CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency
Country: Ethiopia
Closing date: 07 Nov 2014

Position Announcement

ETHIOPIAN AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AGENCY

Position: Director, Extension Program (International Hire)

Term of Employment: Minimum two-year commitment

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Salary & Benefits: Competitive with comparable positions for international staff

Application Deadline: November 7, 2014

BACKGROUND:

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) is an initiative of the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) which was established by federal regulation in January 2011. The primary aim of ATA 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.

Innovations to Help Our Country Grow

ATA focuses on a set of high priority program areas that are sub-divided into Systems, Value Chains, and Initiatives. Across these areas, 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 innovative and results-oriented support to partners in the agricultural sector. It is financed by GOE and a range of development partners.

Our Culture

We have an exceptional team of employees with a proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results. Our culture is one where talented individuals are committed to doing their best and work together to achieve excellent results.

At ATA, 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, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training. We recognize our most valuable assets are our people and are committed to providing our employees with the tools and training necessary to achieve their career goals.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Director of Extension will have the primary responsibility for developing, implementing and supporting a portfolio of integrated initiatives to improve extension services for small-holder farmers. The Director will lead a team which seeks to enhance frontline farmer productivity by supporting efforts that:

· will make the extension system more effective through implementing innovative extension methods;

· more closely align extension services with farmer needs;

· integrate extension services with cooperatives, research and market actors; and

· strengthen regional planning as a driver for coordinated interventions at the kebelelevel, among other efforts.

The ideal Program Director would possess a passion for improving the lives of small-holder farmers, a deep familiarity with Ethiopia’s agricultural system, and extensive knowledge of agricultural extension systems that proved successful both within and outside Ethiopia. S/he should possess the entrepreneurial ability to visualize transformation, to mobilize stakeholders across the system and to drive practical change on the ground.

The Program Director for Extension will report to the Senior Director for Systems and be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The Program Director of Extension will lead and manage the ATA Extension Program to ensure team alignment, high performance and delivery on priority objectives. Major duties include the following:

· Take responsibility for the overall direction, values, culture and team management of the Extension Program

· To conceive, launch and support a portfolio of integrated transformational initiatives designed to better meet the needs of farmers through improvements to the agricultural extension system of Ethiopia

· Assume responsibility for end-to-end delivery on Extension Program initiatives, from problem solving to implementation support, working across issues that span all aspects of the extension system

· Provide high-quality, results-focused stakeholder management, and build a genuinely collaborative engagement with key Federal, Regional, Private, and Non-Profit partners

· Provide thought partnership and capacity-building support to key partners, particularly focusing on supporting the Extension Directorate in MoA to strengthen their performance

· Facilitate linkage and learning relationships with countries that have developed successful and transformational research systems

· Support stakeholders to mobilize needed financial, human or organizational resources for project execution

· Manage all Extension team members, providing high-caliber team management, coaching and support to ensure high performance

· Prepare and manage ATA Extension Program budget and monitor budget utilization against allocation

· Serve as a thought leader to help enhance the effectiveness of the ATA beyond the Extension Program, and where appropriate help ATA seek external peer review and counsel on its approach

· Regularly report to the Senior Director of Systems, the CEO and Chief of Staff on progress, challenges and constraints of the work

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree/PhD in Agriculture or Masters in Business Management.
• 10-15 years’ experience in a senior leadership role in government, international agency or private sector
• Experience in extension systems in developing countries, with a preference for experience in Ethiopia and an informed perspective on the role of extension services in agriculture
• Demonstrated track record of success with program design, performance management, learning systems and monitoring and evaluation
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, start-up environment, with an emphasis on high performance, teamwork, accountability and results
• Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty and desire to be of service
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Amharic are essential. Fluency in at least one additional Ethiopian language is a plus.

How to apply:

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

We invite all international candidates, meeting the required qualifications to send applications including a detailed CV throughwww.ethiojobs.netorRecruitment@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: November 7, 2014