Sector Development (SD) Advisor at SNV

Sector Development (SD) Advisor

Employer: SNV

Employment: Full-Time | Contract

Place of Work: Addis Ababa - Ethiopia

Posted date: 6 days ago

Deadline: April, 14/2025 (3 days left)

Company Description

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalyzing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises. Building on 60 years of experience we support our partners with our technical and process expertise and methodological rigor. We do this in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. By being adaptable and tailoring our approaches to these different contexts, we can contribute to impact at scale, resulting in more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on our operations in Ethiopia and SNV generally visit our website: www.snv.org

Project background

The Seas of Change Ethiopia project is a 5-year project that will work at the nexus of the regenerative agriculture (RA) and productive use of renewable energy (PURE) areas. The project aims to drive system transformation in the RA and PURE nexus by promoting regenerative agriculture (RA) practices that restore ecosystems, enhance productivity, and integrate with renewable energy solutions for sustainable market systems and inclusive growth. The project will apply an innovative hybrid implementation model where it leverages existing initiatives and expertise within the ecosystem and connects actors to facilitate processes and encourage synergies.

The Seas of Change Ethiopia project falls under the Strategic Partnership umbrella programme. The Strategic Partnership programme will provide strategic steering and support to the RA-PURE nexus portfolio (in and beyond SNV), with dedicated programs towards advancing the RA-PURE nexus in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Purpose of the Job

The Sector Development Advisor will play a critical role in leveraging market systems and driving systemic transformation to scale and sustain the integration of regenerative agriculture (RA) and productive uses of renewable energy (PURE). Focused on the Leverage pathway of the project, the Advisor will identify and catalyze opportunities to embed RA and PURE practices into existing market systems, ensuring long-term adoption and impact. This involves engaging with stakeholders across public and private sectors, influencing policy, fostering innovation, and promoting scalable interventions to achieve sector-wide impact

Job Description

Strategic Leadership and Sector Transformation / Leveraging Systemic Change:

• Lead efforts to strengthen the RA-PURE nexus, identifying barriers and opportunities for sector-wide improvements.
• Develop and implement strategies that integrate RA-PURE thinking into agricultural and energy sector policies, investments, and institutional frameworks.
• Collaborate with local actors, government bodies, private sector partners, and multi-stakeholder platforms to enhance sectoral governance.
• Drive systemic change by facilitating knowledge-sharing, cross-sector collaboration, and ecosystem strengthening.

Policy, Advocacy, and Resource Mobilization

• Influence national level policies to embed RA-PURE solutions in legislative frameworks.
• Support partner advocacy for inclusive policies that ensure the representation of marginalized voices in decision-making.
• Advocate for financial resource allocation to bridge funding gaps for smallholder farmers and agri-businesses in adopting RA-PURE solutions.
• Strengthen policy integration, coordination mechanisms, and regulatory environments that promote renewable energy adoption in agricultural production.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including farmers, private sector actors, government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action in the RA and PURE nexus.
• Represent the project in relevant forums, conferences, and working groups to advocate for systemic change and market-driven solutions.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop and deliver training programs, tools, and resources to build the capacity of stakeholders in sustainable market systems for RA and PURE.
• Document and disseminate best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to inform project activities and influence broader sector development.
• Support the creation of knowledge products, including case studies, policy briefs, and technical guides, to advance RA and PURE nexus thinking.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL):

• Collaborate with the LEARNING/MEL team to track progress, measure impact, and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Use data and evidence to refine market system development approaches and demonstrate the value of the RA and PURE nexus.
• Contribute to regular reporting and communication of project outcomes to donors and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Energy, Energy management, Agricultural Engineering, Business Administration, Development Studies, Engineering or related disciplines.
• Substantial experience (at least 10 years) in development work & project management including but not limited to design and implementation of development co-operation projects in Ethiopia
• Relevant technical expertise and understanding of the energy and the agriculture sector and considerable (at least 10 years) practical experience of introduction of energy technologies to enhance agricultural productivity
• Strong leadership skills, experience in partnership development and deep understanding and experience in consortia management.
• Proven experience in energy sector development, project management, technology adoption & promotion, etc.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, with excellent reporting facilitation and presentation skills

Additional Information

Contract Type: National, Full-time

Expected start date: June 1, 2025

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Contract Duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability.

How to apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation before/on April 14, 2025. Please submit your application only via Smart Recruiters. All information will be kept in the strictest confidentiality. If your experience and skills match the position's requirements, we will contact you to advise on the next steps in the recruitment process.