Business Development Services and Work Placement Officer Full Time NEW

Program: Community Service as a Pathway to Work (CSPW)
Organization: Youth Network for Sustainable Development (YNSD)
Reports to: Cluster Manager

About YNSD and the CSPW Program

Youth Network for Sustainable Development (YNSD) is a non-governmental, non-profit making indigenous organization which was founded in 2003 by four school clubs and fifteen youth associations. Currently, YNSD is an umbrella Network for more than 1000 youth organizations/associations at national level.

Its mission is to contribute for the sustainable development through promoting partnerships, networking, and building the capacity of its member organizations while its vision is to see Ethiopian youth holistically empowered and meaningfully engaged in the country’s all-rounded and sustainable development.

It has been implementing programs and projects including youth and women empowerment, Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH) & HIV/AIDS, Information & Communication Technology, environment sustainability, advocacy, WASH and new emerging issues.

Currently it is running a five-year program (2023 – 2027) implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and JHU-CCP. The program is running in six regions, 14+ zones, 150+ woredas, and 1800+ kebeles of the country. Where YNSD covers 60% of the target.

The program, as referred to as Community Service as a pathway to Work (CSPW) is primarily aimed at engaging the youth in dignified and fulfilling work, reaching 500K Youth (70% women) and 10% vulnerable Groups in community services, and is expected to support 200K youth (18-35 years of age) transition to work.

Job Summary:

The BDS Officer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing youth workforce development,enhancing participants entrepreneurship skills and facilitating BDS to microe enterprise operators activities. This includes delivering, workforce skill development, Business Development Services (BDS), facilitating work placements, and supporting youth engagement in sustainable economic sectors. The officer will coordinate with stakeholders, conduct trainings, support MSEs, and ensure quality implementation aligned with program objectives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The following are the main responsibilities of the BDSO, but not limited to these activities

• Identify and screen youth for engagement in dignified and sustainable employment opportunities, including self-employment through SMEs and placement in public and private institutions.
• Provide entrepreneurship, employability, and life skills training to prepare youth for the labor market.
• Mobilize and collaborate with stakeholders across sectors such as agriculture, energy, waste management, circular economy, and the digital economy to promote employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with employers, training providers, and relevant organizations to facilitate job creation and skills development.
• Facilitate coordination, collaboration, and trust-building mechanisms among key local actors, including government institutions, private sector, civil society organizations, media, women’s groups, and youth.
• Conduct BDS promotion and marketing activities, including orientation sessions for potential beneficiaries.
• Carry out market opportunity assessments and support the grouping of youth based on their interests, skills, and motivation for employment or self-employment in selected sectors.
• Recruit program participants in line with approved plans and targets.
• Conduct business assessments and develop action plans based on identified needs and priorities.
• Implement action plans through a structured approach, including training, coaching, and advisory services.
• Plan and organize BDS-related events such as expert-led workshops, experience-sharing sessions, and networking platforms (including women entrepreneurs’ forums).
• Identify challenges, capacity gaps, and business-related constraints affecting youth participation and transition to economic empowerment opportunities.
• Build the capacity of YNSD and partner staff to effectively coach and support MSE groups and individual entrepreneurs in addressing operational challenges.
• Collaborate closely with government institutions, NGOs, CSOs, and private sector actors to strengthen and sustain established MSEs.
• Identify and engage with existing youth networks, support systems, and community-based organizations to enhance program planning and implementation.
• Ensure all required documentation and records are accurate, up-to-date, and maintained in accordance with organizational guidelines for reporting and accountability

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, Development Studies, Entrepreneurship, or related fields.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in youth employment and workforce development, entrepreneurship, and business development services.
• Experience in working with micro and small enterprises, value chains, and market systems development.
• Strong understanding of youth employment challenges and opportunities in Ethiopia.
• Proven experience in training, coaching, and facilitation.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and partnership-building skills.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and networking skills
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Result-oriented and proactive approach
• Good organizational and time management skills.