Ethiopia’s complexity as a country—marked by internal conflicts, climate-related challenges and resource constraints—presents significant hurdles for implementing humanitarian programs.  

Deployed to Ethiopia since May 2023 with the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), RedR Australia roster member Jason, has faced many challenges. Jason’s role as a program officer focuses on supporting durable solutions for the high numbers of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Ethiopia.  

“The principal challenge is the lack of sustainable peace in some areas of the country. While significant progress has been made, including the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement that ended the Northern Ethiopia conflict, various factors continue to pose challenges in some parts of the country. Combined with limited social services and economic opportunities, this makes it difficult to create the conditions that would allow for safe and voluntary returns for IDPs,” Jason explains. 

Moreover, Ethiopia is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which has exacerbated displacement through continued droughts and erratic rainfall. Jason tells us, “Climate variability pushes more communities into crisis, further complicating an already difficult situation. The urgency of finding durable solutions grows with each passing day.” 

Yet perhaps the greatest challenge is the gap between the pressing needs on the ground and the available resources. "The scale of displacement far exceeds the resources available to us," Jason admits. “The gap is a barrier, but we keep working to do the most with what we have.” 

With hope we carry on 

Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Jason and the IOM team have been integral to a number of initiatives that have directly impacted displacement-affected communities. 

One of the most notable achievements has been the development of Ethiopia’s National Strategy for Implementing Solutions Pathways to Internal Displacement. This framework is a roadmap for addressing displacement at the national level, with a focus on sustainable, long-term solutions. IOM also played a crucial role in crafting five regional Durable Solutions Costed Action Plans in areas covering Afar, Oromia, Somali, South Ethiopia and Tigray. 

These plans are already having an impact, especially with the recent launch of livelihoods and community-based planning activities in Tigray. “Our efforts are focused on building resilience and providing opportunities for conflict-affected populations to rebuild their lives,” Jason explains. “In areas like Adigrat and Gante Afeshum, IDPs are returning to their homes after the conflict, IOM is targeting over 700 households, with a strong focus on women, including female-headed households and survivors of gender-based violence, youth and people with disabilities.” 

The livelihood programs aim to provide vocational training, start-up capital, and market linkages to help families regain a sense of dignity and independence. The inclusion of community-based planning is also paramount, ensuring that development priorities are locally driven. “Our approach gives communities the power to define their own needs and solutions, which is crucial in the recovery process,” says Jason. 

"I remember Like-Birhane, an older community representative, telling us how much they appreciated the bottom-up approach to working with the community to identify the main recovery priorities, local resources, and develop local plans. He told us how much the youth had suffered throughout the conflict, and the importance of helping them by developing their skills, start businesses and find meaningful work. This not only helps them economically, but also psychologically, and gives hope for the future of the whole community."  

Moreover, IOM’s support for small and medium businesses through the Enterprise Development Fund and the rehabilitation of vocational training centres further strengthens the region’s capacity for recovery and growth.

Jason is pictured here during a field mission with IOM Shelter and NFI colleagues, providing shelter repair kits to IDPs. 

The Role of Program Officer at IOM Ethiopia 

Many displaced people were primarily affected by the ongoing conflict in the northern regions between 2020 and 2022. In his current role, Jason is responsible for coordinating a wide range of activities aimed at finding sustainable solutions to this displacement. 

“My main role is to facilitate the process of reintegrating displaced people, helping them return to their homes, or to find lasting alternatives to displacement,” he explains. “I work closely with a range of stakeholders, including government bodies, UN agencies, NGOs and community representatives, to drive forward solutions for the affected communities.” 

One of the major components of his work involves supporting coordination of the Tigray Durable Solutions Working Group. This includes collaborating with local administrations, other humanitarian actors, and civil society to ensure that solutions for IDPs are not only practical but also sensitive to the broader context of peace and social cohesion. 

The work continues 

While challenges remain, Jason’s work offers a hopeful perspective on how long-term solutions can and must be implemented, even in the most complex and resource-strapped settings. “The work we’re doing now is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and self-sustaining future for these communities. It’s not just about meeting immediate needs—it’s about ensuring that people have the resources and support to thrive in the long term,” he concludes. 

As Jason continues his mission in Ethiopia, he remains driven by the belief that sustainable solutions for displaced populations are not only possible but necessary for lasting peace and prosperity.

RedR roster member, Jason, during a field visit in Ethiopia.

End Note: How it began  

As an experienced RedR Australia roster member Jason first deployed with us in 2021 into OCHA, based in Thailand to support the Myanmar humanitarian response, and is currently in Ethiopia where he has been posted since 2023 with IOM. 

Jason’s journey into humanitarian aid was launched through his beginnings in social work. “After graduating in 2011, I began working with refugees and asylum seekers in Brisbane, Australia. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to help individuals and families settle in as they sought new lives,” he reflects. This initial exposure to migration struggles led him to take on a range of international assignments that broadened his understanding of humanitarian needs worldwide. 

His career soon took him on an international trajectory, where he pursued a Master of Humanitarian Assistance while working in Nauru. From there, opportunities arose to work with NGOs in Malaysia, Thailand, and Iraq.  

“The humanitarian sector requires an ability to adapt quickly, collaborate with diverse groups, and innovate solutions in complex and resource-challenged environments,” Jason explains. This ability to navigate such complexities has been a central theme throughout his career.