Livelihood and Enterprise Development Advisor

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Start Date: October 2026

Eligibility: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only

As a Livelihood and Enterprise Development Advisor, you will collaborate with the Professional Alliance for Development (PADet) and their team based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In this volunteer role, you will contribute to PADet’s efforts to design, implement, and enhance sustainable livelihood and enterprise development programs.

This role emphasizes increasing income-generating opportunities, building entrepreneurship skills, improving market access, and strengthening financial resilience within target communities, especially among vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and marginalized populations. Additionally, you will offer technical expertise, mentorship, and capacity-building assistance to program staff, community groups, and micro and small enterprises.

• Providing technical guidance on livelihood and enterprise development strategies.
• Assisting in proposal creation and program planning.
• Supporting the design and improvement of income-generating activities (IGAs).
• Developing and delivering training modules on entrepreneurship and business planning, mentoring local staff and community facilitators, and enhancing the capacity of micro and small enterprises.
• Conducting basic market assessments and opportunity analyses, as well as supporting business plan development and evaluation.
• Fostering partnerships that promote sustainability, and collaborating with local government, private sector stakeholders, and financial institutions.

• A bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration, International Development, Social Entrepreneurship, or a related discipline
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to critically evaluate complex data, identify underlying issues, and develop innovative solutions that drive effective decision-making and project success.
• Comprehensive knowledge of market systems development approaches, including an understanding of the principles, methodologies, and best practices used to foster sustainable economic growth and enhance market functionality in diverse environments.

• Monthly living allowance
• Accommodation
• Health insurance (including required vaccinations and antimalarial medication)
• Round-trip airfare and visa/work permit costs
• Pre‑placement, in‑country and reintegration training (along with access to self‑directed materials and online resources)
• Ongoing local support
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program during and after placement