Project Officer II – Crop Specialist

Vacancy Announcement

ETHIOPIAN AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION INSTITUTE

Position:                               Project Officer II – Crop Specialist

Term of Employment:       One year with a possibility of extension

Duty Station(s):                  Oromia (Based at Addis Ababa),

Required Number:            One

Application Deadline:       August 21/2025

Job Description

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, and workforce. The ATI’s work is centered on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers (SHFs) across the country for improved income, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability.

The ATI works to transform the agriculture sector in Ethiopia by conducting policy and analytical studies, providing technical implementation support and capacity building, coordinating.  platforms to better integrate partners and projects and designing and directly leading several innovative/pilot interventions. The Institute joins forces with various stakeholders, including 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 and learning opportunities. The Institute plays a crucial role in generating and disseminating information to support evidence-based decision-making in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.

Our Culture

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 in changing the country’s agricultural sector.  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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Regional Crop Specialist functionally reporting to the Regional Agribusiness and Systems Project Team Lead. The Regional Crop Specialist will be responsible for providing technical guidance and conducting capacity building activities in delivery of crop related extension services to Agricultural One-Stop Shop staff, and support Centres crop related extension services to smallholder clients. The Crop Specialist will also be responsible for ensuring that Last Mile Input Supply grantees conduct thorough demand assessments in seeds (cereals, horticulture), agro-chemicals, farm tools and facilitating training/demonstration activities of these products for Last Mile Input Supply customers/smallholder farmers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organize and conduct training programs and seminars for Last Mile Input Supply staff and clients, in cooperation with program technical staff.
• Provide training, mentoring and coaching services on crop production related inputs to Last Mile Input Supply staff.
• Support Last Mile Input Supply in inputs demand assessment so that Last Mile Input Supply inventory will be stocked in demand-based inputs.
• Support Last Mile Input Supply in demand creation and promotion of new products and services; by conducting series of demonstration, organizing field days, and experience sharing events.
• Organize and conduct training of smallholder farmers and extension agents on the value and use of improved inputs.
• Develop linkages between input suppliers, output markets and the Last Mile Input Supply.
• In conjunction with the Agribusiness and System Project team leader, support Last Mile Input Supply to have access to improved agricultural technologies and facilitate technology demonstrations on Last Mile Input Supply own land or on the land of Last Mile Input Supply customer farmers.
• Assist Last Mile Input Supply to have a good working relationship with the local Office of Agriculture, Cooperative Promotion Office, Livestock Institute and any other relevant development partner operating in the area; and
• Other duties assigned to him/her by the project Team Leader.

Required qualifications, competencies, skills, training, and experience:

• MSc degree in Agriculture with specialization in crop production, irrigation, horticulture, crop protection, agronomy, plant science, agri-business, or another relevant field.
• At least 4 years of experience in agriculture or crop production and/or protection capacity building, seed marketing, extension and outreach services in agronomy, horticulture, irrigation, and input supply value chains.
• Understanding Ethiopia’s agricultural system, with a broad perspective on agrochemical and seeds and their supply system.
• Experience in donor-funded programs a plus.
• Strong interpersonal, communications, and leadership skills.
• Excellent adaptive problem-solver in challenging environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Fluency in English and Afan Oromo, written and spoken, is essential; knowledge of other local Ethiopian languages preferred
• Proficient Microsoft Office user.

 

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 under the subject line of your cover letter. Please DO NOT submit scans of certificates with your application.

Women are highly encouraged to apply

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.