Il Sole Onlus is an Italian NGO dedicated to the protection of the rights of children and of the most vulnerable groups. It has been active since 1997 and currently operates in Ethiopia, India and Italy with projects that support children and women in vulnerable conditions.

Il Sole Onlus is actively working in Addis Abeba (Ethiopia) in collaboration with the local NGO IFSO (Integrated Family Service Organization) and local authorities to implement social projects for the protection of abused children and vulnerable youth. The two organizations manage one foster home in the city of Addis Ababa, where most of the activities are implemented in addition to sponsorship projects and empowerment of vulnerable youth in Addis Ababa.

The project

The project entitled "Vocational Training for the Empowerment of Vulnerable Youth in Addis Ababa AID 012590/02/6 from June 2023 to May 2026" aims to strengthen the existing Ethiopian Government system that address the challenges faced by street-involved youth in Addis Ababa. This project is co-funded by AICS and implemented by Il Sole Onlus in partnership with AGENZIA MISSIONARIA EVANGELO PER LE NAZIONI (AMEN) and Integrated Family Services Organization (IFSO). The project supports the government's initiatives to enhance access to education, employment, and income-generating opportunities for this vulnerable group. To do so, the local implementing government partners agreed to the empowerment of selected vulnerable youth who are often forced to live on the streets of Addis Ababa and unemployed. 

So far the project “Vocational training for the empowerment of vulnerable youth in Addis Ababa” AID 012590/02/6 activities are ongoing, enhancing the capacity of selected TVET colleges to accommodate more youths in street situations and improving ability to offer adaptive, and inclusive training. Besides, the construction of a G+4 workspace building in Lideta Sub city, within the compound of the Lideta Youth Center W.9 is almost finalised.

In parallel to the ongoing activities, the outcome /OC 2.1 under specific objective/ SO2 activities to select 180 youths in street situations in Addis Ababa to receive social support and technical and vocational education training is ongoing. During the training, the young people will receive life-skills training aimed at improving their ability to problem-solving and their social and interpersonal skills. Psychosocial support is also to be provided to young people who are in need of special counselling.

Career level: Mid level

Employement type: Full time

Location: Addis Ababa

Duration: Upto May 2026

PROJECT COUNSELLOR (PCN)

The Project Counsellor (PCN) reports to the Project Officer (PO) and interacts with all the other staff members and the representatives of the NGOs partners. He/she will also interact with Lideta Manufacturing College, Lideta SUbcity Woreda 3 Youth Center and beneficiaries of the project. 
Job Summary:

The PCN is responsible for the successful implementation of day to day tasks of the project at youth center level. He/she will assist the Project Officer to ensure that the project deliverables and results are being met according to project workplan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engagement and Relationship Building

• Engage regularly with youth aged 15–29 attending vocational training programs and youth center.

• Provide consistent follow-up and individualized support to ensure continued engagement and progress within the program.

• Counselling Services

• Plan and coordinate access to counselling services within the youth center compound.

• Identify trainees in need of psychosocial support and refer or deliver appropriate counselling interventions.

• Design and deliver individual and group counselling sessions tailored to the needs of the beneficiaries.

• Case Management

• Conduct assessments and provide casework support to trainees as needed.

• Monitor and document the progress of individual cases to ensure effective support and follow-through.

• Psychosocial Assessments and Group Dynamics

• Assist in assessing beneficiaries’ personalities, behaviors, and attitudes to determine their suitability for TVET program components.

• Develop and facilitate group exercises to evaluate the potential for effective collaboration within proposed Income Generating Activity (IGA) groups.

• Peer-to-Peer Activities

• Design, implement, and oversee peer-to-peer learning and support initiatives in collaboration with workspace staff.

• Promote a culture of mutual learning, mentoring, and support among trainees.

• Facilitate structured opportunities for trainees to network and exchange experiences, ideas, and best practices.

• Monitoring and Evaluation Support

• Support project M&E activities through data collection, analysis, and the identification of trends or areas requiring additional support.

• Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare regular progress updates and activity reports for the Project Officer.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of all counseling activities and beneficiary interactions.

• Carry out any other task as deemed necessary by PO

Job Requirements

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counselling or Psychology

Experience: 

• At least 2 years of experience working with vulnerable youth or in educational settings

• Experience in technical and vocational education and training institutions  

Skills:

• Strong organizational and coordination skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities especially with youth, parents and stakeholders

• Proficiency in English and Amharic.

• Familiarity with Microsoft 

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• High level of integrity and accountability.

How to Apply

A resume (not longer than 2 pages) summarizing qualifications and experience and an application/motivational letter.

Interested candidates please fill out the following google document using THIS LINK on or before July 15th 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The selection respects the principles of equal opportunities.

Il Sole Onlus reserves the right to suspend or terminate the hiring process at any stage without prior notice or obligation to provide justification.