About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in over 100 countries globally, irrespective of race, religion or nationality through relief and development programs. CRS’ programs include emergency response, disaster mitigation and recovery, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding among others. For nearly 60 years, CRS has taken the lead in responding to disasters affecting the poor and vulnerable communities in Ethiopia. CRS’ disaster mitigation and recovery interventions in conflict, drought and flood prone areas in the country have restored household and community assets through humanitarian assistance including food, agriculture, health, nutrition, WASH, and peacebuilding projects. 

Job Title:    Technical Advisor II – Technical Director and Policy Lead, Ethiopia Seed Activity

Band:                              X

Required number:        One

Department:                 Program

Employment Term:      Definite (i.e.., September 2028)

Reports To:                   Chief of Party Ethiopia Seed Activity

Country/Location:       CRS Ethiopia/Addis Ababa

Job Summary:

As a Technical Director, you will work as part of a team and provide oversight of key functions for the Feed the Future Ethiopia Seed Activity (ESA). Your leadership, management and technical knowledge will ensure the delivery of high-quality programming and advance the position of CRS as a leading agency in the agricultural livelihoods’ field. You will ensure consistency of implementation, strategies and approaches; oversee monitoring and evaluation; and lead the technical coordination of the selected value chain interventions of ESA. The successful candidate will have a proven track record leading US government-funded projects and working with CSOs, private sector, and host governments to help develop and support different value chains.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Manage key function of the Ethiopia Seed Activity to meet donor expectations in terms of timely and quality results and budget by providing overall technical direction and guidance to the project staff

• Monitor the progress of the project and performance of the team to ensure that high technical standards are being met

• Lead ESA’s seed policy and data portfolio. Provide technical coordination of international and national consultants and foster relationships with seed policy experts.

• Lead implementation of Quality Declared Seed, variety registration and seed production and marketing information network activities.

• Effectively manage talent by supervising, coaching, and mentoring. Strategically tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports.

• Maintain relationships with key staff of consortium partner organizations including by providing technical supervision of the implementing partner Forage Expert to plan and implement project activities.

• Coordinate with the project team and partners to prepare and submit progress, quarterly and annual project reports.

• Coordinate and lead the project team for effective stakeholder and private sector engagement in implementing the project activities.

• Proactively identify, manage and mitigate risk on emerging issues and trends in the seed, forage and feed sector

• Lead and coordinate with technical advisors in developing contract agreement documents with consultants and private sector.

• Increase technical skills of project staff by designing and collaborating on trainings and/or information resources.

• As required, assess the need, and organize specific short-term technical assistance to project staff.

• As required, participate in biweekly check-in meetings with the donor.

• As required, represent the CoP and participate in appropriate events, meetings, workshops, and platforms.

Job Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agriculture, Rural Development or relevant technical area.

• 7 or more years with relevant technical experience in the seed, forage and animal feed and nutrition sector.

• 5 years of experience managing large donor funds. Strong knowledge and experience in budget management.

• 5 years of staff management experience especially experience coaching senior staff.

Required Languages – English and Amharic. Knowledge of another local language is a plus.

Travel – 30% within Ethiopia

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong working experience and knowledge on Policies related to crop and forage Seed System and Animal Feed and Nutrition sector

• Strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.

• Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.

• Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams. Coaching skills.

• Strong communications and presentation skills; able to develop tailored and persuasive messaging for varied audiences.

• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Recognized leader in sector as demonstrated by peer reviewed publications, conference presentations etc.

• Demonstrated experience of successful program management, including management of complex, high-value, multi-activity projects, with complicated logistics.

• Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus.

• Ability to represent and present at high level engagement.

• Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.

• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.

• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.

• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.

• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.

• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.

• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

• Supervisory Responsibilities: Seed System Specialist, Senior Market Systems Specialist and Animal Feed and Nutrition specialist.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Chief of Party, Deputy Country Representative – Programs and Operations, Project Staff, Finance Manager, S34D Chief of Party

External: Implementing Partner Staff, USAID Representative, Government and Private Sector stakeholders

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

How to Apply

You should fill the application form through this link: You should fill the application form through this link: CLICK HERE and attach your up-to-date CV on / before the application deadline November 10, 2023. You will be contacted only if selected for written exam/interview. Phone solicitations will not be accepted. These job opportunities are open to Ethiopian nationals only.

CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. 

** Qualified women & persons with disability are highly encouraged to apply**

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer