Thematic Sector Lead – Economic Empowerment and Food & Livelihood Security Full Time NEW

The Opportunity

The Thematic Sector Lead for Economic Empowerment and Food & Livelihood Security at Plan International Ethiopia (PIE) plays a critical strategic and technical role in driving the country’s development agenda. This position is responsible for advising the Country Leadership Team (CLT) on inclusive, context-specific policies and strategies, particularly within Skills & Opportunities for Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (SOYEE) and broader Food & Livelihood Security. The role encompasses leading the development of high-quality, people-centred program proposals that meet Plan’s global standards and reflect the urgent needs on the ground. A key aspect involves leveraging analytical rigour to diagnose complex issues, applying strategic foresight to design impactful interventions, and fostering creativity and collaboration to ensure solutions are effectively implemented and adaptable to Ethiopia’s dynamic challenges. This includes actively mobilising resources by exploring innovative funding avenues, including private-public partnerships, and generating compelling evidence of impact.

The position holder is crucial for strategically representing, networking, and positioning PIE within the sector. The Lead is accountable for establishing PIE as a recognized leader and preferred partner in Economic Empowerment and Food & Livelihood Security. This involves identifying, developing, and nurturing strategic partnerships that broaden PIE’s programmatic reach, enhance local ownership, and amplify its technical expertise.

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Safeguarding Children and Young People (Safeguarding) and Gender Equality and Inclusion (GEI)

• Understands and puts into practice the responsibilities under Safeguarding and GEI policies and Plan International’s Code of Conduct (CoC), ensuring that concerns are reported and managed in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
• Ensures that all staff in the unit/function/department are properly inducted on and understands their role in upholding Plan International’s safeguarding and GEI policies;
• Ensures that Plan International’s global policies for Safeguarding Children and Young People and Gender Equality and Inclusion are fully embedded in day to day work.
• Ensures that Plan Ethiopia contributes to Plan International’s global efforts to ensure safeguarding and GEI, including making sure that relevant reporting and data are submitted

• BA/Master’s degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Development Studies, Livelihoods, Food Security, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in designing, managing, and implementing large-scale, complex programs in Economic Empowerment, Food Security, Livelihoods, or Youth Employment/Entrepreneurship.
• Experience in Capacity building, training & facilitation in soft & hard skills, job creation, and community managed saving & loan association, working with microfinance institutions, value chain, business development, market analysis, ICT4D, etc.
• Experience in Leadership, working with vocational training centres, liaising and networking with local implementing partners, and private sectors.
• Clear understanding of relevant governments policies, strategies, programs and priorities related to youth employment and livelihood
• Understanding government private sector policies and programs in vocational/skill training and job placement
• Deep expertise in youth workforce development, vocational training, digital skills, entrepreneurship development (including business incubation, mentorship, access to finance), and job creation strategies.
• Strong understanding and practical experience in applying MSD approaches to strengthen markets and value chains, benefiting vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of microfinance, savings groups (e.g., VSLA), digital finance, and other financial services for marginalized groups
• Knowledge of climate-resilient agricultural practices, disaster risk reduction (DRR) in food systems, and environmental sustainability.