Project Officer (5 Positions)

The Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD) is a non-governmental, non-partisan, and non-profit organization. ECDD committed to promoting the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities through policy advocacy and the mainstreaming of disability inclusion in service delivery, development programs, and humanitarian actions, in partnership with other organizations. Established in 2005, ECDD is dedicated to fostering an inclusive Ethiopia where persons with disabilities in all their diversities exercise their human rights and have access to mainstream services and opportunities on an equal basis with others.

Starting from January 2025, ECDD will launch a new one-year livelihood project entitled “Upskilling and Employing Persons with Disabilities through Inclusive BPO Ecosystem in Ethiopia” funded by GIZ. The objective of the project is to strengthen the professional skills of persons with disabilities and ensure their employment. Currently, ECDD is looking for a competent and qualified Project Coordinator for the stated project.

Purpose of the Position

The Project Officer will support field-level implementation of all project activities, including mapping of persons with disabilities, coordinating trainings, supporting accessibility assessments, linking trainees to employers, building relationships with universities, OPDs, and BPO companies, and ensuring high-quality data collection. The role ensures that beneficiaries and institutions receive timely and appropriate support to achieve project goals.

Key Responsibilities

Field-Level Implementation of Supply-Side Interventions

• Support the implementation of baseline surveys, mapping, and profiling of persons with disabilities in close collaboration with OPDs and local stakeholders.
• Coordinate the delivery of foundational skills training at university Disability Resource Centers, ensuring accessibility, inclusive methodologies, and participant-centered approaches.
• Support accessibility audits and the modification of training facilities, including the provision of assistive devices and accessible learning materials.
• Provide direct support to trainees, including orientation, follow-up, referrals, and coordination of reasonable accommodations.

Job Placement and Employment Support

• Facilitate internships, apprenticeships, and job placements for trained persons with disabilities in collaboration with BPO companies.
• Support the use of Minch IVR and other accessible tools to disseminate job information and match candidates with employers.
• Conduct post-placement follow-up to monitor employment retention, workplace inclusion, and emerging support needs.

Engagement with Employers and Institution

• Maintain regular engagement with BPO companies, universities, Disability Resource Centers, and local EOA representatives to support inclusive practices.
• Support employer sensitization and on-the-job inclusion measures, including workplace accommodation and mentoring arrangements.
• Assist in documenting employer engagement, inclusive practices, and success stories.

Support BPO Ecosystem and Advocacy Activities

• Support OPDs in outreach, advocacy, and engagement with employers at local and regional levels.
• Assist in organizing regional or city-level stakeholder meetings, consultations, and learning events.
• Support implementation of peer support, mentorship, and career coaching initiatives for employees with disabilities.

Monitoring, Documentation, and Reporting

• Collect accurate field-level data on training participation, gender inclusion, employment outcomes, and retention.
• Maintain beneficiary records, attendance sheets, assessment tools, and case documentation.
• Prepare timely field progress reports and contribute to outcome-level reporting and learning documentation.

Administrative and Logistical Support

• Coordinate logistics for trainings, workshops, accessibility audits, and meetings at field level.
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance with financial and administrative procedures.
• Support efficient use of project resources in line with approved plans and GIZ requirements.

G. Protection, Safeguarding, and Inclusion

• Ensure Universities, and BPOSs are safe, protective, and gender sensitive.
• Comply with all relevant ECDD policies and procedures, including, but not limited to: anti-fraud and bribery, Children and Adults at Risk Safeguarding Policy, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Code of Conduct, Gender Equality, Data Protection, Finance, Procurement, and Human Resources Management.
• Enforce safeguarding protocols and ethical standards of ECDD, with special attention youth with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, Refer protection concerns and psychosocial needs to appropriate services and support networks.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Special Needs Education, Sociology, Development Studies, Economics, Management, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience implementing development or skills training projects.
• Experience working with persons with disabilities, OPDs, or private sector employers is highly preferred.
• Experience in community outreach, training coordination, and job placement services.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to travel frequently within the region.

Core Competencies

• Good understanding of disability inclusion, accessibility, and reasonable accommodation.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Good data collection and reporting skills.
• Cultural sensitivity, patience, and emotional intelligence.
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft Office, data collection tools, etc.).
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including PWDs, employers, and universities.