Countries

Volunteer in Ethiopia

Friendly, welcoming people and a country slowly recovering from devastating famine face anyone looking to volunteer in Ethiopia, making it a worthwhile destination for a volunteer project or overseas work placement. Our specialist voluntary projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including professionals on a career break, recent graduates or retired seniors.

Located in Eastern Africa, with landscape varying from arid desert to snow-capped mountains and everything in between, Ethiopia is a fascinating country. The capital city of Addis Ababa is an astonishing 2,400m above sea level and its eclectic mix of relative modernity and ramshackle shanty towns make it a challenging destination for skilled volunteers looking for jobs abroad. With the help of an increased international presence in the region, the Ethiopian government is able to use early warning indicators to reduce the risk of famine that was seen on such a drastic scale over the last twenty years. While the country is undoubtedly moving forward, any progress is frustratingly slow, making it even more important to recruit qualified volunteers. Away from the capital, keen tourists have the chance to explore a more varied landscape with the shimmering lakes of the rift Valley giving way to the famous Lalibela Churches and Simien Mountains.

Volunteer skills required in Ethiopia

Kids from a tribe in Ethiopia

Projects Abroad Pro are looking for confident, friendly and well-organised people who have an open-minded approach to working in a developing country. We offer numerous opportunities for qualified individuals interested in taking part in skilled voluntary work in Ethiopia. Each project has specific requirements regarding qualifications, but any related experience you may have will also be taken into consideration when you apply.

Projects Abroad Pro run specialist voluntary placements in Ethiopia, based in and around the capital city of Addis Ababa. Volunteers work on a wide range of specialist projects including teaching in schools, practicing physiotherapy in hospitals and human rights law. Each of these projects can be viewed in more detail, along with an in-depth description of the specific qualifications required, by following the links at the top of the page.

Even if you feel you do not possess the required skills or qualifications for these specialist roles, you can still help on the same projects. Please visit our website for more information about volunteering in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia Flag

Ethiopia at a glance

  • Full name: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
  • Population: 85.2 million
  • Capital: Addis Ababa
  • Area: 1.13 million sq km (437,794 sq miles)
  • Major languages: Amharic, Oromo, Tigrinya, Somali
  • Major religions: Christianity, Islam
  • Life expectancy: 52 years (men), 54 years (women) (UN)
  • Monetary unit: 1 Birr = 100 cents
  • Main exports: Coffee, hides, oilseeds, beeswax, sugarcane
  • GNI per capita: US $220
  • Internet domain: .et

The following projects can be undertaken in Ethiopia:

Projects