Sr. Project Officer I - Policy and Regulatory Support Personnel

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 center 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. In addition, 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 in 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 mentorships necessary to achieve their career goals.

Job Summary:

The Senior Project Officer- Senior Policy and Regulatory Support Personnel will play a pivotal role in shaping, analysing, and advocating for policies and regulatory frameworks that enable the successful deployment and management of mini-grid projects within the DREAM initiative. This role involves providing high-level analytical support, policy development, and strategic guidance to facilitate private sector-led renewable energy solutions, especially in rural areas, aligning with Ethiopia’s broader goals of universal electrification, water access, and agricultural productivity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Policy Development & Advocacy: Lead the formulation, review, and refinement of mini-grid policies and regulatory directives in collaboration with relevant authorities, including the Ethiopian Petroleum and Energy Authority (PEA). Ensure policies facilitate financial viability, private sector participation, and cross-sectoral integration with water and agriculture initiatives.
• Regulatory Framework Support: Provide expert guidance on regulatory reforms needed to promote renewable energy mini-grids, including licensing, tariff setting, technical standards, and operational guidelines. Support the removal of regulatory bottlenecks and foster an enabling environment for private investment.
• Economic and Financial Analysis: Conduct detailed energy economic assessments, including cost-benefit analyses, tariff structures, and financial models to support project viability and scalability. Advise on innovative financing mechanisms and incentives for large-scale irrigation and mini-grid projects.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination: Facilitate dialogue among government agencies, private sector developers, development partners, and local authorities. Support the establishment of multi-stakeholder platforms to promote knowledge sharing and policy alignment.
• Data Collection & Research: Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data related to mini-grid performance, energy access, water usage, and agricultural productivity. Use data insights to inform policy recommendations and project adjustments.
• Capacity Building & Knowledge Management: Develop and deliver capacity-building programs for government officials, private sector players, and other stakeholders on policy, regulation, and best practices in mini-grid deployment and integrated water-energy-agriculture systems
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Support the development of monitoring frameworks to track project performance, policy impact, and regulatory compliance. Prepare reports and policy briefs for stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Innovation & Sectoral Integration: Contribute to the establishment of an Innovation Lab to pilot new policy approaches, innovative financing, and regulatory models supporting renewable energy and water-agriculture nexus projects.

Qualification

• At least master’s degree in electrical/electrical Power/Energy Engineering, Economics, Energy Economics or in Public Policy
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in energy policy development, regulation, or economic analysis within the renewable energy or rural electrification sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing policies/regulations for mini-grids or distributed renewable energy projects.
• Proven track record of working with government agencies, private sector, and development partners on large-scale energy or infrastructure projects.
• Experience with water-energy-food nexus projects, agricultural value chains, or rural development is an advantage.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and economic modelling skills.
• Excellent understanding of energy market dynamics, tariff policies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical and policy issues into clear recommendations.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and policy research methodologies.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and policy formulation
• Stakeholder coordination and partnership building
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Adaptability and innovation orientation
• Results-oriented with attention to detail

Skills Required:

• Economics / Statistics
• Electrician / Electronics / Electrical / Engineering
• Political / Science / Ir