Program Officer (Intern)

Empowerment for Development

Full time Posted: Jun 10, 2026

Career Level

Entry Level (Fresh Graduate)

Location

Semera, Afar

Deadline

Jun 25, 2026

✦ Kedamijobs Insights

About This Role

This internship with Empowerment for Development offers a ground-level entry point into the humanitarian and development sector, specifically within the Afar region. It is designed for a fresh graduate who wants to gain practical field experience in program coordination while working with vulnerable populations, including IDPs and migrants. You will likely support logistical, administrative, and community-facing tasks rather than leading projects independently.

What the Requirements Say About This Role

The listing targets candidates with no prior work experience, meaning the employer is prioritizing foundational qualities like adaptability, willingness to learn, and cultural sensitivity over technical expertise. A background in social sciences, development studies, or community service is implied, but practical exposure to fieldwork or volunteering in underserved areas will be a key differentiator.

How to Approach This Application

Tailor your cover letter to highlight any volunteer work, university fieldwork, or community engagement you’ve done, especially if it involved rural or pastoralist communities. Emphasize your ability to work in a remote, resource-limited setting like Semera, and demonstrate awareness of Afar’s cultural and logistical context—this signals readiness to the employer.

Best Fit

Who This Role Suits

This role is best suited for a recent graduate from Afar or a neighboring region who is committed to grassroots development work and comfortable with basic living conditions. It will likely be moderately competitive due to limited similar opportunities in the area.

Job Title: Program Officer (Intern)

Location: Afar, Semera

Job Type: Internship

Organization: Empowerment for Development (ED)

Overview:

Empowerment for Development (ED) is a national NGO committed to promote and improve the lives of vulnerable communities including women, children, IDPs and migrants through its multiple thematic areas such as Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment, Humanitarian Emergency and Climate Change, Education and Youth Development, Community Health and Protection of Vulnerable Populations, Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion. ED envisions a future where women, children, and marginalized communities, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), migrants and refugees have equitable access to essential services and opportunities for empowerment

We are seeking a motivated individual to join our field team as a Program Officer Intern. This position is designed to provide practical experience in program planning, implementation, and support in a field environment, contributing directly to the mission and vision of ED.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide day-to-day administrative and technical support to the field program team.
Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of various program activities.
Support the monitoring of project progress against established work plans and indicators.
Help in drafting program documents, reports, and communication materials.
Liaise with local partners and community representatives under the supervision of the Program Manager.
Support logistics and procurement for program activities as required.

Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as sociology, management, development studies, or social work.
Assist in monitoring project activities and tracking progress against established work plans.
Foundational knowledge of the project cycle management process.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
Passion for the mission of the organization and commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong organizational and administrative skills for managing program documentation
Excellent communication and coordination skills for liaising with field staff and local partners.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for drafting reports and presentations and a good understanding and usage of AI software’s

Language

English fluency (written and verbal) is required.
Knowledge of Afar af is an added value

How To Apply

Interested and qualified applicants should apply for the post via the following email only, please make sure the job position is explicitly written in the email subject line.

Please submit a scanned CV along with cover letter, credential documents & work experience in only one zipped file or pdf form.

Apply to: [email protected]

only short listed candidates will be contacted