VIS Ethiopia is seeking a candidate for the position of Agricultural Expert. The Agricultural Expert will be working under the project: “SAFE-TIGRAY: Inclusive humanitarian initiative in favor of food security and the protection of the displaced population and host communities in conditions of greatest vulnerability in the Adwa woreda in Tigray”, which is funded by the Italian Development Cooperation Agency (AICS), and it is going to be implemented in Adwa woreda and surrounding rural areas, Central Zones of the Tigray Region in Ethiopia. 

Overall objective: 

to ccontribute to mitigate the effects of multiple shocks on the most vulnerable population, strengthening the link between humanitarian action, development and peace in the Tigray Region.

Specific objectives: 

to improve food security of internally displaced people and the most vulnerable population of the host communities, with particular attention to the gender dimension and the inclusion of people with disabilities, in Adwa, Central Zone of Tigray region.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the overall guidance and supervision of VIS-Project Coordinator Tigray, the Agricultural Expert is responsible for the proper implementation of the project activities aimed at improving the food security of internally displaced people and the most vulnerable populations of the host communities in the project areas. He/she will ensure smooth operations of the project and consistency of project implementation with VIS rules and regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS 

The Agricultural expert will have the following responsibilities under the project: 

Technical Support and Supervision of Agricultural Activities

Supervising and being responsible for all the technical aspects for the implementation of the agricultural and components of VIS project, ensuring that the project staff, contractors and service providers complete project’s activities and works in a timely, efficient and accurate manner; 

• Supervising and ensuring proper quality to the delivery of training sessions and capacity building on agriculture and related topics under VIS project. 

• Planning and budgeting for the agricultural activities and technical capacity building to project staff and supervised officers; 

• Providing technical support and coordination of staff under the agricultural components of VIS projects; 

• Develop periodic reports (as per donors’ requirements) in relation to agricultural activities, including progress, challenges and future strategies; 

• Identification of the best market driven opportunities for the commercialization, processing, storage and marketing of the agricultural production, developing synergies and agreement with the private sector.

• Preparation of technical analysis and assessments on agricultural context and performances. 

Community and stakeholders’ involvement 

• Ensuring community involvement at all phases of the agricultural component’s implementation; 

• discuss with the community and local authorities and make recommendations on innovative ways that beneficiary communities should adopt to strengthen and improve their agricultural production; 

• Coordinate community mobilization and sensitization with regards to the agricultural component of VIS projects. 

Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Coordination on the data collection on existing crops, fruit trees, agricultural extension services. current practices of agricultural management, marketing, climate-smart technologies in the areas of intervention.

• Providing feedback to the monitoring and evaluation system in order to assess the effectiveness and the impact of the projects and propose recommendations for improvement; 

• Provide technical inputs to inform baseline, mid-line and end-line studies; 

Duration: 12 months period

Salary Range: In birr 45,000.00-51,000.00 basic salary based on experience and qualification

Start date: As soon as possible

Job Requirements

• Required qualification: Bachelor's or Master Degree in Agriculture or related fields; 

• Any other specialized qualifications: Possession of certificates attesting to participation in courses related to international cooperation (particularly Project Cycle Management) will be considered a preferential requirement.

• Degree of work experience in the area of professional expertise: at least 3 years in agricultural programs in humanitarian/development sector.  

• Prior experience working in the Tigray Region, specifically in Adwa areas, will be considered an added value.

• Prior experience working with a local and/or international NGO and therefore related knowledge of good administration procedures will be a preference

• Fluency in spoken and written Amharic and Tigrigna languages, good knowledge of spoken and written English

• INGO experience is an asset

How to Apply

Only candidates who meet all the above requirements will be contacted for written exam and interview.

• Female applicants are highly encouragedto apply

Interested applicants who fulfil the criteria are kindly invited to submit their application letter (one page) and updated CV (not more than 3 pages) through THIS LINK