The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), formerly known as the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), is a strategy and delivery-oriented government institute created to help accelerate the growth and transformation of Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, which is a key contributor to the country’s GDP, exports, and workforce. The ATI’s work is centered on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers (SHFs) across the country for improved income, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability.
The ATI works to transform the agriculture sector in Ethiopia by conducting policy and analytical studies, providing technical implementation support and capacity building, coordinating. platforms to better integrate partners and projects and designing and directly leading several innovative/pilot interventions. The Institute joins forces with various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, farmers, and development partners, to support the implementation of agricultural development programs and initiatives. In addition, the ATI collaborates with national and international partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and learning opportunities. The Institute plays a crucial role in generating and disseminating information to support evidence-based decision-making in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.
Our Culture
We have an exceptional team of highly competent employees with a proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results. Our culture is one where talented, dedicated, and adaptable individuals are committed to doing their best and exhibit great teamwork to achieve excellent results. At ATI, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution in changing the country’s agricultural sector. We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced, growing organization with passionate, committed, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training. We recognize our most valuable assets are our staff and are committed to providing our employees with the tools, training, and mentorships necessary to achieve their career goals.
The Policy Advisor is a senior-level professional within the Policy Study and Food Systems Vertical of the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI). This role plays a pivotal function in shaping and executing Ethiopia’s agricultural policy landscape, with a particular focus on land and natural resources management.
Under the direction of the Policy Study and Food Systems Director, the Agricultural Policy Advisor will lead and support a portfolio of policy analysis, develop policy brief, policy drafting, stakeholder consultations, advocacy, and the piloting of reform implementation along with a deep commitment to transforming agriculture and improving smallholder farmers' livelihoods. A major aspect of this role emphasizes the coordinating of the policy instrument development related to land and natural resource management within ARD Policy context.
The Advisor will work closely with ATI’s Analytics Team, external research partners, senior policymakers, and key private and development sector stakeholders to deliver high-impact studies, policy instruments, and reform initiatives aligned with national priorities. With a strong background in livestock, land economics and natural resources management, the Policy Advisor will engage with both public institutions and the private sector to ensure that agricultural policies reflect a balanced approach to the management of Animal and Fish Breeds development, input and health, Rural Land Administration and Use, Forest Resource Development, Conservation and Use, and natural resources including soil and water conservation, promoting sustainability and enhancing productivity.
Significant experience and proven success in leading and delivering high-impact, challenging policy-related analysis, policy drafting, stakeholder consultation, and engagement with policymakers is therefore required. A strong passion for transforming agriculture and improving the lives of smallholder farmers is highly preferred.
Duties and Responsibilities
With direction from the Policy Study and Food Systems Director, coordinate policy assessments to inform agenda‐setting and identification and prioritization of sector-wide or sub-sector policy issues.
Provide technical expertise on the development of policy instruments required for Animal and Fish Breeds development, input and health, Rural Land Administration and Use, Forest Resource Development, Conservation and Use, and natural resources management including soil and water conservation technologies and approaches.
Lead rigorous assessments of livestock and natural resource policies, identifying gaps and policy issues ensuring animal and fishery development, land, forest, soil and water management to ensure agricultural productivity, sustainable agricultural practices, and environmental protection.
Facilitate joint planning workshops with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders focused on land and resource management, fostering dialogue on effective policy approaches.
Lead or support the design and execution of policy studies focusing on livestock, Land, Forest, and Natural Resources management, and regulatory frameworks.
Identify and prioritize policy reform areas in collaboration with government and sector stakeholders
Follow up the development of contracts for policy studies, ensuring that analyses commissioned from local and international partners accurately reflect issues in land and natural resource management while engaging the private sector.
Develop and review Terms of Reference (ToRs), research frameworks, and methodologies for outsourced and in-house studies, ensuring alignment with ATI’s goals.
Join Analytical case teams to take on policy- focusing on Animal and Fish Resources Development and Health Inputs, Land, Forest, and Natural Resources management, leading data collection efforts and conducting qualitative and quantitative policy analysis including economic modeling, market analysis, and policy impact assessments ensuring that outputs meet high-quality standards.
Develop and drive initiatives that utilize data and technological solutions to enhance policy analyses related to livestock, Land and Forest management and natural resource optimization in agriculture.
Organize and lead multi-stakeholder consultations, roundtables, and policy forums to ensure inclusive and evidence-based decision-making.
Develop, share, or present study findings, policy briefs and policy recommendations to senior government leaders and other partners in a clear, actionable format.
Oversee the procurement and quality control of policy studies contracted to local and international research partners, ensuring alignment with livestock, land, and resource management objectives. Moreover, coordinate procurement and contractual arrangements with service providers.
Contributing to the development of the ATI’s approach to policy focused work, including prioritization of policy analyses, preferred analytical approaches and tools, engagement model with clients, local partners and senior policy makers, standard output formats, and other areas.
Design and conduct training programs on Animal and Fish Breeds development policy, land policy and natural resource management for staff and stakeholders within the agricultural sector, fostering a culture of sustainability and informed decision-making.
Undertakes additional tasks as may be required by her/his supervisor.
Job Requirements
Required qualifications, competencies, skills, training, and experience:
Master’s degree/PhD in Agricultural Economics, Natural Resource Economics, Land Governance, Environmental Policy, Land Economics, Land Use Planning, Regional Planning Development Economics, Public Policy, or a related field.
Minimum 12 years of relevant work experience/6 years with PhD, with at least six years experiences in the areas of leadership and policy analysis, involving livestock inputs and/or private sector engagement.
Proven track record in developing or influencing national-level policy, particularly related to Animal and Fish Resources Development and Health Inputs, land tenure, land use planning, land valuation, forest conservation strategy, environmental sustainability, watershed management or resource conflict resolution.
Experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder processes, preferably involving government ministries, development partners, and civil society.
Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, including experience in producing policy reports and presenting to high-level audiences.
Familiarity with Ethiopia’s Animal and Fish Resources Development and Health Inputs, land administration system, rural land use laws, and natural resource management policies
Updated with relevant major macro-economic and micro-economic policy changes and carrying out analytical work associated with the changes to generate evidence to inform and guide policy and regulatory reforms.
A genuine commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural development and improved land and natural resource management practices.
Exceptional ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a range of stakeholders in a cross-cultural environment (fluency in English is essential)
Highly collaborative working style and demonstrated success in managing and developing high-performing teams.
Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty, and desire to be of service
How To Apply
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to submit (i) a cover letter and (ii) a CV (maximum 5 pages) to THIS LINK. It is mandatory to mention the position title under the subject line of your cover letter. Please DO NOT submit scans of certificates with your application.
Women are highly encouraged to apply
NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
