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Livelihood Specialist

Full Time
  • Full Time
  • Addis Ababa
  • as per org scale USD / Year
  • Applications have closed
  • Salary: as per org scale

MELCA Ethiopia

The MELCA Ethiopia is currently seeking applications from eligible candidates for the post of Livelihood Specialist in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

Job Description

  • Job Opportunity: Livelihood Specialist
  • Organization: MELCA Ethiopia
  • Location: Addis Ababa (Head Office), with field travel to project sites including Saris
  • Employment Type: Full-Time (Contractual, 1 year with high possibility of renewal)
  • Experience Level: Senior (Minimum 5 years)
  • Education Requirement: Master’s Degree (MSc/MA)
  • Application Deadline: August 25, 2025
  • Sector: Agriculture, Livelihoods, Rural Development, Economics

About MELCA Ethiopia

MELCA—Movement for Ecological Learning and Community Action – is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting ecological sustainability, community resilience, and equitable development in Ethiopia. We work closely with rural communities to strengthen livelihoods, protect natural resources, and enhance climate resilience through rights-based, participatory, and eco-friendly approaches.

Our programs integrate environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive economic development to empower marginalized communities and build long-term adaptive capacity.

Position Overview

Livelihood Specialist
MELCA Ethiopia is seeking an experienced and dynamic Livelihood Specialist to lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of sustainable income-generating activities (IGAs) for rural communities. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in cooperative management, value chain development, microfinance, and market-based livelihoods approaches.

This role will ensure that livelihood interventions are eco-friendly, gender-responsive, and scalable, contributing to improved household incomes and community resilience. The position requires excellent leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial skills, with a focus on empowering women and youth.

The duty station is Addis Ababa (Head Office), with regular travel to project areas including Saris and surrounding woredas.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Implementation

  • Lead needs assessments, market surveys, and feasibility studies to identify viable livelihood opportunities for target communities.
  • Design and implement eco-friendly income-generating activities (IGAs) aligned with local resources and environmental sustainability.
  • Guide beneficiaries in developing business plans, marketing strategies, and access to finance (including microfinance and cooperative models).
  • Oversee the assessment and approval of business ideas proposed by beneficiaries in collaboration with project teams.
  • Manage the full project cycle—including planning, budgeting, implementation, and reporting — in line with donor requirements and organizational policies.

Capacity Building & Empowerment

  • Organize and deliver soft and hard skills training (e.g., entrepreneurship, financial literacy, leadership) for target groups.
  • Conduct post-training follow-up, mentoring, and technical support to ensure sustainability of livelihood initiatives.
  • Work closely with Gender and Social Inclusion Officers to mainstream gender equity and youth empowerment across all livelihood activities.
  • Support the formation and strengthening of cooperatives, self-help groups, and savings groups.

Market Linkages & Institutional Support

  • Facilitate market access by building business networks, connecting beneficiaries with buyers, and creating market outlets for their products.
  • Support communities in obtaining business licenses, association certificates, import/export permits, and bank accounts.
  • Identify and collaborate with public and private sector partners to foster synergies and scale impact.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

  • Establish and maintain baseline data for livelihood interventions and track progress using measurable indicators.
  • Monitor outcomes and impacts related to income, resilience, and adaptive capacity.
  • Compile success stories, case studies, and progress reports for internal and donor reporting.
  • Ensure all activities comply with MELCA’s Safeguarding, Project Management (SPM), and environmental policies.

Proposal Development & Resource Mobilization

  • Lead the development of funding proposals and concept notes for new livelihood initiatives.
  • Contribute technical inputs to grant applications and donor reports.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

  • Master’s degree (MSc/MA) in Agriculture, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.

Experience

  • A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in livelihoods programming, rural development, or economic empowerment projects is required.
  • Proven experience in cooperative development, value chain analysis, microfinance, or enterprise development.
  • Experience working with donor-funded projects (e.g., EU, GIZ, USAID, or UN agencies) is an advantage.
  • The candidate should possess strong field experience in rural Ethiopia, specifically in livelihood assessments and community-based programming.

Skills and Competencies

  • Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
  • Strong analytical, report writing, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficiency in project management, budgeting, and monitoring & evaluation (M&E).
  • Fluency in Amharic and English (written and spoken); knowledge of local languages is a plus.
  • Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Personal Attributes

  • Commitment to sustainability, equity, and community empowerment.
  • High level of integrity, accountability, and adaptability.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging field conditions.

Terms of Employment

  • Contract Type: Full-time, one-year renewable contract
  • Remuneration: Competitive, as per organizational salary scale (negotiable based on experience)
  • Duty Station: Addis Ababa (Head Office), with frequent travel to project sites

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents:

  • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Cover Letter outlining your suitability for the role
  • Scanned copies of academic credentials and supporting documents

Submission Options:

  1. By Email: Send to either:

  2. By Hand: Deliver to:
    MELCA Ethiopia
    Kidane Beyene Building, 1st Floor, Room 903/6
    In front of Ambassador Theatre, Addis Ababa
    Tel: 011-550-71-72 / 011-554-45-54

📌 Deadline: Applications must be submitted within 7 working days from the date of publication — no later than August 25, 2025.

Important Notes
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
  • Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • MELCA-Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer and promotes diversity and inclusion.
  • We have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
  • All hires are subject to background checks, reference verification, and adherence to safeguarding policies.

MELCA-Ethiopia reserves the right to cancel or modify this recruitment process at any time.

🌐 Learn more about MELCA Ethiopia: www.melca-ethiopia.org (if available)
📎 Share this opportunity with qualified candidates!

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