Wetlands International Agronomist Jobs in Ethiopia
Wetlands International Agronomist Jobs in Ethiopia
BackgroundWetlands 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.
Specific duties and responsibilities
Under the immediate supervision of the Central Rift Valley Project Manager, the Agronomist will:
Participate in value chain analysis and development strategy for the programme, both for small holder farmers as well as rainfed agricultural/pastoralist agroforestry systems
Identify and scale up best practices/technologies that increase agricultural productivity while maintaining the natural resource base
Develop solid economical business cases for sustainable agricultural systems (incl. improved market access and access to finance), as well as including the societal paradigm shifts that are needed to make sustainable changes.
Come to agreement with target agricultural communities and guide them with practical steps to change their production systems (this may include alternative livelihoods).
Provide overall agronomy expertise and information to the team in Ethiopia (incl. at the national level, and other project areas including the area around Jijiga).
Provide support in managing relationships with key partners and provide technical backstopping to partner organizations.
Capacity building of small holders and local government units
Contribute to project M&E activities, including designing of monitoring tools, regular fieldwork to collect monitoring data, and preparation of monitoring reports;
Assist in annual reviews, midterm assessments and final evaluations.
Ensure
that sufficient (at least 30%) women participate and benefit from the programme.
Engage in other projects currently in the pipeline as per the direction given by the Country Program Manager.
Support project proposal development and fund raising activities
Raise the profile of Wetlands International as an International NGO working on sustainable management of wetlands for people and nature
Selection Requirements
Education
A minimum of a Master’s degree in agronomy, agricultural sciences, crop production, agroecology or related areas.
Experience
Required:
2 to 4 years experience implementing agriculture, livelihood or value chain development projects in Ethiopia both in rainfed and irrigated agriculture
2 to 4 years experience working directly with small holder production systems in Ethiopia
Practical experience in planning and delivering trainings
A good understanding of the environmental challenges of the Ethiopian Central Rift Valley;
Ability to focus on creating collective impact and demonstrating the added value of Wetlands International work in Ethiopia
Willingness to travel to field sites in the Central Rift Valley in Ethiopia with occasional travel to other sites in Ethiopia for learning visits and sharing of experience
Desired:
Experience with agroforestry and/or catchment restoration including soil and water conservation
Experience with International NGOs or local NGOs in a similar position
Experience in project management including work planning
Competencies
Excellent written and oral presentation skills and ability to communicate to a variety of audiences;
Good command of Amharic, Oromiffa and English languages in all aspects;
Good networking skills with various stakeholders including government and international agencies;
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously;
Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision;
Experience and ability to work in multicultural settings;
Able to address gender issues and improve the situation of women and other marginalized groups through our work
Comprehensive and specialized computer usage skills as well as GIS and other software;
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online by 14 December 2018
Applications should consist of a curriculum vitae and covering letter and be emailed to kenya@wetlands-africa.org and copied to jmulonga@wetlands-africa.org and clearly marked – Application for Agronomist – Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia
