GIZ- Internal/External Vacancy Announcement #138/2021

Strengthening rural value chains 

The project “Strengthening Rural Value Chains in Ethiopia” is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Government. It supports the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture to improve the income and employment situation of stakeholders in agricultural value chains in SNNPR (Sidama), Amhara and Oromia regions. The objective of the project is to improve the income and employment situation of stakeholders in agricultural value chains in SNNPR (Sidama), Amhara and Oromia region. Following are the 4 major outputs:

1. Strengthening of public – private dialogue in the agri-business sector;
2. Strengthening capacities of the Ministry of Agriculture to develop and implement policies which address the needs of the private sector;
3. Strengthening strategic, technical and management capacities of governmental and non-governmental organizations at regional level to promote regional economic development;
4. Improving access of farmers and local entrepreneurs (stakeholders of agricultural value chains) to input, services and markets.

The project is looking for a Policy Advisor who will support the Ministry of Agriculture (output 2) in the frame of the project.

 Duration of contract:   

Until December 31, 2024

Responsibilities and Tasks

Management responsibility

The policy advisor:

• is responsible for output 2 “The capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture to implement a private sector-oriented agricultural policy has been strengthened”.
• is responsible for the implementation of additional fields of activities in the project that are assigned to him/her.
• monitors project progress and the activities of output 2, reviews progress reports and documents of joint programmes, identifies bottlenecks and recommends alternative management options to the programme manager.
• Is responsible for budget expenditure of output 2.

Professional advisory services

The policy advisor:

• advises partner institutions, in particular the Ministry of Agriculture, on the implementation of a private-sector oriented agricultural policy and on the establishment of a public-private sector dialogue at national level.
• develops concepts and strategies, and provides technical advice
• Participates in identifying needs for external support and advice
• works on policy recommendations and develops a strategic approach for value chain development integrating private sector stakeholders.
• contributes to preparing, implementing and coordinating joint project activities and work in the regions.
• formulates terms of reference and selects and supervises third parties in order to carrying out activities under output 2 and other project activities as assigned to her/him, including performance evaluations.
• monitors the development and implementation of project plans and activities concerning output 2 in close consultation with counterparts.
• is in charge of the design, preparation and implementation of workshops, seminars and other events on issues related to the project’s area of activity.
• develops and organises quality assurance measures and suggests necessary changes, improvements and initiatives.
• ensures that the services provided by the component (output 2) are aligned with the partner’s needs and with the German Development Program “Promotion of agricultural productivity in Ethiopia”.

Networking and cooperation

The policy advisor:

• ensures cooperation, regular contact and dialogue with partners, in particular the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade; carries out PR work and cooperates with relevant organisations, non-governmental agencies and individuals in the project/programme environment and with other projects to improve and maintain good working relationships
• communicates local interests and efforts, forwards these and encourages sharing of ideas and information for the benefit of the project/programme
• travels within Ethiopia and in the region (abroad) regularly, in accordance with project requirements

Knowledge management

The policy advisor:

• compiles information on agriculture and agri-business and ensures knowledge transfer
• develops ready-to-use strategies and technical concepts, including guidelines, manuals and procedures
• draws up reports and presentation documents
• formulates appropriate input for various project/programme reports including annual reports, and contributes to other reports required by the programme manager and GIZ Head Office
• assists with research activities and studies on political issues which benefit joint programmes.

Management and coordination tasks

The policy advisor:

• is responsible for project planning for output 2 in connection with the other outputs and develops project concepts and strategies, ensures implementation.
• uses GIZ’s Capacity Works approach to manage the activities
• coordinates and prioritises relevant project activities at national level in cooperation with the partners, both as regards the organisational preparation and implementation of the activities.
• manages and monitors the component (output 2) budget in consultation with the officer responsible for the contract and cooperation.
• compiles relevant information for joint activities and assignments.
• in the absence of the programme manager, takes appropriate measures to secure operation of the programme.

Qualifications

• MSc or doctorate in an area of agriculture, agri-business and/or agro-economy

Professional experience

• 10 years’ professional experience, with at least 5 years’ professional experience in a comparable position
• a proven track record in a high-level advisor position

Other knowledge, additional competencies

• very good working knowledge of ITC technologies (related software, phone, fax, email, the internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office)
• fluent written and oral command of English and Amharic
• willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed
• willing to travel within and outside of Ethiopia as required