CARE Ethiopia has been at the forefront of addressing the root causes of poverty and vulnerability in Ethiopia for over three decades. The organization has grown significantly since its establishment in 1984, beginning with a focus on responding to severe drought and famine, which devastated the country and caused immense loss of life. Since its transition to a more strategic program-based approach in 2008, CARE Ethiopia has focused on driving impactful change in rural communities, influencing government policy, and leading transformative initiatives that serve the most marginalized populations. As part of its commitment to improving lives and ensuring sustainable development, CARE Ethiopia is looking for a qualified and experienced individual to join its team in the role of Liaison Officer.
The Liaison Officer will play a critical role in representing CARE Ethiopia and enhancing its external relationships, particularly with the Somali Regional Government, local partners, and stakeholders. This position is based in Jijiga, the capital of the Somali Region, and offers the opportunity to directly contribute to the organization’s ongoing mission of promoting social justice, gender equality, and the empowerment of vulnerable communities. The Liaison Officer will ensure that CARE Ethiopia’s public image is cohesive and strategic, aligning with the organization’s broader country strategy plan. They will attend key regional meetings, coordinate efforts between government officials, humanitarian actors, and civil society, and work to maintain positive working relationships that are essential to the success of CARE’s programs in the Somali region.
The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping and executing CARE Ethiopia’s strategic initiatives in the region, ensuring that the organization’s efforts are represented effectively and transparently. By working closely with stakeholders, including UN agencies and other NGOs, the Liaison Officer will help foster collaboration and build partnerships that are vital for the advancement of CARE’s projects. This role presents a unique opportunity for an individual passionate about making a tangible impact and furthering CARE Ethiopia’s work in a high-level capacity. If you have the qualifications, experience, and drive to contribute to CARE’s mission, we encourage you to apply before the deadline on January 17, 2025.
Responsibilities of the Liaison Officer
The primary responsibility of the Liaison Officer is to represent CARE Ethiopia at all relevant meetings held in the Somali region, particularly in Jijiga, and to engage with government and other external stakeholders. The Liaison Officer must have an in-depth understanding of the projects and operations in the Somali region and be able to effectively communicate CARE Ethiopia’s efforts to various audiences, including government officials and civil society groups. This role requires a deep understanding of the local context, as well as the ability to work across diverse sectors, from humanitarian response to development programs.
Additionally, the Liaison Officer will play a key role in facilitating strategic relations with key actors such as UN agencies, local and international NGOs, and government institutions. The individual in this role must be a proactive communicator who is skilled in networking and negotiation. The Liaison Officer will attend high-level meetings, share key insights about CARE’s programs, and ensure that concerns and best practices are effectively communicated to internal stakeholders. This strategic representation is crucial to the success of CARE Ethiopia’s long-term vision in the Somali region and beyond.
Another important aspect of the Liaison Officer’s responsibilities will be to support the development of strategic partnerships that align with CARE Ethiopia’s broader goals. The officer will need to stay abreast of the local political environment and work effectively with government and other development partners to ensure that CARE Ethiopia’s mission of social justice and poverty alleviation is upheld. The position offers a dynamic and multifaceted role that is essential to the organization’s work in the Somali region.
Qualifications and Experience
CARE Ethiopia is seeking candidates with a strong background in social sciences or a related field, as well as substantial experience in high-level positions within development and humanitarian programs. A Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, or a related discipline, is required for this role, while a Master’s degree in areas such as Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), development studies, or social studies is desirable. Applicants should have a minimum of 5 to 6 years of relevant work experience, with at least 4 to 5 years spent in a high-level position. Experience in interdisciplinary programs, particularly in humanitarian and emergency response settings, is highly valued.
In addition to professional qualifications, candidates must have excellent verbal and written communication skills in Somali, Amharic, and English, with the ability to represent CARE Ethiopia effectively in both local and international forums. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as the Liaison Officer will need to work closely with diverse stakeholders, from government officials to NGO representatives. Candidates should also possess strong planning, organizational, and analytical abilities, with a proven track record in strategic planning, public relations, and partnership building. Familiarity with the political and social landscape of the Somali region, as well as proficiency in computer skills, are also important.
Desired competencies for the role include effective communication, negotiation skills, and the ability to manage stress and adapt to change. The Liaison Officer must be capable of building relationships within CARE Ethiopia and with external partners, while maintaining a focus on the organization’s core values of teamwork, gender equality, and participatory management. A driving license is a plus, and candidates with experience in strategic planning and a demonstrated ability to work in complex and challenging environments will be given priority.
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications for the Liaison Officer role are encouraged to apply by submitting their CV (not more than 3 pages) and cover letter (not more than one page) through EthioJobs. You can access the application page directly by visiting the following link: CARE Ethiopia Liaison Officer Application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further evaluation. CARE Ethiopia is committed to ensuring that women and other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply, as the organization values diversity in its team. The deadline for applications is January 17, 2025, so please ensure you submit your application by this date to be considered for this important role.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of one of the leading organizations in Ethiopia’s development sector. CARE Ethiopia continues to make meaningful impacts in the lives of vulnerable populations, and your involvement could help shape the future of its efforts in the Somali region. Apply today and take the first step toward being part of this transformative mission.