BACKGROUND
Wetlands International is dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands for people and nature. We are driven by the knowledge that safeguarding and restoring wetlands is urgent and vital for water security, biodiversity, climate regulation, sustainable development and human health. Our global not-for-profit network of 20 independent offices is governed by a Supervisory Council and a Board of the Association of 35 national government and non-governmental organization members. We bring knowledge into policy and practice, connect local actions in 100 countries to make a global difference, we catalyse actions that support those that use or depend on wetlands, and we are passionate about the positive change we make for people and nature. See our website (www.wetlands.org) for more information on the values, strategies and policies that guide our work. As its East African program grows Wetlands International is expanding into new East African countries including in Ethiopia, Uganda and South Sudan.
Wetlands International has been active in Ethiopia since 2010. To strengthen it interventions in Ethiopia, the organisation will implement the Ziway-Shalla: Basin in Balance programme in the Central Rift Valley. The project will focus on sustaining water resources in water scarce Ziway-Shalla basin by improving irrigation efficiency, developing a water allocation plan, improving capacities of the Basin authority, and restoring catchments by improving agricultural practice together with vulnerable communities. By the end of the programme, results will be achieved in terms of decreased water abstraction and sedimentation, with improved income for smallholder farmers and improved nature conservation status.
In this programme we collaborate with a range of stakeholders, such as the Rift Valley Lakes Development Office (RVLDo), Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), Meki-Batu Small Holder Cooperatives Union, Joytech Fresh, Acacia Water, World Waternet, Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society (EWNHS), HoAREC and the relevant Kebele, Woreda and Regional government bodies.
For the smooth implementation of the aforementioned project and others, we are therefore seeking an Agronomist to join our growing portfolio. The Agronomist will have expertise in agronomy and will focus on developing business cases and improved agricultural practice small scale irrigation farms and rainfed agricultural systems (both crop and livestock) from upland catchments throughout the basin to Lake Abijatta Shalla National Park downstream . The successful candidate will have an opportunity to develop a national and international network.
Coordinates with:
INSIDE Wetlands International: Eastern Africa Team
OUTSIDE Wetlands International: Governmental representatives, partner organisations (under the guidance of the Field Coordinator)
GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Agronomist will support the field level implementation of projects in the Central Rift Valley in collaboration with the programme partners. He/she will be expected to undertake activities that support the business case for improved farming practices that reduce water use, agrochemical input, and erosion, and improve agricultural income, water quality and biodiversity. He/she will work closely with the Meki-Batu Cooperative Union, EWCA, EWNHS, HoAREC, District and Village Government Units and village level site support groups to undertake activities that include: development of solid business cases for sustainable agriculture (including access to finance), establishment of demonstration units with farmers, development of training materials for farmers and delivery of trainings for the farmers.
Specific duties and responsibilities
Under the immediate supervision of the Central Rift Valley Field Coordinator, the Agronomist will:
Type of contract: 1 year initially, including a probation period of 3 months, with a possibility of extension
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION
EXPERIENCE
Required:
Desired:
COMPETENCIES