Program Assistant

Term of Employment:    One year with the possibility of extension

Duty Station(s):               Addis Ababa , Ethiopia

Required Number:         One

Application Deadline:   September 5, 2026

Job Desciption

BACKGROUND:

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), formerly known as the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), is a strategy and delivery-oriented government institute created to help accelerate the growth and transformation of Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, which is a key contributor to the country’s GDP, exports, Systems and capacities of the workforces. The ATI’s focuses on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, pastoralists, internally displaced people (IDPs), recovering people affected by conflict and other across the country for improved income, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability.

The ATI works to transform the agriculture and rural development in Ethiopia by conducting analytical studies in the policy and programmatic areas, piloting innovative agricultural technologies and systems , creating jobs to youth and women along the value chain providing technical implementation support, linking actors along the value-chains and attracting foreign direct investment who can work with cluster farmers, implementing problem based, inclusive and sustainable innovative projects and programs and building capacities of diverse players along the transformation continuum.   The Institute joins forces with various stakeholders, like MoA and other affiliate Institutions of the Ministry, policymakers, researchers, farmers, and development partners, to support the implementation of agricultural development programs and initiatives.

In addition, the ATI collaborates with national and international partners to facilitate knowledge exchange, learning opportunities and resources mobilization. . The Institute plays a crucial role primarily in supporting agricultural policy and strategies development to drive transformation of agriculture and rural development; facilitate knowledge exchange, generating and disseminating information to support evidence-based policy formulation and decision-making and pilot innovative projects to be scaled nationwide.

Our Culture

ATI brings together highly competent specialists to address some of the toughest challenges in agriculture and rural development and make transformation a practical reality. We work with clear insight and foresight analysis, measurable goals, making use of the unique strengths of our staff. We have an exceptional team of highly competent employees with a proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results.  Our culture is one where talented, dedicated, and adaptable individuals are committed to doing their best and exhibit great teamwork to achieve excellent results.

At ATI, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution to agricultural and rural transformation leading to structural changes of the sector.  We expand our thinking, strengthen our capabilities, and redefine our roles to cover new settings to the extent possible fitting to national, continental and global dynamics. We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced growing organization with passionate, committed, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training.  We recognize our most valuable assets are our staff and are committed to providing our employees with the tools, training, and mentorships necessary to achieve their career goals.

The ATI is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment for its employees, farmers, partners, and all stakeholders. We maintain zero tolerance for any form of abuse, exploitation, harassment, discrimination, bullying, retaliation, or other harmful conduct. The Institute is dedicated to promoting equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion by ensuring fair and respectful treatment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics. We expect all employees, consultants, and partners to uphold ATI’s Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and related ethical standards in all interactions with colleagues, farmers, communities, and stakeholders. Successful candidates will be required to demonstrate commitment to these principles and to contribute to a workplace and service environment that protects the dignity, rights, safety, and well-being of all individuals.

There are many reasons to join us, but if you are seeking a dynamic and meaningful career whin a community of talented professionals with diverse expertise-collaborating to create real impact-ATI is the right place for you.

Position Summary

The Program Assistant mainly focuses on providing administrative and operational support to the New Venture Vertical in general and Vertical SD in specific at Head Office. He/she reports to the New Venture Senior Director and provides general administrative support to the vertical, including scheduling meetings and appointments, preparing meeting agendas and materials, drafting and compiling meeting minutes, coordinating travel arrangements, completing expense forms and related administrative documentation for the Senior Director, managing correspondence and filing, organizing and supporting team-wide activities, setting up and managing team office equipment and resources, coordinating logistics, following up on action points and deadlines, and handling other ad hoc requests.

The successful candidate will have an innovative, can-do attitude and enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission and results-driven organization. He/she will demonstrate strong attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills, discretion in handling confidential information, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively. The candidate should be proactive, responsive, service-oriented, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience in administrative coordination, document preparation, scheduling, travel coordination, and office management is desirable.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertake a broad range of administrative and operational support activities for the vertical, including managing schedules, arranging calls and meetings, coordinating travel, preparing event materials, supporting workshops, trainings, events, and other team activities.
• Work closely with team members to keep them informed and prepared for upcoming commitments and responsibilities for the organizational and vertical activities.
• Prepare and compile reports, correspondence, and other administrative documents, and maintain well-organized electronic and physical filing systems and administrative records.
• Coordinate and record internal and external correspondence and facilitate effective communication and follow-up between the vertical and relevant stakeholders.
• Plan, coordinate, and support the procurement of office equipment and other resources required by the vertical, ensuring timely availability and compliance with applicable procurement policies and procedures.
• Support budget and expense tracking for the vertical support and ensure that relevant financial documents, expense forms, and supporting documents are accurately prepared and submitted on time.
• Maintain the office environment, equipment, and supplies, including workspaces, internet connectivity, printers, projectors, stationery, and other office resources.
• Coordinate onboarding and logistical arrangements for new team members, including workspace, equipment, access, and essential resources.
• Support and accompany customers and other external visitors of the vertical as required, ensuring appropriate coordination, professional reception, clear communication, and timely support throughout their engagement with the office.
• Follow up on customer and stakeholder requests, coordinate responses with relevant team members, and ensure timely communication and support.
• Monitor office and operational resource needs and proactively raise requests for replenishment, maintenance, repair, or replacement.
• Support emergency and urgent administrative arrangements when needs arise complying with organizational rules and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of office assets, stock, and inventory required by the vertical and conduct regular inventory updates and ensure timely reporting and follow-up on damaged, lost, missing, expired, or obsolete items.
• Support the preparation, consolidation, and timely submission of periodic administrative and operational reports, including relevant stock, inventory, procurement, and resource utilization information.
• Maintain updated vertical and stakeholders contact lists and other information required for effective coordination and office management.
• Support coordination between the vertical and relevant corporate functions, including Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, IT, Logistics, and Administration, to ensure timely and effective delivery of required services.
• Handle other administrative and operational duties as assigned by the supervisor and exercise sound judgment in responding to urgent requests.

Required Qualification, Experience and Competence:

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree Management, Business Administration, Project Management, Economics, Development Studies, Secretarial Science and Office Management, or other related fields
• At least 6 years of relevant experience for Diploma holders or 1 year of relevant experience for Bachelor’s degree holders in a corporate, development, or similar organizational setting, preferably in a Program, Executive, or Administrative Assistant role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong interpersonal and relationship management abilities.
• Resourceful, confident, positive, energetic, and proactive, with a strong can-do attitude.
• A collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, senior management, customers, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, competing priorities, and deadlines effectively.
• Proven ability to prioritize workflow, anticipate administrative needs, and follow through on assigned tasks and commitments.
• Strong coordination, problem-solving, and follow-up skills, with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment when required.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, ethics, and confidentiality when handling sensitive information and documents.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, with the ability to use digital tools and systems for effective administrative and information management.
• Ability to effectively utilize organizational resources, systems, tools, and support services to deliver tasks efficiently, ensure value for resources, and achieve organizational objectives.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Amharic. Knowledge of an additional local language is an advantage.

Safeguarding, Ethical and Compliance Requirements:

• The Program Assistant is required to comply with ATI’s Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and all applicable compliance requirements.
• Maintain high standards of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all activities.
• Comply with organizational policies and procedures, including safeguarding, code of conduct, data protection, financial, procurement, and asset management requirements.
• Treat all colleagues, customers, partners, visitors, and other stakeholders with dignity, respect, fairness, and
• professionalism.
• Use organizational resources, information, assets, and systems responsibly, ensuring proper authorization, documentation, accountability, and value for money.
• Promptly report safeguarding concerns, misconduct, fraud, conflicts of interest, or other violations through the appropriate organizational channels.

How to Apply

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to submit (i) a cover letter and (ii) a CV (maximum 5 pages) to: https://apply.ati.gov.et. It is mandatory to mention the position title in both the subject line of your cover letter and the Outlook email subject line. Please DO NOT submit scans of certificates with your application.

Women are highly encouraged to apply

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.