·         Support preparation of strategic and annual operation plans of the agriculture sector for SPIR II consortium Implementing Partners (IPs)

·         Lead preparation and submission of progress and technical reports pertaining to agriculture (crop and livestock production) sector; coordinate technical assessments and research to inform program design and development

·         Actively engage in technical assessments and research to inform program design and development

·         Coordinate monitoring, and mid-term and terminal evaluation of projects/ interventions in the agriculture sector; promote best practices and lessons learnt; work with the communications team to produce publication and disseminate success stories, challenges and new opportunities to foster organizational learning

·         Advice in the preparation of budget for agriculture sector, purchase of goods and services related to the sector and ensure SPIR II receives high value for money

·         Ensure SPIR II agriculture activities are implemented as per set standards and well-integrated with other technical sectors for maximum impact,

·         Provide technical support for SPIR II implementing partners on activities such as agriculture value chains, private sector engagement, food security including adoption of scalable and research proven technologies

·         Promote major cross cutting themes including environment, gender, protection, disability, peace building in the Agriculture sector and related programming

·         Represent SPIR II with donors, the host government, agriculture and related forums, and community of practices in discussion with immediate supervisor

·         Work in close collaboration with other technical specialist of the SPIR II program to foster program harmony

·         Coordinate with agricultural research, universities and offices to promote innovation

·         Recruit, train and retain qualified staff for interventions of agriculture sector to ensure timely and quality program delivery

Identify key capacity gaps among SPIR II implementing and government stakeholders staff and work with the Agriculture and Livelihoods team to prioritize, develop and implement associated capacity building processes.

 Required Professional Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years work experience in agriculture (including crop and livestock) and/or food security programs in a rural development context, two of which were at a supervisory or technical specialist level.
• Demonstrated expertise in the agricultural development field in Ethiopia, with an established reputation for contributions in relevant forums, networks, and among USAID and its partners.
• Practical experience in planning, implementation, and management of projects related to small-scale agriculture/ nutrition smart agriculture, value chain development, livestock production, market systems and livelihood diversification
• Experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative field research, and experience working closely with universities and/or other research institutions.
• Experience with a USAID-funded food security and resilience program strongly preferred.
• Experience with PSNP preferred.

Qualification required: 

•   MSc. Degree in Agriculture/Agronomy/Livestock, Horticulture, Plant science, Rural development, and other related fields
•   Technical trainings in Agriculture, Food Security, Livelihood, Project Designing/ PCM, etc.

Preferred Knowledge and Qualifications:

•   Ability to undertake field assessments, and facilitating trainings and workshops
•   Report writing skills as per USAID and other stakeholders requirements
•   Knowledge and understanding of GoE Ethiopia PSNP, and agriculture related policy and programs of the country.

Working Environment / Conditions:

•  Office based with travel to the field
• Travel: 30% Domestic travel is required field