TOR _Organizational Development Officer -Yayu Project

Job Title: Organizational Development Officer-Yayu Project

Job Purpose:

The Organizational Development Officer is responsible for strengthening farmer organizations, primary cooperatives, youth and women groups under the Yayu Project. The position supports organizational development (OD), capacity building, governance improvement, and business development of cooperatives and community groups engaged in sustainable coffee production and landscape management.

The officer provides technical support, training, and mentoring to smallholder farmers and their organizations to enhance institutional performance, inclusive participation of women and youth, and sustainable livelihoods.

Duty Station:

• Mettu, Oromia National Regional State (project field office)
• Number of position (one)

Reporting:

• Reports to the Project Field Coordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities

Organizational Development and Cooperative Strengthening

• Provide technical support to strengthen primary coffee cooperatives, unions, and farmer organizations in governance, management, and institutional development.
• Support cooperatives in improving organizational structures, leadership systems, and operational procedures.
• Facilitate the development or revision of cooperative by-laws, internal regulations, and governance mechanisms.
• Support cooperatives in preparing business plans, operational plans, and financial management systems.
• Promote transparency, accountability, and democratic decision-making within cooperatives.

Capacity Building and Training

• Develop and deliver training materials and manuals related to cooperative management, leadership, financial management, and value chain development.
• Organize and facilitate training sessions for:
  • Cooperative management committees
  • Youth groups
  • Women groups
  • Smallholder farmers
• Provide continuous technical coaching and mentoring to strengthen institutional performance.

Youth and Women Empowerment

• Support the formation, strengthening, and legalization of youth and women groups where necessary.
• Facilitate youth engagement in sustainable coffee production, agroforestry, and green enterprises.
• Promote women’s participation and leadership in cooperatives and community organizations.
• Ensure that project activities promote inclusive participation of youth and women in decision-making processes.

Project Coordination and Implementation

• Coordinate and supervise project activities related to organizational development and cooperative strengthening.
• Work closely with woreda line offices, cooperative promotion offices, and community leaders to ensure effective implementation.
• Participate in annual, quarterly, and monthly work planning and ensure implementation of planned activities.
• Monitor field-level implementation and provide technical backstopping to beneficiary groups.

Monitoring, Learning, and Reporting

• Participate in baseline surveys, assessments, and impact evaluations related to cooperatives and community organizations.
• Collect field data and document progress on cooperative performance, youth group development, and community participation.
• Compile activity reports, progress reports, and documentation of best practices.
• Maintain proper records and documentation of all training, field activities, and cooperative development initiatives.

Knowledge Sharing and Networking

• Organize experience-sharing visits and learning events among cooperatives, youth groups, and project stakeholders.
• Document and disseminate good practices and lessons learned from project interventions.
• Collaborate with government institutions, development partners, and cooperative support agencies.

Coordination with Government and Stakeholders

• Liaise with relevant government institutions to ensure project activities align with national and regional cooperative development policies.
• Participate in relevant technical meetings, coordination forums, and stakeholder engagements when delegated.
• Represent the organization in technical meetings at local or regional level when required.

Other Responsibilities

• Ensure that project activities are implemented according to approved plans and project guidelines.
• Anticipate potential implementation challenges and communicate them to the Project Coordinator/Manager.
• Maintain proper documentation and archiving project reports and supporting materials.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the Project filed Coordinator or Project Manager.

Responsibility for Ad Hoc Duties:

• Undertake additional responsibilities assigned by the Field Coordinator in support of project goals.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong facilitation and training skills
• Knowledge of cooperative governance and organizational development
• Good communication and stakeholder coordination skills
• Experience in community engagement and participatory approaches
• Strong report writing and documentation skills
• Ability to work effectively in rural field settings
• Fluency in Afaan Oromo and Amharic, with good working knowledge of English

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Cooperative Development, Rural Development, Agricultural Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or related social science fields.
• Minimum 3–5 years of NGO experience in cooperative development, community mobilization, or rural development programs.
• Experience working with smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and community organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in training facilitation and organizational capacity building.
• Knowledge of coffee value chains and sustainable agriculture is an advantage.