RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world’s most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems. We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.
About the Hiring Group
RTI under Solutions A &I portfolio is working to strengthen agricultural market system, to tackle food security and malnutrition around the globe. RTI’s work is helping foster stronger food systems, reduce malnutrition in all its forms, build resilience and engage the next generation of food security leaders. RTI is currently partnering with different stakeholders, including activities focused on private sector-driven agricultural growth in Ethiopia
The purpose of the RTI/Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity is to increase access to healthy diets, particularly for women and children, by improving competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of the Ethiopian food and agriculture system. Transforming Agriculture will also increase incomes gained from agriculture by as much as 40 percent during the project period. To achieve its goals Transforming Agriculture collaborate intensively with other Stakeholders working in the food and agriculture sector.
What You’ll Do Crop Market System Specialist will be responsible for assisting with linking farmer’s input suppliers, identify, select, and assess of improved inputs and crop input interventions and technical activities in the country. This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and will report to the senior crop market system Manager, national Office. Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
- Link farmers with agro-dealers and selected private sector to access different agricultural inputs including fertilizer, improved seed, and agro
- Working closely with potential seed and fertilizer companies to enhance the resilience of regional fertilizer market and supply chain.
- Oversee regional input identification, planning, and distribution to the required
- Design and manage all new and scale up of existing demonstration on improved input commercialization and trial.
- Ensure timely project implementation and technical reliability, monitor project activities, and ensure quality crop related project activities.
- Provide technical and/or operational guidance and serve as a subject matter expert on improved crop/horticulture Crop and horticulture value chain
- Support Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team on crop and/or horticulture inputs real-time data collection and planning.
- Liaison between stakeholders such as government, private as well as donor programs who are directly or indirectly working in the crop and/or horticulture sector in the project Clusters/zone of influence.
- Offer comprehensive technical support and guidance, including the preparation and submission of grant reports
- Capacity to organize and facilitate different workshops, and learning events
- Proven capacity to design, organize, and facilitate diverse workshops and learning events.
- Additional duties and responsibilities as
What You’ll Need
- Relevant experience in private sector engagement in relation to agricultural marketing and value chain development
- Master’s degree and 10 years of experience working on seed, fertilizers, and other crop and horticulture value chains
- A bachelor’s degree in plant science, seed science, Agronomy, or related field and 10 years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working with donor funder programs mainly in crop and horticulture market system spaces
- Demonstrated experience in crop input, field demonstration on seed and fertilizers, or agricultural development programs strongly preferred.
- Experience in crop and horticulture input management interventions required.
- Strong track record of designing, executing, and overseeing grant projects from inception to completion
- Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Verbal and written fluency in English required.
- Ability to travel and work throughout Ethiopia in difficult terrain/conditions at times.