Sector Expert – Agricultural Value Chain Development – Stichting Wageningen Research (SWR)

Vacancy Announcement for

A Sector Expert on Agricultural Value Chain Development 

Background

Stichting Wageningen Research (SWR) is an international NGO registered in Ethiopia since March 2021 with the FDRE Agency for Civil Society Organizations. The organization is established with the objectives of promoting a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems in Ethiopia. One of the projects implemented by SWR is Resilient Agriculture for Inclusive and Sustainable Ethiopian Food Systems (RAISE FS).

RAISE FS project is a four year research for development program with a mission to leverage transformation in Ethiopian food systems covering the continuum from food insecure to the better –endowed households and regions in effort of realizing production surpluses, commodity commercialization, and food and nutritional security in a sustainable manner. The project will be implemented in partnership with the Federal MoA, regional BoA, Agricultural Research Institutes and universities.

 The position

We are looking for an agri-business expert with wide experience in high value commodities.  The sector expert within RAISE-FS is expected to scope and understand the value chain performance, gaps and opportunities of the priority commodities (sectors) of the project. S/he will also support, facilitate and coordinate the identification, pilot and documentation of innovations that can enhance the performance of these priority sectors (commodity value chains) to contribute to the overall goal of RAISE-FS. S/he is responsible for improved coordination of sector actors of the priority commodities contributing to an improved sector performance and sustainable food system. S/he is responsible for regular documentation and communication of lessons, innovations, pilots and models among food system actors, policy makers and other enablers.

Key Responsibilities

• Regularly assess and analyse sector specific issues that relate to policy, market, inclusive practice, digital solution, value chain development, institutional alignment and stakeholders collaboration
• Contribute to the identification of sector gaps and solutions in collaboration with regional partners and national team
• Coordinate multi-stakeholders’ platform meetings at federal and regional level in coordination with the regional partners and the senior sector expert
• Support piloting of value chain development models and innovations in line with regional partners
• Support regional partners in policy agenda documentation, cross-check between regions and augment to federal level
• Contribute to harmonization and sharing of sector development innovations between regional partners as well as institutions at federal level
• Solicit potential partnerships for validation of innovations and scale-up of best practices developed/validated by RAISE-FS
• Under the supervision of the senior sector expert support regular communication of validated value chain development innovations to scaling-up partners
• Contribute to the development of sector documents, analysis, report, guidelines, modules, policy briefs and others related to agriculture, agribusiness, value chain and food system development in relation to the priority commodities
• Participate in the data collection and documentation of  lessons, innovations and findings within the RAISE-FS documentation portal and
• Perform other project activities as needed

What we offer

Depending on candidate’s education and work experience, we offer a competitive salary as per the organization scale which is negotiable within the range of the salary scale assigned for the position. We also offer other benefit packages as per the internal HR manual.

Project: Resilient Agriculture for Inclusive and Sustainable Ethiopian Food Systems (RAISE-FS)

Duration: Four years, subject to annual renewal based on performance

Reports to: Senior Sector Expert

The kind of person we are looking for

• A Sector Expert with proven track record in value chain development, agri-business support and stakeholders’ linkage facilitation. S/he has experience working on commodity value chains, especially on: pulse, oilseeds, poultry, spices and/or potato in Ethiopia. S/he also has considerable experience working with multiple stakeholders, including cooperatives, unions, commercial farms, agro-industry parks, agri-businesses and regional and federal public offices. Experience in organizing and facilitating multi-stakeholder platform meetings, workshops and trainings is also a skill we look for in a sector expert.

Education, Knowledge, and Skills Required

Minimum requirements:

• Minimum Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, developmental agriculture or related
• Minimum of 5 years practical experience in value chain development, coop/union and/or agribusiness support and stakeholders linkage facilitation
• Excellent communication and report writing skills and a demonstrated track record of working effectively in a team and
• Fluency in English and one or more local languages