Now Recruiting: Pcu Head / Portfolio Director

BACKGROUND

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), formerly known as the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), is a strategy and delivery-oriented government institute created to help accelerate the growth and transformation of Ethiopia’s agriculture sector. This sector is a key contributor to the country’s GDP, exports, and workforce. The ATI’s work focuses on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers (SHFs) across the country for improved income, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability. The ATI transforms the agriculture sector in Ethiopia by conducting policy and analytical studies, providing technical implementation support, capacity building, and coordinating platforms to better integrate partners and projects.

The Institute collaborates with various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, farmers, and development partners, to support the implementation of agricultural development programs and initiatives. Additionally, the ATI partners with national and international organizations to facilitate knowledge exchange and learning opportunities, playing a crucial role in generating and disseminating information to support evidence-based decision-making in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.

Our Culture

We have an exceptional team of highly competent employees with a proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results. Our culture fosters talented, dedicated, and adaptable individuals who are committed to achieving excellent results through teamwork.

At ATI, we provide a platform for individuals who want to reach their highest potential and contribute meaningfully to transforming the country’s agricultural sector. We offer rewarding work in a fast-growing organization with passionate colleagues and excellent career development opportunities. We recognize that our staff are our most valuable assets and are committed to providing them with the tools, training, and mentorship necessary for career success.

POSITION SUMMARY

The PCU Head/Portfolio Director is the senior executive responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and oversight across the PCU portfolio. This role ensures that all programs, projects, and reforms are coherent, impactful, and aligned with national agricultural transformation agendas, leading resource management, technical supervision, donor engagement, and institutional learning.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Outcome 1: Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Management (20%): Provide overarching leadership and strategic direction for all projects in the PCU portfolio.
• Outcome 2: Policy Coordination & Integration (15%): Ensure PCU projects incorporate policy priorities and sector reforms.
• Outcome 3: Project Oversight, Performance Management & Quality Assurance (20%): Oversee project implementation performance, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
• Outcome 4: New Project Development & Commissioning (15%): Identify emerging needs and opportunities for new projects.
• Outcome 5: Stakeholder Coordination & Partnership Management (15%): Serve as the primary PCU representative for stakeholders and coordinate engagement forums.
• Outcome 6: Financial Oversight & Resource Management (10%): Ensure efficient and transparent use of resources, overseeing expenditure tracking.
• Outcome 7: Impact Evaluation & Institutional Learning (5%): Oversee portfolio-wide evaluation processes and lead knowledge dissemination.

Required Qualification, Competencies, and Experience

• Field of Study: Master’s or PhD Degree in Agriculture, Economics, Public Administration, Development Studies, Management, or related fields.
• Experience: 12 years of relevant work experience for a Master's and 6 years for a PhD, including 6 years in a leadership and managerial position.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Systems Perspective: Ability to see the big picture and anticipate future trends.
• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: Makes evidence-based, timely, and high-impact decisions.
• Leadership & People Management: Strong ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaboration & Relationship Management: Demonstrates professionalism and fosters cooperation.

Technical Competencies

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Ability to lead complex, multi-year transformation agendas.
• Policy & Institutional Reform Expertise: Understanding of agricultural development policy and governance structures.
• Advanced Portfolio & Program Management: Proven ability to manage large, multi-donor portfolios.
• Financial Oversight & Resource Optimization: Ability to interpret budgets and financial analyses.
• Partnership & Stakeholder Coordination: Strong skills in managing government and donor partnerships.

Skills Required:

• Agricultural / Studies
• Economics / Statistics
• Sales / Marketing / Business / Management