Land O'Lakes Venture37: is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping communities around the world build economies by strengthening local agriculture, helping agribusinesses create jobs and linking farmers to markets. Since 1981, it has implemented over 315 integrated dairy, livestock and crops development programs in nearly 80 countries — creating lasting impact by linking farmers, businesses, and the public and private sector in local and global contexts. 

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is the lead project implementer for the Nourishing Prosperity Alliance (NPA) project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The purpose of the NPA project is to establish commercially viable and sustainable forage markets that equitably strengthen the regional competitiveness of the dairy industries in Kenya and Ethiopia. The NPA project in Ethiopia will be implemented is targeted areas of Oromia, Amhara and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) regions, with an office in Addis Ababa.

The Forage Business Development Specialist will: 

• Develop training materials and organize trainings targeting smallholder dairy and forage producers and micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) servicing them, in strengthening their business skills. 

• Build the business case for forage production by developing pricing models and cost of production models. 

• Facilitate market linkages between dairy producers, forage producers, and agribusinesses in the project’s target areas. 

• Contribute to implementation of improved regulations impacting businesses in the forage sector, including seed certification and importation.

The Forage Business Development Specialist will report to the Dairy Nutrition Manager and will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Business management or other relevant fields. 

• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in business development in the agriculture sector. 

• Demonstrated understanding of the policy/regulatory landscape impacting forage businesses, such as seed certification. 

• Experience in organizing and facilitating workshops, meetings and farmer field days.  

• Experience in working with different partners and farmers, particularly women and youth, demonstrating effective communication and professionalism with people of different backgrounds and viewpoints.   

• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.   

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Private sector experience strongly preferred.   

• Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business Management, Agricultural Extension, Animal Nutrition, Forage Agronomy, Animal production or other relevant fields. 

How to Apply

This position is open to Ethiopian nationals only and is compensated according to Venture37’s local compensation plan in Ethiopia. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted. 

Land O’Lakes Venture37 never requests money or payment from candidates for any position type. Please report any such requests to Land O’Lakes Venture37. 

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is an equal opportunity employer and an organization striving to help global communities thrive through agriculture. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors. Our culture values a diversity of voices. So, bring us your unique experiences, your workstyle, and your dreams — they’ll only make us stronger. 

Interested applicants can apply using THIS LINK