Vacancy Announcement (Re- Advert)
Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency
Position: Director-Research and Extension
Term of Employment: Fixed term
Duty Station(s): Addis Ababa
Required Number: One
Salary & Benefits: Competitive
Application Deadline: February 08, 2016
BACKGROUND:
The Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) has been established by the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) to identify and address systemic bottlenecks to Ethiopia’s agricultural development. The Agency does this through problem-solving, implementation support, and capacity building of stakeholders involved in implementation of interventions that address the systemic bottlenecks. The Agency reports to a Transformation Council chaired by the Prime Minister and whose co-chair is the Minister of Agriculture.
The programmatic focus of the Agency responds to a core set of needs identified by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Transformation Council. Within the Agency, issues are divided into three different groups: Production and Productivity which includes Inputs and Crop Protection, Livestock, Research and Extension, Mechanization and Rural Finance; Agribusiness and Markets including Market Support Services, Commercial Farming, Agro-processing & Market Development, and Cooperatives Development; and Environmentally Sustainable and Inclusive Agricultural Growth including Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Land Management, Gender Equality and Nutrition, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, and Planning and MLE. Across the programs, the ATA engages public, private and non-governmental stakeholders to support strategic planning, manage and strengthen implementation capacity and test innovative models.
Our Culture
We have an exceptional team of employees with a proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results. Our culture is one where talented individuals are committed to doing their best and work together to achieve excellent results.
At ATA, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution in changing the country’s agricultural sector. We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced growing organization with passionate, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training. We recognize our most valuable assets are our people and are committed to providing our employees with the tools and training necessary to achieve their career goals.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director, research & Extension will have a primary responsibility of developing, aligning, coordinating and supporting implementation of a portfolio of integrated initiatives to improve research and extension services for small-holder farmers. The Director will seek to strengthen the research system through the strengthening of the collaboration and capabilities of federal and regional research institutions. The Director will also work with research institutions in Ethiopia and abroad to ensure that high quality and relevant research is easily and quickly adapted to meet the needs of smallholder farmers of Ethiopia. The Director will likewise seek to enhance frontline farmer productivity by supporting efforts: that closely align extension services with farmer needs; integrate extension services with cooperatives, research and market forces; and strengthen regional planning as a driver for coordinated interventions at Kebele-level, among other efforts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: