Regenerative Agriculture (RA) Advisor

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalyzing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Building on 60 years of experience we support our partners with our technical and process expertise and methodological rigor. We do this in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. By being adaptable and tailoring our approaches to these different contexts, we can contribute to impact at scale, resulting in more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on our operations in Ethiopia and SNV generally visit our website: www.snv.org.

Project background

The Seas of Change Ethiopia project is a 5-year project that will work at the nexus of the regenerative agriculture (RA) and productive use of renewable energy (PURE) areas. The project aims to drive system transformation in the RA and PURE nexus by promoting regenerative agriculture (RA) practices that restore ecosystems, enhance productivity, and integrate with renewable energy solutions for sustainable market systems and inclusive growth. The project will apply an innovative hybrid implementation model where it leverages existing initiatives and expertise within the ecosystem and connects actors to facilitate processes and encourage synergies.

The Seas of Change Ethiopia project falls under the Strategic Partnership umbrella programme. The Strategic Partnership programme will provide strategic steering and support to the RA-PURE nexus portfolio (in and beyond SNV), with dedicated programs towards advancing the RA-PURE nexus in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Purpose of the Job

The RA Advisor will play a central role in advancing regenerative agriculture practices within the RA and PURE nexus project, focusing on restoring ecosystems, improving soil health, and increasing agricultural productivity. The Advisor will adopt a systems transformation approach and acting as a convener to bring together diverse stakeholders.

The Advisor will work closely with farmers, cooperatives, policymakers, private sector actors, research institutions, and financial entities to support the transition to regenerative farming models that improve ecosystem services, market access, and food security.

Strategic Leadership & RA Integration

• Develop and implement a regenerative agriculture strategy that aligns with RA-PURE nexus objectives and supports climate-smart, resilient farming systems.
• Provide technical expertise on soil health, agroecology, agroforestry, water conservation, climate adaptation, and biodiversity enhancement in farming systems.
• Lead efforts to integrate PURE solutions into RA practices, ensuring efficient energy use in areas such as solar-powered irrigation, post-harvest processing, and sustainable mechanization.
• Support the development of business models and financing mechanisms to scale RA adoption among smallholder farmers and agribusinesses

Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer

• Design and lead capacity-building programs for project partners, including farmers, cooperatives, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders.
• Develop training materials, toolkits, and practical guides on RA best practices, climate adaptation, and energy-efficient agricultural techniques.
• Organize workshops, peer-learning events, and field demonstrations to support knowledge transfer and the adoption of RA-PURE solutions.
• Document and disseminate best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to inform project activities and influence broader sector development.

Market Development & Value Chain Strengthening

• Support the development of sustainable RA value chains, ensuring improved market access for RA-PURE farmers and agribusinesses
• Analyze market opportunities, barriers, and incentives for the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices in agricultural value chains.
• Facilitate partnerships between farmers, cooperatives, buyers, processors, and technology providers to create sustainable market systems for RA solutions
• Work with financial institutions and development agencies to increase access to finance and investment for regenerative farmers adopting PURE solutions.

Policy, Advocacy & Institutional Support

• Engage with government agencies, policymakers, and industry bodies to advocate for policies and incentives that promote regenerative agriculture and PURE adoption.
• Support the development of institutional frameworks that enhance sector governance, encourage RA-friendly financing mechanisms, and create an enabling environment for RA-PURE expansion.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and collaboration to align policy, investment, and agricultural development goals with RA-PURE strategies.

Innovation & Technology Promotion

• Identify and promote innovative RA practices and technologies, such as biofertilizers, cover cropping, rotational grazing, conservation tillage, and renewable energy-powered irrigation.
• Collaborate with research institutions, RA promoters and agritech companies to introduce and scale data-driven, climate-smart solutions for regenerative farming.
• Monitor global and regional trends in regenerative agriculture and facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge approaches in project interventions.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

• Work closely with the LEARNING/MEL team to develop RA-specific indicators, to track progress, measure impact, and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Use data and evidence to refine RA-related strategies and demonstrate the value of the RA and PURE nexus.
• Contribute to regular reporting and communication of project outcomes to donors and stakeholders

• Master’s degree in Agronomy, Agroecology, Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Science or other related disciplines is required
• Substantial experience (at least 10 years) in regenerative agriculture, agroecology, sustainable land management, or agricultural extension, in the context of international development co-operation in Ethiopia.
• Demonstrated experience in integrating renewable energy solutions into agricultural systems.
• Strong background in capacity-building, training, and knowledge-sharing methodologies.
• Experience in multi-stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and market-based approaches for sustainable agriculture.
• Experience in value chain development, market linkages, and sustainable agribusiness models.
• Knowledge of policy frameworks, investment models, and financial mechanisms for supporting RA adoption.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills to engage diverse stakeholders.

Contract Type: National, Full-time

Expected start date: As soon as possible

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Contract Duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability.

How to Apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation before/on April 14, 2025. Please submit your application only via: Smart Recruiters. All information will be kept in the strictest confidentiality.

If your experience and skills match the position’s requirements, we will contact you to advise on the next steps in the recruitment process.

Working at SNV  

SNV offers a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from and contribute to an internal and global network of experts.

At SNV, inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and uphold a policy of non-discrimination based on factors such as disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and more.

Vetting

SNV carries out rigorous background and reference checks concerning possible safeguarding incidents for all candidates applying for both nationally and internationally determined positions. As SNV participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a request to past employers to fill in a questionnaire regarding Misconduct (sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment), the “Statement of Conduct“. This Statement of Conduct adopts the definitions used in the Scheme.

SNV is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are encouraged to apply.