Position: Deputy Director General

Term of Employment:   Two years

Duty Station(s):             Addis Ababa  

Required Number:         One

Salary & Benefits            Negotiable

Application Deadline:    December 4, 2023

Background: 

The Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) has been established by the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) to identify and address systemic bottlenecks to Ethiopia’s agricultural development. The Institute does this through problem-solving, implementation support, and capacity building of stakeholders involved in implementation of interventions that address the systemic bottlenecks. ATI has an exceptional team of highly competent and committed staff with proven track records of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results. Our culture is one where talented, dedicated, and adaptable individuals are committed to doing their best and exhibit great results as an individual and as a member of a team. 

ATI provides a unique platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution in changing the country’s agricultural sector. We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced growing organization with committed, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training. We recognize our most valuable assets are our staff and are committed to providing our teams with the tools, training, and mentorships necessary to achieve their career goals.

The programmatic focus of the Institute responds to a core set of needs identified by the Ministry of Agriculture and other sectors along agricultural value chains. Across the programs, the ATI engages public, private, and non-governmental stakeholders to support strategic planning, manage and strengthen implementation capacity and test innovative models. ATI designs and implements multiple projects under two main Programs. In addition, ATI is tasked to coordinate the operationalization of the revised Agriculture and Rural Development policy agendas as well as provides Secretariat Services for the Ethiopian Food System Transformation. Moreover, the MoA assigned ATI to coordinate the Digital Agriculture Roadmap development and piloting innovative digital solutions.

Our Culture

We have an exceptional team of highly competent employees with a proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results. Our culture is one where talented, dedicated, and adaptable individuals are committed to doing their best and exhibit great teamwork to achieve excellent results. 

At ATI, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution in changing the country’s agricultural sector.  We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced growing organization with passionate, committed, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training.  We recognize our most valuable assets are our staff and are committed to providing our employees with the tools, training, and mentorships necessary to achieve their career goals.

Position Summary: 

The successful candidate will be both an inspiring science, technology, and innovation leader and an excellent manager. The Deputy Director General (DDG) will provide leadership in setting the strategic direction and priorities of ATI’s innovative projects and programs and annual plans for ensuring effective implementation of program portfolio using a systems approach to ensure the delivery of outcomes and impact through effective partnerships. The DDG leads ATI Programs at Head Office and Regional Agricultural Transformation Centers and coordinates the development of implementation framework for projects and setting up detailed work plan by engaging key stakeholders. The DDG is also responsible for tracking results (output, outcome and impact) and measuring the effectiveness of programs, program staff and systems. The role also include identification of areas that require studies/analysis and development of analytical plan and terms of reference for each study.

The DDG also coordinates with other Verticals and functional Departments that are responsible for policy and operations, The position works with ATI and MoA Senior Management Teams, to provide thought partnership, guidance, and support as well as enabling environment for inclusive and sustainable Agricultural Transformation and project Management. 

The DDG will provide leadership and management aligned with the ATI’s strategy and contribute to the MoA 2030 Development Plan. The position holder also advocates and advances ATI’s innovative approaches and overall positioning with key stakeholders and in international meetings. As a member of the senior management team (SMT), the DDG contributes to the effective management of ATI, resource mobilization, utilization and ensures accountability.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads and directs the Institute’s Programs at Head Office and Regional Agricultural Transformation Centers (RATCs).

• Leads the successful and timely development and implementation of projects and setting up detailed work plan by engaging key stakeholders to achieve measurable results.

• Ensure the alignment of projects into the development of ATI Strategic plan, implementation plan and ensure its effective implementation.

• Leads integration between program teams at headquarters and RATCs to ensure that projects/programs implemented by ATI are integrated for enhanced impact.

• Ensures that program and support function Teams are aligned hence could bring sustainable organizational performance enhancement.

• Builds relationships with potential donors and private sector companies for effective partnerships and resource mobilization to support the implementation of innovative solutions and their scaling up.

• Ensures coordination and linkage among key stakeholders involved in agricultural transformation aiming to bring multiplier and sustained impact in the sector.

•  Influences ATI’s engagement with governments and donors for the design and implementation of programs and policies with the aim of increasing investments and creating an enabling environment to catalyze agricultural transformation in the country.

• Mentors, manages, and supervises the Senior directors for Programs at headquarters and RATCs to ensure optimal execution and delivery of specific objectives.

• Represent ATI at conferences, events, and other public forums to promote the organization’s mission and impact.

• Communicates results through presentations and written and verbal communication.

• Reviews and submits regular and other project/program reports on time to the DG as well as other organization as deemed necessary.

Job Requirements

• Master or PhD Degree in agriculture science or closely related fields from a reputable University.

• 16 years for master’s and 10 years for PhD with relevant and combined experience in the agriculture sector, and managing policy analysis within the government, private sector, research institute or think-tank organizations out of which 8 years in leadership and managerial position.

• Proven experience in strategic management, leadership, interpersonal/ emotional intelligence, persuading/influencing, and negotiation.

• Significant experience and proven success of leading and delivering high-impact innovative projects & programs and managing multiple stakeholders and engagement with policymakers.  Proven ability to develop credible, evidence-based policy advice and effectively liaise with senior policymakers, as well as development partners, non-governmental and private sector organizations.

• Exceptional ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a range of stakeholders in a cross-cultural environment (fluency in English is essential).

• Highly collaborative management style and demonstrated success in managing and developing high-performance teams.

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

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to build consensus and manage conflict.

• Ability to think strategically, synthesize and disseminate messages from complex issues.

• Strong motivation and leadership skills to bring out the best from both individuals and teams.

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

How to Apply

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The position is open for internal and external candidates.

We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to send (i) a cover letter and (ii) CV (maximum 3 pages) at this LINK

Also, please DO NOT submit scans of certificates with your application form.

Women are highly encouraged to apply.

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted