Livelihood Officer [ IGA – Microfinance] Full Time NEW

Good Neighbors (GNE) is a global NGO founded in Korea in 1991, currently operating in 50 countries. Since 1997, the Ethiopian branch has been committed to improving lives through initiatives in child protection, education, health, and more. GNE operates in various regions of Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Benishangul Gumuz, Somali, Sidama, South Ethiopia, and Central Ethiopia. Good Neighbors Ethiopia is now launching a new project in Benishangul Gumuz, funded by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), aimed to Increased number of FDPs are engaged in sustainable livelihood and economic opportunities.

Good Neighbors Ethiopia (GNE) is seeking a qualified Livelihood Officer (Micro-finance & IGA) individual to join our team based Benshangul Gumuz Region, Asosa Zone.

• Reports to: Project Coordinator
• Term of Employment: Fixed term 11 months.
• Duty Station(s): Assosa Project with frequent travel to field.
• Required Number: One (1)
• Salary & Benefits: as perthe scale of the organization

Job Summary:

The Livelihood Officer (Micro finance & IGA) will play a critical role in supporting the economic empowerment of refugees and host communities. This position will involve providing financial services, delivering business skills training, and facilitating market linkages to enable beneficiaries to establish and grow sustainable livelihoods.

Key Responsibilities:

• Microfinance Operations:
  • Conduct loan assessments and creditworthiness evaluations of potential borrowers.
  • Disburse loans and collect loan repayments according to established procedures.
  • Monitor loan portfolios and identify potential risks and mitigation strategies.
• IGA Development & Training:
  • Conduct business skills training workshops on topics such as:
    • Business planning and feasibility studies
    • Financial management (bookkeeping, cash flow management)
    • Marketing and sales strategies
    • Customer service and communication skills
  • Facilitate the formation and management of savings and credit groups.
  • Provide technical support and mentorship to entrepreneurs in developing and implementing their business plans.
• Market Linkages:
  • Conduct market assessments and identify potential market opportunities for beneficiaries.
  • Facilitate linkages between entrepreneurs and markets, including buyers, suppliers, and input providers.
  • Support the development of value chains and cooperatives to improve market access and bargaining power.
• Financial Literacy:
  • Conduct financial literacy training sessions on topics such as:
    • Budgeting and saving
    • Loan management
    • Risk mitigation strategies
    • Basic financial concepts
• Community Engagement:
  • Build strong relationships with beneficiaries, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
  • Conduct community outreach activities to raise awareness about microfinance and IGA opportunities.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Monitor the progress of all microfinance and IGA activities and collect data on program outcomes.
  • Conduct regular assessments and evaluations to measure the impact of program interventions.
  • Prepare reports and presentations on program progress and achievements.
• Accountability
• Adhere to the GNE Code of Conduct and the zero-tolerance policy for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).
• Ensure accountability to affected populations, uphold humanitarian principles, and contribute to the integration of Protection and Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) mainstreaming into GNE programming.
• Perform other duties to be assigned by supervisors.

• Bachelor’s degree in Cooperative Management, Cooperative Accounting and Auditing, Economics, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in microfinance, community development, or a related field.
• Proven experience working with rural communities, preferably in refugee or humanitarian contexts.
• Strong understanding of microfinance and SACCO principles, including credit risk assessment, loan disbursement, and portfolio management.
• Fluency in English, and local languages spoken in the community.