Project Description:
The Feed the Future Ethiopia Value Chain Activity is part of the US Government’s Feed the Future Initiative and the Government of Ethiopia’s (GoE) Agricultural Growth Program II (AGP-II), and represents a major United States Agency for International Development (USAID) investment in the agricultural sector over the next five years. The activity will be implemented by agribusiness consulting firm Fintrac Inc. from January 2017 to December 2021.
Position Summary: Major Duties and Responsibilities:
· Provide comprehensive technical and agronomy support on all aspects of coffee production and harvesting to producers, farmer groups, Cooperatives and Unions, out grower schemes, extension agents, and commercial plantations.
· Design and deliver advisory services and training to coffee producers that enhances productivity, improves quality and consistency, and increases the level of premium specialty grades.
· Support all aspects of coffee processing to ensure efficient manufacturing process, improve cupping quality, reduce wastage, and add value to the coffee clients.
· Provide technical assistance to ensure compliance to local and international standards, traceability systems, environmental management, product integrity and food safety, and specific market-orientated branding.
· Identify sustainable value chain business models that can be promoted during the project to maximize farmers’ returns and provide assured backward/forward linkages with direct links to buyers and exporters.
· Support project teams and partners in value chain development and marketing strategies, improving access to agricultural inputs, agricultural extension and value addition opportunities.
· Facilitate commercial linkages between producers, aggregators, wholesalers, processors, and exporters to relevant markets within Ethiopia, and the wider global marketplace.
· Train subcontractors and grantees in M&E, data collection and reporting.
· Coordinate and support the development of the annual work plan for the sub-region.
· Coordinate and support cross-cutting activities and inclusive campaigns that enhances the E-VCA scale and impact across the components of Gender, Youth, Nutrition, Environmental Management, and Climate-smart agricultural systems.
· Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in related field of study from a recognized University;
· 3 to 5 years of coffee experience in a field-orientated technical role with additional exposure to commercial agribusiness and/or M&E systems.
· Familiarity with the working modalities of leading NGO or Development contractors, preferably with experience working within USAID projects;
· Adequate knowledge and proven experience in coffee production and marketing;
· Demonistrated ability to deal concurrently with multiple assignments to set priorities and to work with minimum supervision in order to meet changing deadlines;
· Demonistrated skill in planning and report writing;
· Computer skill with demonistrtaed use of basic application;
· Excellent team building and organizational skills together with the ability to interact across a multi-cultural environment;
· Fluency in English and Amharic and also preferably the main local languages;
· Age between 25 and 45 preferred;