Agriculture Policy Advisor 108 views

Agriculture Policy Advisor

GIZ-External/Internal Vacancy Announcement #137/2022

Agricultural Mechanisation for Smallholder Productivity in Ethiopia (AMTP III)

Agriculture plays a major role in the Ethiopian society and provides a livelihood for most of its population contributing a significant economic output. Although the agricultural sector has experienced impressive economic growth in the country, productivity remains low by global standards. Most small-scale farmers use simple agricultural methods, such as ox-drawn ploughs and sowing by hand. Even in areas where farm machinery is available through service providers, the technology is often outdated and employed in poor quality. Therefore, use and expansion of modern agricultural mechanisation technology at the level of smallholder farmers is indispensable to improve productivity and attain food security in sustainable manner. German Development Cooperation has been supporting this agricultural mechanization improvement through the project “Agricultural Mechanisation for Smallholder Farmers in Ethiopia” (AMTP III) (09/2021-08/2024). The objective of the project is to improve the framework conditions for the spread of agricultural mechanisation in Ethiopia.

The following are the 5 major outputs:

1)    The planning basis for the implementation of the National Agricultural Mechanisation Strategy has been improved.

2)    The offer of governmental and non-governmental agricultural training institutions is strengthened with regard to mechanisation.

3)    The delivery capacity of private and cooperative service providers for services in the agricultural mechanisation sector is increased.

4)    Public relations and information offer on agricultural mechanisation has been intensified for farmers and decision-makers.

5)    An innovation fund to promote innovations in agricultural mechanisation has started its work.

Contract duration:                      Until August 31, 2024
Responsibilities

The policy advisor

• Supports and advise the Director of Mechanization in Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) on all issues relating to the agricultural sector in Ethiopia, including statistical data and analyses, agronomic, agro-technology, agri-business, organizational, institutional and policy matters.
• Provide advice and guidance to clients of MoA on all matters relating to agricultural mechanisation, including technical cooperation project implementation, the institutional landscape and legal framework governing the agricultural sector in Ethiopia.
• Support the implementation of national mechanization strategy in the MoA, Mechanization Directorate.
• Contribute to the overall project strategy development, operational and implementation plans.

Coordination tasks

The advisor

• Ensures cooperation, regular contact and dialogue with the Ministry of Agriculture.
• Coordinate the capacity development activities of the project at the regional levels.
• Constant exchange with all project partners / stakeholders and briefings to the management team
• Support the monitoring and evaluation activities of the project by making sure that all the required data are available in the required time.

Networking and cooperation

The advisor

• supports cooperation, regular contact and dialogue with partners, assists with PR work and cooperates with local communities, relevant organizations, non-governmental agencies and individuals in the project environment and with other projects to improve and maintain good working relationships
• communicates local interests and efforts, forwards these and encourages sharing ideas and information for the benefit of the project
• Provide technical advice to partners in local community groups, governmental and non-governmental organizations which are in line with the project implementation
• Assist stakeholder dialogues and consultative platforms at regional levels

Knowledge management

The advisor

• Compiles information on agriculture and agricultural mechanization and ensures knowledge transfer.
• Develops ready-to-use strategies and technical concepts, including guidelines, manuals and procedures.
• Formulates appropriate input for various project/programme reports including annual reports and contributes to other reports required by the programme manager and GIZ Head Office.
•  Assists with research activities and studies on political issues which benefit joint programmes.

Qualifications

• MSc or above in the area of agriculture, agricultural mechanization, Agricultural engineering, agricultural policy analysis, agri-business or agricultural economics.

Professional experience

• 10 years’ professional experience, with at least 5 years professional experience in a comparable position
• Strong working experience with Governmental organizations, Agricultural/Agribusiness Policy Institutes and private sector and key value chain stakeholders (producers, traders, enterprise groups, rural financing institutions/banks, and research/policy associations);

Other knowledge, additional competencies

• very good working knowledge of ITC technologies (related software, email, the internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office)
• fluent in written and oral command of English and Amharic and the working language in the region of implementation
• willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed
• ability to organize and prioritize several tasks at the same time.
• ability to work independently, unsupervised and as part of a multicultural and international team.
• Knowledge of GIZ rules, regulations and systems is an asset.