Distributed Renewable Energy-Agriculture Modalities (DREAM) is an ambitious and innovative program introducing off-grid energy solutions and irrigation schemes to rural communities in Ethiopia. The scheme is a high-profile collaboration involving multiple public and private stakeholders, including the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, the Ethiopian Government, the African Development Bank, and the private sector. It aims to demonstrate a commercially viable, scalable, private sector-led model for productive uses and provide electricity access to underserved rural communities across Africa and beyond.

The ATI DREAM-Irrigation Project Director is responsible for implementing irrigation schemes, which serve as anchor off-takers for solar mini-grids. This requires partnering with private sector service providers to establish functional irrigation systems, capacitation of farmers, and develop effective operations, maintenance, and payment processes.

The DREAM-Irrigation Director must have proven international experience in managing mini-grid solar irrigation projects and he/she will be responsible for overseeing the effective delivery of the project, through activities including but not limited to:

• Project management

• Stakeholder engagement (donors, implementing partners, government stakeholders)

• Managing a team of technical experts (local and international)

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The DREAM Irrigation Director is accountable for:

• Timely completion of all project activities, in particular planning and implementation of functioning irrigation schemes, including operations and maintenance, billing in collaboration with relevant stakeholders

• Coordinating effectively with all partners and stakeholders (public, private, donors, private sector)

• Rigorous planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of project implementation

• Building capacity within the DREAM Irrigation Team

• Collaborating with other project and other teams within the ATI, including but not limited to ACC Horticulture, Integrated Shallow Groundwater Irrigation Development (ISGWID), Regional ATI’s teams, Procurement, Partnership, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· PROJECT MANAGEMENT - Lead DREAM-Irrigation project management, including planning, development, budgeting, prioritization of activities and workstreams, implementation and monitoring:

• Lead annual planning, budgeting, oversee implementation, identify and mitigate risks and track the progress of DREAM-Irrigation projects and initiatives

• Successful delivery against project targets (Track performance of mini-grid pilot and other projects, identify challenges to implementation and results, establish and rollout solutions, ensuring rigorous project implementation and impact to smallholder farmers)

• Plan and implement ways to improve project delivery from start to finish. Prioritize activities and ensure required timelines and quality standards are met

• Coordinate data collections and analysis on soil, shallow water mapping, horticulture water demands and other relevant data necessary as needed to successfully implement the pilot project

• Manage budget and its utilization as per agreed plan, ATI’s rules and the GEAPP’s requirements and ensure compliance.

• Ensure ATI’s contractual agreements with GEAPP and other parties related to the project are adhered.

• Support strategy development and resource mobilization for scaling up the pilot to hundreds of sites across Ethiopia

• Prepare reports as per the ATI’s and GEAPP’s requirements periodically and share to the SMT’s endorsement before submission.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT - Leading stakeholder management, coordination and support for the successful rollout of the Mini-grids project pilot:

• Work closely with MoWE, MILLS, MoA, GEAPP and other implementing partners on the design, planning and rollout of the Mini-grids pilot, bringing agricultural expertise and contributing to the successful launch of the project

• Work with stakeholders to understand infrastructural arrangements and availability issues, as well as the impact of increased access to power and irrigation

• Present ideas, respond to queries and represent the ATI clearly and concisely in internal and external discussions

• Work closely with Procurement team to ensure timely and efficient deliveries of items and services.

· Manage the DREAM-Irrigation team:

• Directly manage DREAM-Irrigation staff, with focus on superior performance and professional development of team members

Job Requirements

• Master’s Degree in irrigation agronomy, civil engineering, project management, or closely related fields from a reputable University is required

• Minimum 12 years of total proven international experience in project management of which a minimum of 6 years in leadership experience in public, private, or development sectors with professional experience demonstrating strong project management abilities.

• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with multiple teams and stakeholders across different organizations.

• Strong communication and presentation skills with ability to communicate, coordinate and manage engagements with senior stakeholders in the ATI and externally

• A strong passion for transforming agriculture and improving the lives of smallholder farmers and pastoralists is highly desirable.

• Strong core values of integrity and professionalism

• Strong understanding of the country’s broad economic reform program, the rationale and what it will mean for irrigated agriculture and rural development

• Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty, and desire to be of service.

• Experience working in East Africa, especially Ethiopia is an added value.

• Fluency in English.

• Knowledge of Amharic and other local languages is advantageous.

How to Apply

Register using the following LINK

Note: It is mandatory to mention the position title under the subject line of your cover letter. Women are highly encouraged to apply!