Research and grant officer

Job Type: Hybrid - Contractual
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Experience: Intermediate
Vacancies: 1
Skills: Evidence Management, Creative Writing, Organisational Policies, Evidence Analysis, Grants Management System, Research Design

Background and Ideological Foundation

The proposed Civil Society Organization (CSO), Youth Innovation, Research and Local Solutions

for Inclusive Development, is rooted in the belief that Ethiopia’s demographic dividend — over 40

million young people — can be harnessed to drive inclusive prosperity. The CSO’s ideology

emphasizes locally generated knowledge, youth innovation, and community-driven solutions as

the foundation for sustainable development.

While many interventions in Ethiopia remain project-based and short-term, this CSO seeks to

establish a long-term institutional platform that bridges research, innovation, entrepreneurship,

and partnerships. Its mission is to empower young people and underserved communities to

become innovators, researchers, and leaders who can generate practical solutions to pressing

social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Within this vision, the Research and Grant officer plays a critical role: transforming the CSO’s

conceptual framework into feasibility, visibility, and credibility. By conducting research mini-ideas,

producing analytical articles, and supporting grant proposal development, the officer ensures that

the CSO’s ideology is translated into actionable pathways for growth and sustainability.

Purpose of the Assignment

The Research and Grant officer will be responsible for:

• Converting the CSO’s conceptual vision into feasibility evidence through research and

mini-studies.

• Developing articles, briefs, and online content that articulate the CSO’s ideology and

build its presence in the public domain.

• Supporting grant proposal development by providing evidence-based narratives and

content that align with donor priorities.

This role is therefore central to positioning the CSO as a credible institution capable of mobilizing

resources and partnerships.

Scope of Work
• Feasibility Research

o Conduct desk and field research to identify priority areas aligned with the CSO’s

thematic focus (youth employment, climate resilience, digital innovation,

agriculture, etc.).

o Develop mini research ideas and pilot concepts that demonstrate the feasibility of locally driven solutions.
• Content Development

o Produce articles, blogs, and briefs that communicate the CSO’s ideology and

highlight youth innovation and local solutions.

o Ensure content is tailored for online platforms to strengthen visibility and credibility.
• Knowledge Dissemination

o Translate research findings into accessible formats for diverse audiences,

including policymakers, partners, and communities.

o Contribute to newsletters, social media, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Grant Proposal Support

o Assist in drafting and editing grant proposals.

o Provide evidence-based content and narratives that strengthen funding

applications.
• Partnership Engagement

o Prepare background notes and communication materials to support engagement

with donors, universities, private-sector actors, and development partners.

Deliverables

• Constant monitoring and tracking of funding and calls aligned with the CSO objectives.

• At least three mini research ideas per quarter aligned with CSO priorities.

• Monthly articles or briefs published online to build organizational presence.

• Contributions to at least two grant proposals within 3 months.

• Documentation of lessons learned and evidence generated to feed into the CSO’s

knowledge base.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, Communications, or

related fields (Master’s preferred).

• Strong skills in research design, data analysis, and evidence synthesis.

• Excellent writing and communication skills in English (Amharic proficiency an asset).

• Experience in content creation for development organizations.

• Familiarity with grant proposal development and donor requirements.

• Commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusive development.