Cooperative Advisor

About Agriterra

Agriterra is an international non-profit organisation founded by the Dutch agricultural sector. We are dedicated to strengthening farmer organisations because we believe they are the cornerstone of thriving rural communities.

By building on the success of the Dutch cooperative sector, we provide the knowledge, resources, and support farmer organisations need to grow stronger, thrive economically, and create lasting local prosperity.

With a strong presence in the countries where we work, Agriterra fosters collaboration and long-term impact.

Together, we sow the seeds of change today, for a thriving tomorrow.

About the Project

The Farmers Focused Transformation-II (FFT-II) project is a five-year initiative running from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030.

The project focuses on the avocado, banana, and mango value chains in the Sidama and South regions of Ethiopia.

FFT-II aims to strengthen 26 farmer organizations (FOs) and improve the livelihoods of more than 51,000 smallholder farmers by promoting resilient, inclusive, and market-oriented horticulture systems.

FFT-II will strengthen the role of cooperatives in improving productivity, market access, and business performance. The project will enhance cooperative-led production systems and extension services to ensure farmers receive timely technical support, adopt improved farming practices, and access quality inputs.

These efforts are expected to increase productivity and improve household incomes.

The project will also strengthen market systems by improving aggregation, market linkages, and value addition for avocado, banana, and mango products. Cooperatives will be supported to improve collection systems, connect with reliable buyers, and explore value-added opportunities that increase competitiveness in domestic and export markets.

In addition, FFT-II will expand cooperative financial services and improve business performance to build more sustainable and resilient farmer organizations.

To ensure long-term sustainability, FFT-II will invest in strengthening the governance, leadership, and institutional capacity of farmer organizations. The project will improve management systems, transparency, accountability, and member participation while promoting climate-smart horticulture practices and improved post-harvest management to reduce losses and improve product quality.

FFT-II will also support lobbying, advocacy, and policy engagement to create a more enabling environment for horticulture cooperatives and smallholder farmers.

By 2030, the project envisions strong, financially sustainable, and well-governed farmer organizations that drive productivity, value addition, and market integration across the value chain.

About the Job

Agriterra is seeking a Cooperative Advisor to provide expert guidance and coordinate advisory trajectories with reputable fruit and vegetable producing and marketing cooperatives in the South Region around Arba Minch city.

The Cooperative Advisor will play an advisory and coaching role in developing and strengthening cooperatives, supporting them to become more professional, competitive, and sustainable.

To achieve this, the successful candidate will establish and maintain a robust network that encompasses cooperatives, financial institutions, traders, service providers, and other key stakeholders across the value chain.

He or she will initiate and guide change trajectories with selected cooperatives, while also lobbying, mediating, and supporting negotiation processes, including the preparation of viable business deals.

The Cooperative Advisor will be hired for four months and will support 5–7 cooperatives during the assignment period by working closely with an experienced Agriterra Cooperative Advisor.

This is an excellent opportunity for a true pioneer who is motivated to make a lasting impact.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Cooperative Advisory Work

• Support the Senior and Medior Cooperative Advisors in assessing and selecting cooperatives.
• Support project implementation with selected cooperatives.
• Conduct advisory work such as:
  • Scoping studies
  • Cooperative assessments
  • Development of action plans

Action Planning and Contract Management

• Assist selected farmer cooperatives in developing annual action plans with Agriterra.
• Prepare and manage contracts between targeted cooperatives and Agriterra.

Implementation and Follow-Up

• Support execution of action plans and follow-up activities.
• Develop performance objectives and coaching work plans with target organizations in collaboration with cooperative advisors and the project lead.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Collect and record project and client data in Agriterra’s M&E systems.
• Assist the Project Lead with planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of interventions.
• Prepare timely monthly and end-of-mission reports.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Maintain strong working relationships with all FFT-II project partners.
• Represent Agriterra in relevant value chain meetings, workshops, consultations, and field visits.

Competencies

Skills

• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Communication skills

Personal Qualities

• Initiative
• Creative problem-solving
• Team player
• Ability to work under strenuous conditions
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Multitasking ability
• Positive “can-do” attitude

What Do We Offer?

• A collegial and ambitious work environment.
• Development opportunities, including an education fund.
• Responsibility and freedom to use your skills in dynamic international markets.
• Opportunity to identify and realize new opportunities.
• Full-time employment for four months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability.
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Good working conditions and additional benefits.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in:

• Development Studies
• Climate Change
• Environmental Science
• Entrepreneurship
• Agribusiness
• Agricultural Economics
• Rural Development
• Or a related field

Experience

• Up to 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience with international organizations, NGOs, or agricultural and climate-resilience development projects is preferred.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of climate change adaptation and mitigation approaches.
• Experience in Ethiopian fruit and vegetable value chains, especially banana and mango value chain development.
• Experience in:
  • Climate-smart agriculture
  • Sustainable agricultural practices
  • Resilience building
  • Environmentally sustainable market systems development
• Proven experience in:
  • Market systems development
  • Market linkage facilitation
  • Value chain assessments and analyses
• Familiarity with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and reporting processes.

Language Skills

• Excellent oral and written English.
• Proficiency in Gamo and other local languages is an added advantage.

Computer Skills

• Strong computer skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Other Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to field locations.
• Availability to commence work immediately upon selection.