About Plan International
Plan International is an independent non-profit organization that advances children’s well-being and equality for girls. Working in building powerful partnerships for children for over 75 years and present in 70 countries, Plan International strives for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children while working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners. Plan International Ethiopia is looking for Economic Strengthening Specialist for (CVC) Project to be based at Country Office.
Plan is seeking applicants for Economic-Strengthening Specialist for the USAID funded Caring for Venerable Children project in Ethiopia led by FHI360. The Economic -Strengthening Specialist will be in charge of overseeing Economic Security components focusing on Community Managed Village Saving and Loan schemes establishment processes.
Dimensions of Role:
Conduct Training of trainers for BoLSA, BoWCAs, and LIPs to support the rollout to CCCs, SSWs & Village agents / animators to promote saving groups establishments.
Ensure special attention is given on dealing with adolescent girls & youth saving groups formations though it may take longer periods.
Ensures integration as well as smooth teamwork within and across other CVC components. Key components of the position also include regional advocacy and networking, strategic thematic area planning, developing and strengthening partnerships and mainstreaming of child centred community development in CVC project;
Utilize Plan International Ethiopia’s well established and documented working relationship with Development organisation and strong reputation on VSLA that focuses on community based financing mechanisms ( Paid service Provider).
Build the technical Capacity of the district office, Kebele and VSLA volunteers / facilitators, using proven approaches;
Ensure the establishment of centre of excellence model sites & provide continuous technical backups.
The post holder will support the management of project activities and supervises the project facilitators on savings and use of funds at the community level;
In collaboration with FHI360 ES staff establish and strengthen VSLAs linkages with other service providers such as banks, MFIs, Micro and small enterprises agencies, and UJCFSA
The post holder is responsible to manage project planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation.
She/he will ensure a smooth working environment and teamwork within Plan International Ethiopia, the respective field staff and across the CVC partners;
Key components of the position include operationalization of the Economic -strengthening activities / VSLA project activities under Plan International Ethiopia’s role;
The post holder will be based at the Plan International Ethiopia (Country Office)/ FHI 360 National office.
Responsible for project design, overseeing implementation and monitoring while ensuring quality program delivery of the overall CVC economic empowerment related to agreements entered with FHI 360.
Educational Qualification and Experience
Msc Degree in Economics, Rural development, Agriculture , Development studies and other related fields with at least 5 years relevant experience of which at least two years’ experience with NGOs for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) HHs in the context of HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, care and support.
Demonstrated experience of working with VSLA schemes in Economic empowerment sector.
Previous experience of managing and developing a multi-disciplinary team
Knowledge
Extensive knowledge on Economic Empowerment sector, including knowledge of Cooperative Sector Policies and guidelines
Extensive knowledge of VSLAs and business development for the poor VSLAs
Demonstrated ability to motivate, guide, train and support young professionals and community volunteers to deliver ES interventions, especially VSLAs training
Understand organisational principles, systems and have the ability to provide leadership and support to staff working at community level.
Understanding of integrated development issues, participatory approaches to development, child-rights programming, participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Research systems and processes preferred
Working experience with USAID funded projects is advantageous
Skills Specific to the Post
Conceptual and strategic thinking skills.
Interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with colleagues
Have good writing and oral communication skills, including presentation.
Understands budgetary processes including planning, monitoring and reporting.
Ability to provide team leadership and communicate effectively.
Ability to analyze information, evaluate options and to think and plan strategically
Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications