Who we are

SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia is an International Non-governmental organization and a member of SOS Children’s Villages International Federation. The organization started its humanitarian work with the opening of its first Village in Mekelle, Northern part of Ethiopia in 1974. The organization has been providing life-saving provisions such as food, water and health services for a very significant number of children devastated by severe drought and the subsequent famine.

Today, we have grown significantly to meet the persistent challenges that confront Ethiopian children who have lost parental care and are at risk of losing their parental care. Working in close collaboration with international donors, local government and community based organizations across seven program locations; SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia aspires that every child grows up with love, respect and security.

Why we need you?

We are looking for a Program Officer who will be responsible to work on social, psychological and emotional development of the children at other form family basic care (OFFBC) and to follow-up the health matters of the children.

What we provide...

An amazing work environment that promotes personal growth through providing professional space to grow and advance your career!

Your role....

As a Program Officer, you will be in charge of the following:

• Preparing and submitting for approval long- and short-term plans for social services
• Formulating, updating and/or recommending policies and procedures governing the development of social service programs, internal regulations of Village disciplinary issues, etc. in an effort to properly raise children and prepare them for better adult life and to become responsible members of the society
• Directing coordinating, supervising and performing social welfare programs that are being implemented by the Village
• Following up, evaluating and putting recommendations on measures to be taken in order to improve services to children
• Developing and recommending child admission criteria
• Initiating, coordinating and providing guidance and counselling services to children and youth in close cooperation with caregivers.
• Participating in any child-mother related trainings organized
• Guiding the youth and developing programs to help them easily integrate with the communities
• Ensuring and encouraging the participation of the children and youth in developing programs especially in need assessment undertakings
• Collaborating with different external offices on matters of common concern for the provision of better services for the children, attends workshops and meetings as assigned by the Alternative child care program coordinator
• Advising mothers to take care of hygiene conditions of each family house and the compound at large
• Preparing health related educational packages like HIV/AIDS, sex education, etc. and teaching the children and youth
• Advising and assisting caregivers in implementing primary health care principles
• Ensures that children receive medical attention/ first-aid services if they are ill, injured and need medical treatment, refers serious cases to clinics and follows-up referral cases to hospitals
• Keeping staff informed regarding health care issues, particularly those issues affecting mothers and children such as family planning, vaccination, HIV/AIDS, nutrition and hygiene

Job Requirements

Up for the challenge...

Then check out our criteria’s:

The must haves: 

Education – BA Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or similar fields of study

Experience – a minimum of 4 years work experience preferably with children and youth

Competencies

• Flexibility, adaptability and able to work effectively in a variety of settings and in a cross-cultural situation and be knowledgeable of the services available in the community
• Knowledge and understanding of all pertinent legislation, policies, child right, child protection theories and UNCRC
• Excellent English language skills in spoken and written with commanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of social work theories, practices and procedures.
• Excellent mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Conflict resolution, counseling skill and demonstrate sound judgment particularly in dealing with aggressive care givers and children at risk
• Well-developed organizational, communication and interpersonal skill
• Good computer and report writing skill
• Desire to help children in need

The Pluses

• Previous experience working with an international NGO's

How to Apply

Excited to take on a new challenge...….

Then send us your application through EthioJobs

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

"Our selection process is a reflection of our engagement and dedication to acquire talents that promote a safe and enabling environment for children and young people"