The Senior Food Systems and Agro-ecology Technical Expert is Responsible to support the planning, development and implementation framework for the food systems and agro-ecology program, setting up a detailed work plan leading to all the necessary stakeholder collaboration and engagement and implementing the food systems and Agro-ecology program related planned activities, including advocacy works; anchoring to relevant results framework for tracking and measuring the effectiveness of the overall project activities. The incumbent is also responsible for identification of areas that require studies/analyses, development of research/study plan and develop related terms of reference and coordinate and lead undertaking of same.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Food Systems and Agro-ecology Technical Expert is accountable for ensuring the following:

Program related:

• The setting up of a detailed work plan, development of implementation framework, results framework for tracking and measuring the effectiveness of the overall food systems and agro-ecology  program and related projects activities as well as identification of areas that require studies/analyses and development of analytical plan and terms of reference.

• Coordinating and leading advocacy works engaging duty bearers, right holders and other stakeholders for realization of enabling environment for sustainable food systems in Ethiopia

• Create a functional relation with CSO coalitions working on right to food fostering collaboration for greater impact and success of right to food advocacy

• Plan and lead research, advocacy and education relating to sustainable food systems and right to food

• Actively participate in the planning and coordination of workshops, trainings and dialogue meetings with partners and stakeholders for developing, implementing and monitoring policies and strategies for realizing the right to adequate food.

• In consultation with program director, Plan and lead food systems and right to food related studies, assessments and researches

• Document lessons and learnings and use same for program improvement and come up with policy and legal briefs and recommendations

Strategic thinking

• Proactively identify gaps in food system transformation

• Perform diagnostics of food system transformation projects, interventions’ and propose solutions including resources mobilization and partnership building

• Rights based approach to sustainable food systems and access to adequate, safe and nutritious food

• Planning  and generating information for evidence based advocacy and networking

Problem-solving

• Proactively identify project level challenges and solve accordingly

• Effectively translate high-level strategy into project & intervention for entire food system program

• Implementation framework development for planning, implantation, monitoring and evaluation of food system program

• Communicate with project partners to leverage best practices for successful implementation of the food system program

• Create, support, and mobilize partnerships to promote successful project outcomes based primarily on food system project deliverable

Job Requirement

Required Qualifications, Competencies, Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of Master’s degree in Food System, public health, nutrition, agriculture, project management and agricultural economics or closely related fields from a reputable University is required.

• At least 6 years of combined experience is in the agriculture sector, project management and food systems & agroecology within the government, international, research or think-tank organizations or NGOs

• Demonstrable competence & experience and proven success in lobby and advocacy for a meaningful transformation in the agriculture and food systems segments,

• Strong understanding of the country’s broad economic reform program, agriculture and conversant with  food systems related policies and initiatives

Remuneration: – Negotiable.

Terms of employment: – Full time contractual employment for one year with high possibility of renewal.

Duty Station:  Addis Ababa (Head Office)

How to Apply

Closing date: – Applications shall be submitted within 7 working days from the date of the publication of this announcement.

Application procedure:

Interested applicants should submit a non-returnable copy of their updated CV, application letter, scanned credentials and all supporting documents through e-mail or hand delivery.

Applications can be submitted at MELCA – Ethiopia’s Head office, Addis Ababa, in front of Ambassador Theatre, Kidane Beyene Building, first floor Room no. 903/6, Tel. +251115507172 or +251115544554

Application should preferably be sent by e-mail to one or both of the following e-mail to:   melca.ethiopia2004@yahoo.com and tefaber2004@yahoo.com

MELCA-Ethiopia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, partners, and volunteers to share this commitment. We have a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of abuse, exploitation, or harassment.

All roles at MELCA-Ethiopia require a commitment to upholding safeguarding principles and standards. Successful candidates will be subject to rigorous background checks and reference verification. Employment is conditional on adherence to MELCA-Ethiopia’s safeguarding policies and procedures.

Women candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. MELCA-Ethiopia has reserve the right to cancel part or the entire announcement.