Maize, Wheat & Input Specialist 98 views3 applications

ACDI/VOCA Ethiopia would like to invite applicants for Maize, Wheat & Input Specialist for the Feed The Future Alliance to Accelerate Agricultural Growth (3AG) Oromia Region. Begun in 2021 and to continue through June 10, 2025, 3AG is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by ACDI/VOCA Ethiopia.  The overall goal of 3AG is to increase the income and resilience of Ethiopian smallholder wheat and maize farmers in six regional states of Amhara, Oromia, Southwest Ethiopian People, Sidama, Central Ethiopia & Tigray regions through increased access to improved seed and mechanization services. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the following position:

Since 1963, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate training of trainers in good agricultural practices; including farm mechanization and agricultural input utilization, postharvest technology, yield estimation techniques, project planning and marketing of maize, wheat and agricultural inputs.
• Follow-up the selection of lead farmers and distribution of demo seeds to lead farmers in consideration with the vision for gender equity and empowering women in the value chains by maintaining female lead farmer’s ratio to be minimum 30%.
•  Prepare the respective region’s annual budget.
•  Plan and follow-up physical activities of the year and confirm the utilization of the allotted budget for the corresponding activities in the respective region.
•  Report weekly, quarterly, and annual reports according to the planned time schedule and report formats.
•  Settle communication fees to field persons DAs of the intervention villages and districts.
• Follow-up cascading of trainings to the selected lead farmers.
•  Lead and evaluate the demo plots progress and report the outcome of every field visit.
•  Compile data collected from demo plot operations or any other regional 3AG related activities and report.
•  Provide cost-benefit analysis of demo plots in conjunction to maize and wheat grain marketing at farmer’s gate.
•  Identify and provide clear lists of regional partners of 3AG and create helpful and program-oriented business communications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

• Ability to communicate effectively with persons on all levels both inside and outside the company.
• Strong written communication skills including ability to write documents and reports in a concise manner.
• Experience working with USAID’s projects to understand and apply procedures and regulations in a project implementation context.
• Self-motivated and able to follow through on assignments while meeting goals and deadlines.
• Willingness to take direction and to work effectively in diverse settings and with multiple regional actors.
• Proven ability to effectively use Microsoft Office including spreadsheets.
• Fluency in English, Amharic Oromiffa both in written and oral.
• Team management skills
• Proven conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated planning, organizing, leadership and interpersonal relationship building skills.
• Ability to set and manage priorities.
• Must be a self-starter and able to work without supervision.

Project Lifetime: Up to June 10, 2025

Type of contract: Regular Employee

ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer!

•  Minimum BSc in agricultural economics, crop science or related fields.  MSc is a plus.
• Previous experience with USAID projects is preferred

Experience :

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in relation to crop production, postharvest handling and marketing.