Vacancy – Agronomist

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Position Title: Agronomist

Location: Ziway / Batu Township, Ethiopia

Countries of coverage: Ethiopia

Reporting to: Field Coordinator, Central Rift Valley

Type of contract: 1 year initially, including a probation period of 3 months, with a possibility of extension.

BACKGROUND

Wetlands International is dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands for people and nature. We are driven by the knowledge that safeguarding and restoring wetlands is urgent and vital for water security, biodiversity, climate regulation, sustainable development and human health. Our global not-for-profit network of 20 independent offices is governed by a Supervisory Council and a Board of the Association of 35 national government and non-governmental organization members. We bring knowledge into policy and practice, connect local actions in 100 countries to make a global difference, we catalyze actions that support those that use or depend on wetlands, and we are passionate about the positive change we make for people and nature.See our website (www.wetlands.org) for more information on the values, strategies and policies that guide our work. As its East African program grows Wetlands International is expanding into new East African countries including in Ethiopia, Uganda and South Sudan.

Wetlands International has been implementing projects in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. To strengthen it interventions in Ethiopia, the organization is implementing programs aimed at promoting sustainable water management and wetland protection. One of the projects being implemented is “Improving Food Security and Nutrition by Safeguarding Wetlands Through Ecological Sustainable Agricultural Water Management”. Working on the ground in different wetland landscapes, the Project aim to develop and communicate innovations that are relevant to a wide range of agricultural systems in and around the Ziway-Shalla wetlands.These will contribute to local, regional and nation-wide goals of enhanced food security and nutrition by increasing water productivity and eco-efficiency, improving livelihoods and restoring (wetlands) ecosystem services. The Project is operating with 2 key approaches: Integrated Landscape Approach (ILA) and Markets for the Poor (M4P) Approach to provide frameworks that enable sustainable smallholder food production solutions to be reached in complex landscape scale systems whilst enabling the benefits of improved market access to reach these same actors. These proven approaches are being implemented by partners in collaboration with the target communities and concerned government partners at all levels and other stakeholders such as NGOs operating in the area.Integrated Landscape Approach (ILA) and Markets for the Poor (M4P) Approach to provide frameworks that enable sustainable smallholder food production solutions to be reached in complex landscape scale systems whilst enabling the benefits of improved market access to reach these same actors. These proven approaches are being implemented by partners in collaboration with the target communities and concerned government partners at all levels and other stakeholders such as NGOs operating in the area. Integrated Landscape Approach (ILA) and Markets for the Poor (M4P) Approach to provide frameworks that enable sustainable smallholder food production solutions to be reached in complex landscape scale systems whilst enabling the benefits of improved market access to reach these same actors.These proven approaches are being implemented by partners in collaboration with the target communities and concerned government partners at all levels and other stakeholders such as NGOs operating in the area.

In this Program, we collaborate with a range of stakeholders, such as Caritas switzerland, Meki-Batu Fruits and Vegetables Producers’ Union, IWMI, Hydro solutions, Acacia Water, World Waternet, and the relevant Kebele, Woreda and Regional bodies government.

For the smooth implementation of the aforementioned project and others, we are therefore seeking an Agronomist to join our growing portfolio. The Agronomist will have expertise in agronomy and will focus on developing business cases and improved agricultural practice small scale irrigation farms and rainfed agricultural systems (both crop and livestock) from upland catchments throughout the basin to Lake Abijatta-Shalla National Park downstream. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to develop a national and international network.

Coordinates with:           

INSIDE Wetlands International: Eastern Africa Team

OUTSIDE Wetlands International: Governmental representatives, partner organizations (under the guidance of the Field Coordinator)

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Agronomist will support the field level implementation of projects in the Central Rift Valley in collaboration with the program partners. He / she will be expected to undertake activities that support the business case for improved farming practices that reduce water use, agrochemical input, and erosion, and improve agricultural income, water quality and biodiversity.He / she will work closely with Caritas Switzerland, IWMI, Hydro Solutions, Meki-Batu Cooperative Union, Acacia Water, World waternet, District and Village Government Units and village level site support groups to undertake activities that include: development of solid business cases for sustainable agriculture (including access to finance), establishment of demonstration units with farmers, development of training materials for farmers and delivery of trainings for the farmers.

Specific duties and responsibilities

Under the immediate supervision of the Central Rift Valley Field Coordinator, the Agronomist will:

  • Participate in value chain analysis and strategy development for the program, both for small holder farmers as well as rainfed agricultural / pastoralist agroforestry systems.
  • Identify and scale up best practices / technologies that increase agricultural productivity while maintaining the natural resource base.
  • Develop solid business cases for sustainable agricultural systems (including improved market access and access to finance), as well as including the societal paradigm shifts that are needed to make sustainable changes.
  • Agree with target agricultural communities and guide them with practical steps to change their production systems (this may include alternative livelihoods).
  • Provide overall agronomy expertise and information to the team in Ethiopia (including at the national level, and other project areas including the area around Jijiga).
  • Provide support in managing relationships with key partners and provide technical backstopping to partner organizations.
  • Capacity building of small holders and local government units.
  • Contribute to project M&E activities, including designing of monitoring tools, regular fieldwork to collect monitoring data, and preparation of monitoring reports.
  • Assist in annual reviews, mid-term assessments and final evaluations.
  • Ensure that sufficient (at least 30%) women participate and benefit from the program.
  • Engage in other projects currently in the pipeline as per the direction given by the Country Program Manager.
  • Support project proposal development and fundraising activities.
  • Raise the profile of Wetlands International as an International NGO working on sustainable management of wetlands for people and nature.

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

  • A minimum of a Master’s degree in agronomy, agricultural sciences, crop production, agroecology or related areas. 

EXPERIENCE

Required:

  • At least 5 years’ experience implementing climate / water-smart agriculture, livelihood or value chain development projects in Ethiopia both in rainfed and irrigated agriculture.
  • At least 5 years’ experience working directly with small holder production systems in Ethiopia.
  • Practical experience in planning and delivering trainings.
  • A good understanding of the environmental challenges of the Ethiopian Central Rift Valley.
  • Ability to focus on creating collective impact and demonstrating the added value of Wetlands International work in Ethiopia.
  • Willingness to travel to field sites in the Central Rift Valley in Ethiopia with occasional travel to other sites in Ethiopia for learning visits and sharing of experience.

Desired:

  • Experience with agroforestry and / or catchment restoration including soil and water conservation.
  • Experience with International NGOs or local NGOs in a similar position.
  • Experience in project management including work planning.

SKILLS

  • Excellent written and oral presentation skills and ability to communicate to a variety of audiences.
  • Good command of Amharic, Oromiffa and English languages ​​in all aspects.
  • Good networking skills with various stakeholders including government and international agencies.
  • Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
  • Experience and ability to work in multicultural settings.
  • Able to address gender issues and improve the situation of women and other marginalized groups through our work.
  • Comprehensive and specialized computer usage skills as well as GIS and other software.

  How to Apply

  • Candidates should apply by sending:
  • An updated Curriculum Vitae, (mandatory)
  • A motivation letter including one-page summary of experience (mandatory)
  • Current and Expected Remuneration including Benefits (Mandatory)
  • Names and contact details of three professional referees (Mandatory).
  • If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by emailing your application to [email protected] , and [email protected] and no later than October 3, 2020.

THE TITLE OF THE POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR MUST BE MENTIONED ON THE SUBJECT OF YOUR MOTIVATION LETTER.

Women are highly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.