Development Agent (3 Positions)

About HRNS

Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS) is a German-based global nonprofit organization, registered in Ethiopia with the Authority for Civil Society Organizations, and has been operating in Ethiopia since 2015. The organization’s objectives include improving livelihoods in rural environments, supporting small holder farmers, women and youth, and protecting nature and the environment.

Job Title: Development Agent

Duty station: The duty station will be Yayu, Hurumu and Alge-Sachi woreda, Illu abbabor zone Oromia regional state

Reporting: The Development Agent Position will report to Filed Coordinator.

Number of position (three)

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Development Agent (DA) will support the implementation of the Yayu Project by working closely with smallholder farmers, cooperatives, youth, and women to promote climate-smart agriculture, livelihood diversification, organizational development, and environmental conservation. Specific responsibilities include:

• Gain in-depth understanding of HRNS-Ethiopia programs, project objectives, and approaches within the Yayu Project.
• Conduct regular farm visits to assess local needs, monitor progress, and provide technical guidance on coffee, vegetables, fruits, forest seedlings, and livestock (fattening & dairy) production.
• Support youth groups, women, and farmer cooperatives in implementing climate-smart and biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices.
• Facilitate the establishment and management of demonstration plots, Farmer Field Schools (FFS), and community nurseries, including mentoring youth facilitators.
• Strengthen local cooperatives and farmers’ organizations by providing support on leadership, governance, marketing, and value chain activities.
• Promote gender equality and youth engagement through coaching, participatory decision-making, and income-generating initiatives.
• Collaborate with community leaders, local authorities, and technical experts to identify priorities, opportunities, and challenges in agricultural and conservation interventions.
• Provide up-to-date, research-based information on best practices in sustainable coffee production, agroforestry, and livestock management.
• Facilitate linkages among value chain actors including producers, processors, and marketers to enhance productivity, quality, and market access.
• Collect and document success stories, lessons learned, and best practices for knowledge sharing and project reporting.
• Support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of HRNS-Ethiopia’s Yayu Project activities, ensuring alignment with project work plans and outcomes.
• Perform other duties as required to ensure smooth and effective project operations.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or Level-4 qualification in Plant Science, Animal Science, Agriculture, or related fields.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in extension, rural development, or agriculture.
• Experience in farmer cooperative development (OD), youth engagement, or gender-focused programs is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and sustainable coffee production.
• Strong communication skills, including report writing and facilitation.
• Proficiency in English (oral and written).
• Motorcycle license (two wheels) is required.
• Experience with international NGOs is an asset.