Policy & Partnership Coordinator

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, which is a key contributor to the country’s GDP, exports, and workforce. The ATI’s work is centred on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers (SHFs) across the country for improved income, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability. The ATI works to transform the agriculture sector in Ethiopia by conducting policy and analytical studies, providing technical implementation support and capacity building, coordinating platforms to better integrate partners and projects, and designing and directly leading several innovative/pilot interventions.

The Institute joins forces with various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, farmers, and development partners, to support the implementation of agricultural development programs and initiatives. Additionally, the ATI collaborates with national and international partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and learning opportunities. The Institute plays 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 is one where talented, dedicated, and adaptable individuals are committed to doing their best and exhibit great teamwork to achieve excellent results.

At ATI, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution to changing the country’s agricultural sector. We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced growing organization with passionate, committed, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training. We recognize our most valuable assets are our staff and are committed to providing our employees with the tools, training, and mentorship necessary to achieve their career goals.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Portfolio & Partnership Coordinator ensures strategic alignment and synergy across all PCU projects by coordinating partnerships with development agencies, NGOs, private-sector actors, and regional governments. The Coordinator serves as the primary liaison for portfolio-level partnerships, supporting resource mobilization, harmonizing multi-stakeholder engagement, and maximizing collaborative impact to advance agricultural transformation goals.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Outcome 1: Strategic Partnership Management (25%): Identify, negotiate, and maintain strategic partnerships that advance portfolio objectives; develop partnership frameworks, MOUs, and joint workplans with partners; monitor partner performance, ensuring alignment with portfolio goals and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Outcome 2: Portfolio Coordination & Synergy (25%): Facilitate cross-project planning and integration workshops; track portfolio-wide initiatives to ensure coherence and prevent duplication; support project teams to leverage synergies across interventions.
• Outcome 3: Resource Mobilization Support (20%): Assist in proposal development and donor engagement for joint initiatives; identify co-financing and collaborative investment opportunities; maintain a portfolio-level partner engagement and funding database.
• Outcome 4: Reporting & Communication (15%): Prepare partnership performance briefs, donor updates, and portfolio dashboards; document lessons learned, best practices, and provide strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Outcome 5: Capacity Support (15%): Build internal capacity in partnership management and portfolio coordination; facilitate knowledge sharing and technical guidance for partner engagement.

Required Qualification, Competencies, and Experience

• Field of Study: Master’s degree in agriculture, Development Studies, Management, or a related field.
• Experience: 8 years of experience in partnership management, program coordination, or portfolio oversight; experience with donor-funded programs, multi-sector coordination, and collaborative initiatives.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Systems Perspective: Ability to see the big picture, anticipate trends, and design strategies that address systemic challenges.
• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: Makes evidence-based, timely, high-impact decisions; solves complex stakeholder or portfolio issues.
• Leadership & People Management: Lead, motivate, mentor, and foster a high-performance, inclusive culture.
• Collaboration & Relationship Management: Builds networks, resolves conflicts, and fosters cooperation across stakeholders.
• Results Orientation: Prioritizes effectiveness, efficiency, and measurable outcomes across portfolio activities.

Technical Competencies

• Partnership Development & Management: Identify, establish, and maintain strategic partnerships aligned with portfolio objectives.
• Portfolio Coordination & Integration: Facilitate cross-project alignment, track progress, and optimize synergies.
• Resource Mobilization & Donor Relations: Support proposal development, co-financing, and funding alignment.

Other Requirements

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) required; local language proficiency an advantage.
• Professional certifications in project management or related fields.