Senior Project Officer

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 works to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the country for improved income, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability.

The Institute supports agricultural transformation through policy and analytical studies, technical implementation support, capacity building, coordination platforms, and innovative pilot interventions. It also collaborates with stakeholders including policymakers, researchers, farmers, and development partners to promote evidence-based decision-making in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.

Our Culture

We are a team of highly competent professionals committed to excellence, teamwork, and achieving transformational results. ATI provides a dynamic environment for individuals who aim to reach their highest potential while contributing to the agricultural sector.

Program and Position Summary

The ADEY program (“Agriculture-focused Dignified Employment for Youth in Ethiopia”) is designed to address youth unemployment and increase participation in the agricultural labor market.

The program focuses on creating inclusive job opportunities, enhancing youth skills, supporting agro-enterprises, improving access to finance and markets, and promoting climate-smart and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

The Senior Project Officer will be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, and reporting livestock agribusiness activities (dairy, poultry, and apiculture) in the region, while supporting youth enterprises and stakeholders.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The role involves coordinating livestock agribusiness interventions and supporting youth employment initiatives within the region.

• Develop annual workplan and budget for livestock agribusiness activities
• Coordinate implementation of livestock agribusiness activities focusing on youth employment
• Identify knowledge and skill gaps of youth beneficiaries
• Organize technical and business skill training programs
• Facilitate continuous business development services for youth enterprises
• Organize knowledge-sharing events, field days, and document best practices
• Facilitate livestock agribusiness alliance meetings and follow up on actions
• Engage partners to provide resources for youth job creation
• Map and engage stakeholders in livestock agribusiness
• Ensure proper data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Monitor and evaluate livestock agribusiness interventions
• Prepare periodic progress and performance reports
• Support market linkages and commercialization of livestock products
• Follow up on implementing partners and sub-grants
• Organize stakeholder meetings and workshops
• Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisors

Required Qualifications, Competencies, Skills, Training and Experience

• Minimum of Master’s degree in animal science, livestock production, livestock production and management, or related fields
• At least 8 years of professional experience in livestock agribusiness or related value chain development projects
• Strong understanding of Ethiopia’s livestock sub-sector (dairy, sheep, goat, poultry, apiculture)
• Experience in youth employment and agribusiness development
• Strong skills in planning, prioritization, problem-solving, and reporting
• Understanding of MSMEs, entrepreneurship, and value chain systems
• Experience in livestock production, processing, and marketing
• Experience in public-private partnerships in agribusiness
• Strong leadership, teamwork, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong communication skills in English and Amharic (regional languages is an advantage)
• Ability to work under pressure in dynamic environments
• Strong analytical and computer skills
• Willingness to conduct frequent field visits

Skills Required:

• Agricultural / Studies