TECHNICAL EXPERT FOR SEED PROGRAM (×3) - Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA)

Job Description

Position Announcement
TECHNICAL EXPERT FOR SEED PROGRAM (×3)
 ETHIOPIAN AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AGENCY

 
The Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is seeking qualified candidates to serve as Technical Experts for Seeds Program.
 
BACKGROUND:

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency (the Agency or ATA) is an initiative of the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) which was established by federal regulation in January 2011. The primary aim of the Agency is to promote agricultural sector transformation by enhancing and supporting existing structures of government, private-sector and other non-governmental partners to address systemic bottlenecks in the system and deliver on a priority national agenda to achieve growth and food security.
 
The ATA focuses on a set of high priority program areas. These program areas are sub-divided into Systems, Value Chains, and Initiatives. Across these, the ATA engages public, private and non-governmental stakeholders to support strategic planning, manage and strengthen implementation capacity, and test innovative models. Its structure and function is focused on nimble, innovative and results-oriented support to a range of partners in the agricultural sector. It is financed by GOE and a range of development partners. This position Reports to Grant Manager.
 
 
POSITION SUMMARY:

Given the above background, ATA is looking to hire three to four technical experts to work with regional BoAs, implementing partners, and other stakeholders to implement the DSM-2014 scale-up program.
 
The technical experts will be part of a dedicated DSM team that will report to the Seeds Director. Each technical expert will have responsibility for overseeing the initiative in a specific region.
 
This position will officially report to the Director of Seed Program. The technical expert will be hired by the ATA as a government employee.

Job Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
 
The major duties of the technical expert include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Design the concrete implementation plan  for DSM in that region with clear activities, milestones, and targets in collaboration with BoAs and development partners
• Coordinate with regional and woreda BoAs in the identification and certification of direct seed marketing private agents based on pre-defined criteria 
• Support the development and review of training modules for producers, seed marketing agents, farmers, woreda experts, DAs, and others    
• Organize workshops, training sessions, and capacity building programs for relevant stakeholders such as producers, seed marketing agents, farmers, etc. 
• Serve as primary ATA-Seed Program point of contact for all relevant stakeholders
• Coordinate with external partners and ATA teams in co-launching Input Tracking system (ITS) and Input Credit through voucher  system in selected woredas

• Evaluate and monitor the overall progress of the DSM-2014 project across regions
• Provide ad hoc support to seed program and senior management team as required on issues relating to planning and implementation of other seed program interventions

 
The ideal Technical Expert possesses a passion for improving the lives of small-holder farmers, and a deep familiarity with Ethiopia’s agricultural system. The candidate is expected to have extensive background knowledge and experience in the marketing and distribution of agricultural inputs and cooperative development. In addition, s/he would likewise possess the operational and entrepreneurial ability to mobilize stakeholders across the seed system, and drive practical change on the ground.  
 
 
 
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
 
EDUCATION: MSc degree in fields such as Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business Management, Development Economics or other closely related fields
 
EXPERIENCE: at least 5 years of work experience in areas related to agricultural input marketing, Small and Medium enterprise (SME) development, cooperative development, value-chain development, and other related disciplines
 
SKILLS: the following are the key skills expected from the candidate:

• Understanding of Ethiopia’s agricultural system with a broad perspective on interactions between public, private and informal actors in the seed system
• Deep knowledge of agricultural input marketing and distribution systems across value chains of key crops such as maize, wheat, tef, etc.
• Experience in prioritizing and sequencing both programmatic and operational activities
• Experience in program design, performance management, stakeholder management, contract management, and Monitoring Learning and Evaluation (MLE) systems
• Knowledge of analytical methods such as different statistical tools
• Practical experience in developing and maintaining linkages between producers and markets
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, start-up environment, with an emphasis on high-performance, teamwork and accountability
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty and desire to be of service
• Fluency in Amharic and proficiency in English are essential. Knowledge of other Ethiopian language (Afaan Oromo, Tigrigna) is desired. 

 
This is a nationally recruited staff position in one of the regions (Oromia, SNNP and Oromia) with frequent travel to ATA’s Addis Ababa Office to the field. Initial appointment is fixed term beginning with a six month contract and a high possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding. ATA is an equal opportunity organization and believes the diversity of its staff contributes to excellence.   We are looking for candidates, who can ideally start work in the third week of November, 2013 (first week of December at the latest).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to send applications including a detailed CV through www.ethiojobs.net or Recruitment@ata.gov.et by clearly indicating the position title. 

Women are highly encouraged to apply

NB. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. 

Application Deadline:  December 5, 2013