Position Summary:

Job Description

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI's Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI's experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world.

SG&R’s Global Food Security and Agriculture portfolio is working to strengthen agricultural markets, engage youth and women as critical leaders of the on- and off-farm workforce, and tackle the dual burden of malnutrition around the globe. RTI’s work is helping foster stronger food systems, reduce malnutrition in all its forms, build resilience and engage the next generation of food security leaders. RTI is currently partnering on nearly 30 projects in East Africa, including activities focused on private sector-driven agricultural growth in Rwanda and market systems development in Kenya. 

Project Description

The purpose of the USAID/Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity is to increase access to healthy diets, particularly for women and children, by improving competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience of the Ethiopian food and agriculture system.  Transforming Agriculture will also increase incomes gained from agriculture by as much as 40 percent over the next five years. To achieve its goals Transforming Agriculture must collaborate intensively with other USAID funded projects working in the food and agriculture sector. 

Position Description

 The Crop Market Systems Officer – Hawassa will be responsible for assisting with designing and implementing crop/horticulture interventions and technical activities in the region This position will be based in Hawassa, Ethiopia, and will report to the Regional Manager, Hawassa Office.  

 Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Assist in designing and monitoring program activities intended to achieve improved horticulture/crop contributions and quality for priority vulnerable populations.

• Oversee regional grantees and subcontractors.

• Ensure timely project implementation and technical reliability, monitor project activities, and ensure quality.

• Provide technical and/or operational guidance and serve as a subject matter expert.

• Support Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team on crop and/or horticulture value chain real-time data collection.

• Liaison between stakeholders such as government, private as well as donor programs who are directly or indirectly working in the crop and/or horticulture sector in and around Hawassa Regional Office Clusters.  

• Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting to: Regional Manager

Grade: k/9

Job Requirements

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree and 3 years of experience working on crop and horticulture activities, or a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.  

• Demonstrated experience in economic growth, value chain development, or agricultural development programs strongly preferred.

• Experience in crop and horticulture interventions required.

• Proven ability to work under pressure, and with multiple concurrent demands.   

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.   

• Verbal and written fluency in English required. Regional language preferred.

• Ability to travel and work throughout Ethiopia in difficult terrain/conditions at times.     

How to Apply

• Interested and Qualified applicants can apply through : THIS LINK