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 implementing projects in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. To strengthen it interventions in Ethiopia, the organisation is implementing programs aimed at promoting sustainable water management and wetland protection. One of the projects being implemented is “Improving Food Security and Nutrition by Safeguarding Wetlands Through Ecological Sustainable Agricultural Water Management”. Working on the ground in different wetland landscapes, the Project aim to develop and communicate innovations that are relevant to a wide range of agricultural systems in and around the Ziway-Shalla wetlands. These will contribute to local, regional and nation-wide goals of enhanced food security and nutrition by increasing water productivity and eco-efficiency, improving livelihoods and restoring (wetlands) ecosystem services. The Project is operating with 2 key approaches: Integrated Landscape Approach (ILA) and Markets for the Poor (M4P) Approach to provide frameworks that enable sustainable smallholder food production solutions to be reached in complex landscape scale systems whilst enabling the benefits of improved market access to reach these same actors. These proven approaches are being implemented by partners in collaboration with the target communities and concerned government partners at all levels and other stakeholders such as NGOs operating in the area.
In this programme we collaborate with a range of stakeholders, such as Caritas switzerland, Meki-Batu Fruits and Vegetables Pruducers’ Union, IWMI, Hydro solutions, Acacia Water, World Waternet, 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:
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 Caritas Switzerland, IWMI, Hydro Solutions, Meki-Batu Cooperative Union, Acacia Water, World waternet, 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
Reporting to: Field Coordinator, Central Rift Valley
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
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