Community Engagement Expert (m/f/d)

sequa gGmbH is a globally operating non-profit development organisation. Since 1991 sequa has carried out programmes and projects of international cooperation in close collaboration with the German private sector. sequa offers know-how and long-term experience in capacity development for chambers and associations (BMOs), vocational education and training, private sector development and trade promotion. The organisation is based in Bonn, Germany. sequa employs more than 100 persons (2026) and reported a turnover of EUR 56 m in 2024.

We are offering a project-based assignment as

Community Engagement Expert (m/f/d)

Location: Arbaminch, Ethiopia

Assignment Period: June 2026 – Sept. 2026

Working time scope: up to 20 days

Project: SME Support Scheme targeting growth-oriented SMEs

Job Code: ETH-1013 Community Engagement Expert

The Project

Within the GIZ Program Special Initiative ” Decent Work for a Just Transition “, sequa implements the “The Tourism sector Support Scheme targeting growth orientated Tourism ” project for Arba Minch area in Ethiopia. With this, sequa aims to facilitate capacity building and enhancing the job quality and creating new jobs Ethiopian Tourism sector service providers by increasing their competitiveness and quality service so that their services will satisfy the demand on local and international markets.

Benefiting companies and professional individuals receive flexible and demand-oriented funding consulting, technical training, on areas of different section of the general topics of capacity building. A special focus will be on to initiate, inform, and facilitate community participation in the operation of two eco-friendly campsites in a remote area of Ethiopia. For further information visit the website Yared tour & travel Ethiopia at https://yaredtour.com/

sequa has selected Yared Tour and Travel PLC through a vetting process. Yared Tour and Travel PLC was founded in 2007 and conducts tour operator services with partners specialized showcasing Ethiopia’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and historical heritage while prioritizing eco-friendly and community-based tourism. Additionally, Yared Tour and Travel PLC operates with a special focus on the Southern People’s Nations Region to engage and empower local communities by providing sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism, cultural exchange, and employment opportunities in adopting and promoting eco-friendly practices and engaging the community all aspects of the operations, ensuring our tourism activities leave a positive environmental and benefit the community.

The objective of this assignment is to create two eco-friendly campsites in the community of Bonke and Zegit to attract visitors and create income generation mechanism and create jobs to the local community. The responsibility of the expert is to initiate, inform, and facilitate community participation in the operation of two Eco-friendly campsites in a remote area of Ethiopia.

Your Tasks / Responsibilities

Support and Develop Community-Led Tourism Models

• Guide the establishment and operation of community-owned or cooperative tourism enterprises.
• Advice on governance structures, financial models, and legal frameworks for community-led businesses

Facilitate Participatory Decision-Making

• Design and implement processes that ensure inclusive community participation in planning and managing tourism projects.
• Mediate discussions to ensure diverse voices (women, youth, marginalized groups) are represented.

Strengthen Local Governance and Conflict Resolution

• Assess and support local governance systems to manage tourism effectively.
• Identify and address power dynamics, tensions, or conflicts that may arise from tourism development.
• Apply conflict resolution techniques to help communities make collective decisions.

Integrate Eco-Tourism and Sustainability

• Promote and implement eco-tourism principles in community tourism projects.
• Ensure tourism activities protect natural resources, promote environmental education, and support conservation goals.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develop tools and metrics to assess the social, economic, and environmental impact of community-based tourism.
• Provide feedback and recommendations to enhance sustainability and equity in tourism practices, secure favorable terms and long-term.

Deliverables

• Develop community-led and sustainable tourism business models.
• Facilitate inclusive participation, governance, and conflict resolution.
• Promote eco-tourism and environmental sustainability practices.
• Provide training, coaching, and monitoring for long-term impact and growth.

Your Qualifications / Skills

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Tourism, Community Development, Social Sciences (e.g., Anthropology, Sociology), Hospitality Management (with a focus on sustainability)

Your Working Experience

• 7 years of experience working with years of experience in Community-based or rural tourism initiatives
• Hands-on experience with grassroots engagement, especially in rural, indigenous, or underserved communities and experience in In-depth understanding of Cooperative business models or social enterprises.
• Knowledge of eco-tourism principles and sustainability frameworks
• Facilitation and mediation skills – to lead participatory processes and resolve conflicts
• Cultural sensitivity and empathy – especially important when working with diverse and vulnerable groups