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

ECDD, in partnership with Fayaa Integrated Development Organization (FIDO) and with funding from UN OCHA, is preparing to launch the project titled “Integrated Multi-Sector Lifesaving Humanitarian Assistance for People Affected by Critical Malnutrition and Education Needs in Diga and Kiramu Woredas of East Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.” ECDD’s education-focused interventions aim to ensure access to quality and inclusive learning opportunities for crisis-affected children, particularly those with disabilities and those who have missed out on schooling due to conflict, displacement, or other emergencies. These efforts are guided by the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) strategy, and Ethiopia’s national frameworks for inclusive and accelerated learning.

The Project Officer will be responsible for ensuring that project interventions, including those led by FIDO, are disability inclusive. S/He will provide technical support on disability inclusion to project partners while activities are being implemented at the grassroots level in Kiramu Woreda, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Program Implementation

• Support the establishment and operationalization of disability inclusive Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) in target kebeles.

• Identify, enroll, and track the participation of children with disabilities.

• Distribute accessible and disability-inclusive teaching and learning materials.

• Ensure teaching curricula are adapted to meet the needs of diverse learners, in collaboration with teachers/facilitators.

• Promote inclusive teaching methods and support teachers/facilitators in applying child-centered, gender-responsive, and disability-inclusive approaches.

Community Mobilization and Stakeholder Engagement

• Conduct community sensitization sessions to promote the right to education for children with disabilities.

• Mobilize parents, caregivers, and community leaders to support attendance and retention of learners with disabilities.

• Strengthen the capacity of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and School Improvement Committees (SICs) to advocate for and support disability inclusive education.

• Facilitate linkages with local education offices, Organizations of Persons with disabilities (OPDs), and service providers.

Capacity Building

• Provide ongoing technical support and capacity building to partners on disability inclusive practices.

• Organize and deliver basic training and ongoing coaching for facilitators and school staff on inclusive education and disability awareness.

• Share good practices in adapting teaching methods and materials for learners with special needs.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Collect accurate, disaggregated data on learners (age, gender, disability, and location).

• Conduct regular visits to Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) and schools to ensure quality and compliance with project standards.

• Document and report progress, challenges, and success stories to the Project Coordinator.

• Participate in review meetings and contribute to donor and internal reports.

Child Protection and Safeguarding

• Ensure that all project activities comply with ECDD’s Code of Conduct, Child and Adult at Risk Safeguarding Policy, and PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) Policies.

• Identify and report protection risks, making timely referrals to appropriate services.

• Promote safe, protective, and accessible learning environments.

Administrative and Logistical Support

• Assist with organizing training, meetings, and community events.

• Coordinate with the procurement team of ECDD to ensure timely procurement and delivery of materials.

Reporting Line

• The Project Officer will report directly to the Project Coordinator and work in close collaboration with FIDO and Woreda education offices, schools, and community structures.

Job Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Special Needs Education, Social Work, Community Development, or a related field.

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in community-based education, humanitarian programming, or disability inclusion work.

• Practical understanding of inclusive education principles and the needs of children with disabilities.

• Experience working with Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) frameworks, non-formal education, or education catch-up models.

• Experience in implementing UN-funded projects and understanding, preferably projects funded by UN OCHA.

• Experience working in rural and/or emergency-affected areas.

• Ability to collect and manage data accurately.

• Fluency in Afaan Oromo and local dialects of East Wollega, with strong communication skills in both written and spoken English

Desirable:

• Experience with Accelerated Learning Programs or non-formal education approaches.

• Knowledge of local contexts in Kiramu Woredas of East Wollega Zone.

• Skills in Ethiopian Sign Language or other accessible communication methods.

5. Core Competencies

• Strong commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities and inclusive education.

• Good facilitation, communication, and community mobilization skills.

• Cultural sensitivity, patience, and adaptability to challenging environments.

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

• Problem-solving and proactive approach to field challenges.

How to Apply

Application Process

Interested and Qualified candidates are invited to submit a CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation. Candidates are also expected to fill out the ECDD Job Application Form by clicking on the link: 

THIS LINK 

ECDD is an equal opportunity employer, with a strong commitment to the inclusion of persons with disabilities and women. Qualified individuals with disabilities, especially women, are encouraged to apply.  ECDD gives priority to qualified individuals with disabilities. ECDD will meet any and all required disability adjustment costs to enable individuals with disabilities to meet job requirements.

For further information ECDD Office – Beklobet, in front of Global Hotel, Kirkos Sub-city Woreda 04; House № 213; Third Floor, Office № 001, Addis Ababa Ethiopia; Phone Number: 251-0904-57-00-00; email: HRecdd@ecdd-ethiopia.org

Disclaimer:

ECDD is a disability-based organization committed to safeguarding all Children and Adults at Risk. ECDD has Zero Tolerance for incidents of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation against children and adults at risk, including sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment, committed by employees, volunteers, consultants, or contractors working with us where development and humanitarian programs are implemented. ECDD also has Zero Tolerance for Corruption. Thus, ECDD expects everyone who works for it to respect its Children and Adults at Risk Safeguarding Policy, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policy, and other legal frameworks. Violations of these stated policies and relevant laws will be subject to corrective action up to and including termination of the employment contract.