Senior Technical Expert, Markets Program - ATA

Senior Technical Expert, Markets Program
ETHIOPIAN AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AGENCY

 
The Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a Senior Technical Expert, Markets 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.
 
 
POSITION SUMMARY:

A Senior Technical Expert in the Markets Program will assist the Director of Markets in the development, implementation and support of a portfolio of initiatives to improve the agricultural markets systems in Ethiopia. The Technical Expert will help the Director improve smallholder farmers’ access to local and international markets, in high priority areas of cereals, oil crops, high value pulses, livestock and other agricultural produces. The ideal Technical Expert would possess a passion for improving the lives of small-holder farmers, a deep familiarity with Ethiopia’s agricultural system and extensive knowledge of Ethiopia’s agricultural markets. S/he would likewise possess the entrepreneurial ability to visualize transformation, to mobilize stakeholders across the markets and to drive practical change on the ground.  S/he will also possess a strong interest in pursuing a career in the public sector, and in continuing to share the analytical, content and leadership/management knowledge gained through the position with future colleagues within the public sector.
 
This position will officially report to the Director of Markets Program. This is a two-year, fixed term, exempt, renewable appointment. The Technical Expert will be hired by the ATA on a government contract, towards the ATA’s intention of building public sector capability.

Job Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. To ensure creation of market linkages through facilitating the connection between large-scale buyers and producers (esp. cooperatives), and to raise the profile of producers through promotion with large buyer networks
2. To assist in the conception, launch, and support over time of a portfolio of initiatives designed to measurably improve the agricultural markets system in Ethiopia
3. To support the Director in building the capacity, as necessary, of key government, private and informal actors in Ethiopia’s markets system to enable long term improvements within the agricultural markets system

Key Functions:

• Supports the Director of the Markets Program who is responsible for the overall direction, values, culture and management of the Program
• Assists in the engagement of stakeholders across the markets system (government, business, civil society, universities, cooperatives, farmers’ organizations, farmers, donors, etc.) to identify and prioritize actions to improve the efficiency of the agricultural market system
• Works with stakeholders to design and then implement high-priority interventions to improve the agricultural output markets system
• Aid in managing the performance of agricultural markets initiatives; setting key performance indicators, milestones and targets; engaging stakeholders to creatively solve problems and overcome obstacles in order to achieve desired results
• Assists the Director in critically assessing capacity gaps hindering the effective implementation of markets initiatives and developing approaches for improving capabilities as required 
• Works with the Director of the Markets Program so that the ATA markets initiatives are used as a platform for project-based learning
• Aid the Markets Program in the integration of markets initiatives with other ATA programs to achieve synergies and outcomes that impact the broader agricultural system

 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA or Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Marketing Management, Business Administration or another relevant subject
• At least 5-7 years for MSc and 10 years’ experience for BA  in the field of agricultural markets
• Understanding of Ethiopia’s agricultural market system, with a broad perspective on how the entire system operates and how public, private and informal actors operate within the system)
• An extensive network, with relationships with the key market players, both locally and internationally, within cereal, pulses and oilseeds markets
• Deep knowledge of modern agricultural marketing systems and farmers’ cooperatives, as well as public, private and other alternative distribution models
• Experience in prioritizing and sequencing both programmatic and operation activities
• Experience with program design, performance management, learning systems and monitoring & evaluation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, start-up environment, with an emphasis on high-performance, teamwork, accountability and results
• Ability to build relationships with all kinds of people
• Highly facilitative and collaborative leadership style
• Excellent adaptive problem-solver in challenging environment
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty and desire to be of service
• Fluency in English is essential.  Fluency in at least Amharic and/or one additional Ethiopian language is a plus

How To Apply

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
 
We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to send applications including a detailed CV through 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:  May 1, 2014