About Agriterra

Agriterra is the world’s leading not-for-profit agri-agency from-and-for agricultural cooperatives and farmer organizations. Our mission is to strengthen organized farmers in developing and emerging countries, given the importance of effectively organized farmers to sustainably address food security, economic development, climate adaptation and mitigation. We are financed and work via donor-granted projects and programs. These long-lasting strategic partnerships with a variety of donors are key for us in our day-to-day work. For more information, visit our website www.agriterra.org.

In Ethiopia, Agriterra has been active since 2015. It supports agricultural cooperatives in the dairy, coffee, cereal, and horticulture value chains in different parts of the country.

Job opening for a Cooperative Advisor (CA)

Under the Farmer Focused Transformation program, currently we are looking for Cooperative Advisors to join our team at Dire Dewa City, Ethiopia, working under the Farmer Focused Transformation programme. The CA’s will be expected to work 40 hours per week. The Cooperative advisor will have profound experience in agricultural sector and has the ambition to take the selected cooperatives to the next level in terms of business development, governance, and financial management. In addition, the candidate should support the cooperatives to achieve one of the following Farmers Focused Transformation program targets: Mobilized loans, number of trained farmers, Lobby and advocacy proposals submitted, increased internal capital and youth & women members, etc. during the project duration.

Duties

• Provide business development advice and facilitate change management that allow cooperatives to realise their business growth potential.

• Advise cooperatives on financial management (adequate bookkeeping and financial reporting); general proper recording (membership, volumes produce, minutes, etc), financial procedures, business development, marketing & sales, business practices in cooperatives.

• Investigate opportunities to finance business plans of cooperatives, support the establishment of contacts and negotiate business agreements with banks, investors, and other financiers (governments and the business sector).

• Contribute to the development of financially sustainable structures within cooperatives and farmers’ organisations to enhance their service provision and agricultural extension to their members.

• Provide clients with guidance relating to change trajectories, to promote the interests of farmers, and cooperatives, with the authorities of the relevant developing countries.

• Collect and systematise information about clients and advisory processes, such as financial reports and annual overviews.

 What we have to offer!

• At Agriterra, the work environment is collegial and ambitious.

• Developmental opportunities including an education fund.

• In this position you get the responsibility but also the freedom to use your skills in order to operate in dynamic international markets, see and realize opportunities.

• Whenever necessary, you will work in collaboration with other Agriterra employees in Ethiopia as well as in the region.

• Agriterra is offering a full-time position for a period of five months, with the intention of extending the contract.

• The working conditions and additional benefits are good. The salary offered will depend on your experience and qualifications.

• Wonderful workplace & great colleagues!

Job Requirements

Profile

• A bachelor degree and above  in relevant field e.g., Agricultural economics, Development Studies, Entrepreneurship, Agri-business, Business administration or any other related field.

• At least 5 years of relevant working experience at international organisation(s); work experience in private sector on agri-business is a credit.

• Understanding of and experience in agricultural projects, cooperations, advisory services, financial project management, PMEL, donor reporting and/or business development.

• Good oral and written communication skills (English, Amharic, Oromiffa and other languages where relevant). Good computer skills in MS-applications (MS Office).

• Strong networking, good communication combined with solid writing and reporting skills, and presentation skills,

• Business mindset, pro-active work approach, attention to detail, able to adapt to shifting demands and deadlines.

• Enthusiastic, focused on results and service, and with adequate advisory or training skills.

• Experience with working with cooperatives.

• Able and willing to travel frequently to rural areas.

Competencies

• Skills: interpersonal, organizing, coaching and, communication skills.

• Personal qualities (traits): initiative, problem-solver, team player, decisive, helicopter view, motivator.

• Able to work independently with minimal supervision

How to Apply

Are you interested in this position, and do you fit the profile? Apply before 19th  July 2023 with a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and academic certificate in one PDF file, by sending an e-mail to ethiopia@agriterra.org to the attention of Habtamu Mekonnen, Country Representative for Agriterra Ethiopia, with reference code  Cooperative Advisor. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you require further information, you can also contact him by sending an email stated above.