Senior Advisor – Processing and Value Addition

Position:                             Senior Advisor – Processing and Value Addition

Term of Employment:      1 year with possibility of extension

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

Required Number:            One

Application Deadline:       January 24, 2026

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 centred 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 team work 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 Senior Advisor – Processing and Value Addition will serve as a technical advisor to the BGO Integrated Food Complex (IFC)  Project Manager and he/she is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all project phases while taking lead responsibility for supporting loan financing and lender engagement processes.

The Senior Advisor – Processing and Value Addition ensures that the project remains technically sound, financially bankable, lender-compliant, and implementation-ready, operating under the authority of BGO and its Technical Committee.

This position will report directly to the BGO Integrated Food Complex (IFC)  Project Manager, BGO Management, the Technical Committee and will be based in Finfinnee with frequent visit to branches.

Leadership and technical roles and responsibilities

• Support planning and execution of all project phases (design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover).
• Coordinate daily project operations and supervise multidisciplinary teams.
• Ensure alignment with BGO’s strategic objectives and Beyond Aid framework.
• Represent the Project Office in meetings and technical forums when delegated.
• Oversee civil works, electromechanical installations, infrastructure development, and commissioning.
• Review and validate technical designs and specifications.
• Ensure compliance with Quality, Health, Safety, Environment (QHSE) and Environment, social and Governance (ESG) standards.
• Monitor contractors’ and suppliers’ performance against approved plans and schedules.
• Support BGO and the Project Manager in securing bank loans and blended finance for the IFC Project.
• Coordinate preparation of bankable documentation, including technical inputs for feasibility studies, financial models, cash-flow projections, and implementation schedules.
• Liaise with local and international lenders, during appraisal, due diligence, and negotiation processes.
• Respond to lenders’ technical, construction, procurement, and implementation-related queries.
• Support compliance with loan covenants, disbursement conditions, Environmental, Social, and Governance requirements, and reporting obligations.
• Assist in monitoring loan utilization and progress reporting in coordination with BGO-IFC project management office finance unit.
  Support budget monitoring, financial forecasting, and expenditure control.
• Review contractors’ progress claims, invoices, and payment certificates.
• Assist in procurement processes and contract administration in compliance with Ethiopian law and General Condition of Contract & Specific Condition of Contract (2011).
• Monitor contractual compliance and report risks or breaches.
• Maintain and update the Master Project Schedule.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly progress and lender-related reports.
• Support Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems.
• Ensure proper documentation, record keeping, and audit readiness.
• Facilitate site visits for lenders, Technical Committee members, and stakeholders.
• Support community engagement and grievance handling.
• Identify project and financing risks and support mitigation measures.

Mentor junior staff and document lessons learned.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Required qualifications, competencies, skills, and experience:

• Master’s or PhD Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, Economics, or related fields.
• Minimum 14 years for Master’s and 8 years for PhD relevant work experience, out of which 6 years is in a leadership and managerial position, in managing large-scale industrial or agro-processing projects.
• Demonstrated experience supporting bankable projects, loan financing, or development finance processes.
• Experience engaging with banks, Development Finance Institutions, or donor-financed projects is a strong asset.
• Strong technical and financial coordination skills
• Understanding of project finance, loan appraisal, and lender requirements
• Knowledge of Environmental, Social, and Governance, safeguards, and compliance standards
• Excellent reporting, negotiation, and communication skills
  Fluency in English and Afaan Oromo required; knowledge of Amharic is advantages

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.