRC /DAI positions.

• Actively advance IRC’s/DAI connections to economic actors/private sector at a local, regional, and national level, seeking avenues for partnership, collaboration, and coordination of activities to ensure the sustainability of interventions.

• Together with the team leader/team members, regularly engage internally and externally (especially with a municipality)

• Participate in IRC and working groups and communities of practice around livelihoods to share strategies, disseminate research and program successes, discuss implementation challenges, and share standard methodologies.

• Support the sharing of information and learning across livelihoods-related programs.

• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor are to enable and develop IRC programs.

Job Requirements

• MSc/BSc Degree in Agricultural Economics, General Agriculture, and/or related agricultural field of study or certification.

• Minimum work experience of 1 year for MSc Degree holders, 2 years for BSc Degree holders  

• NGO experience is a plus.

• Demonstrated experience in humanitarian response, with specific experience in livelihoods and Food security and agricultural development approaches.

• Proven agriculture sector experience, or experience supporting smallholder farmers in livelihood recovery.

• Prior experience working in emergency settings or insecure environments preferred.

• Strong program/technical, team leadership skills, planning, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties

• INGO experience required, experience with coordination systems or advocacy preferable.

• Must be capable of applying skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct data collection and analysis, implementation, advisory functions, training, and the transfer of technical knowledge and leadership skills to others.

• Proficiency in English is mandatory, and Afaan Oromo is advantageous.

• Ability of basic computer skills mainly, MS word, Excel, internet etc.

• Works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment.

• Flexible and able to handle pressure well, has a strong sense of humor.

How to Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website: 

Register using this LINK

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.

• Name of the position you have applied for

• Date of application

• Summary of  your qualifications and experience

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.