Term of Employment     One year with a possibility of extension 

BACKGROUND

The Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) was established by the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) to identify systemic bottlenecks, conduct studies, and provide recommendations, provide implementation support, manage projects, create linkages and coordination among activities and agricultural development programs. The Institute is a strategy and delivery-oriented government institute created to help accelerate the growth and transformation of the country’s agriculture sector. The ATI envisions that, to be the leading center of innovative solutions to catalyze and contribute to the transformation of Ethiopian Agriculture by 2030 where smallholder farmers are commercialized with greater incomes, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability.

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 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 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 commodity 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. Currently, ATI is tasked to coordinate the revised Agriculture and Rural Development policy agendas of the sector and such sectoral level delegation requires high level expertise in the policy areas and skillsets in coordination and networking with multiple stakeholders.

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.

Background: Ethiopian Food Systems and Nutrition Transformation (EFSN)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a comprehensive plan for people, the planet, and prosperity, aim to strengthen universal peace and greater freedom. It acknowledges that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the most significant global challenge and an essential prerequisite for sustainable development. The United Nations Secretary-General has convened the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), a crucial platform designed to assist member states in driving food systems transformation and accelerating global progress towards the SDGs. Ethiopia actively participates in the UNFSS and has developed its food system transformation. In this context, the Ethiopian Food Systems and Nutrition transformation is of utmost importance and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to these global efforts.

The Ethiopian Food Systems and Nutrition (EFSN) transformation pathway has 24 game-changing solutions and is structured around three pillars of governance: federal, Regional, and Partnerships. As a climate specialist, you will be part of each pillar's operations, including the private sector, research institutions, universities, civil society organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and the general public, playing a crucial role across the food systems chain. The Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC) is a body consisting of 15 ministries. Effective coordination, a key aspect of this role, is essential to align the efforts of different individuals, groups, or departments toward a common goal. Ethiopia is fully committed to transforming its food system, and your contribution will be instrumental in this process. 

Moreover, the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), a key player in the Ethiopian Food Systems and Nutrition (EFSN) Transformation, has been chosen as the secretariat, overseeing the work of the Technical Support Unit (TSU). As part of the TSU, the incumbent will be a member and a key figure at the forefront of this transformation, providing crucial technical support and contributing to its overall success. This senior position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the Ethiopian Food Systems and Nutrition transformation. 

This position presents a distinctive chance for personal and professional advancement. It involves collaborating with a team of experts in a dynamic and demanding setting. We are seeking individuals who are eager to grow and contribute to our transformative work. By joining our team, the incumbent will contribute to the achievement of the national efforts to transform Ethiopian food systems and SDGs.

Position Summary:

The Climate Change Senior Specialist will be a core member of the Technical Support Unit, supporting the planning and coordination of efforts across EFSN's 24 Game-changing solutions. The Senior Specialist will also coordinate engagements with national and international working groups on climate change, Cluster Working Groups, specialized teams (such as M&E, socialization, etc.), and regional implementation status. The Cluster Coordinator will work under the EFSN Secretariat to ensure effective delivery, communication, and collaboration across the EFSN implementation with a climate focus. He/she will work closely with the TSU Principal Coordinator and other members of the TSU and be responsible for guiding the team in climate related issues, providing regular updates on progress, challenges, and support needed. 

The Climate Change Senior Specialist is expected to strengthen the EFSN’s focus and approach by linking the climate change agenda to the specific thematic focus of the seven clustered areas, including broad national priorities. He/she is expected to work with key stakeholders to ensure that the climate agenda is a core function of the EFSN and is increasingly institutionalized within them. 

The Climate Change Senior Specialist is expected to work closely with the TSU team; Regional Coordinators oversee the implementation of game-changing solutions to promote the strategic growth of the country's food system.

The successful applicant is expected to be driven and dynamic, have a problem-solving mindset, and have excellent communication skills. This role presents a unique opportunity to engage with key players in the food and nutrition ecosystem, both local and international. 

Essential Duties:

• Provide technical support and guidance to the EFSN Technical Support Unit (TSU) on climate change-related issues across the 24 game-changing solutions.

• Coordinate engagement and collaboration with national and international working groups on climate change, ensuring the EFSN's climate agenda is aligned with broader initiatives.

• Liaise with the Cluster Working Groups and specialized teams (e.g., M&E, socialization) to integrate climate change considerations into the planning and implementation of the EFSN's thematic focus areas.

• Work closely with the TSU Principal Coordinator and other TSU members to guide the team on climate-related matters, provide regular progress updates, and identify any challenges or support needed.

• Strengthen the EFSN's focus and approach by linking the climate change agenda to the specific thematic focus of the seven clustered areas, ensuring the climate agenda is a core function of the EFSN.

• Engage with key stakeholders, including the private sector, research institutions, universities, civil society organizations, and NGOs, to ensure the climate agenda is increasingly institutionalized within the EFSN.

• Collaborate with Regional Coordinators to oversee the implementation of game-changing solutions and promote the strategic growth of Ethiopia's food system with a strong climate focus.

• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments, policies, and best practices in climate change and food systems, and apply this knowledge to enhance the EFSN's efforts.

Job Requirements

• MSC in Climate science, environmental science, or a related field.

• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience and proven experience in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies within the context of food systems, agriculture, or sustainable development.

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector, research institutions, and civil society organizations.

• Track record of providing technical support and strategic guidance on climate change integration in complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives or programs.

• Proven experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting on climate change-related projects or programs.

• Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis and environmental modeling.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Demonstrated national and/or international experience in multi-sectoral coordination, inter-disciplinary and multi-cultural leadership, and communication, as well as deeper knowledge of the Ethiopian economy;

• A strong research and operational leadership experience;

• Adequate experience in translating complex technical material and research findings into tools that support evidence-based decision-making;

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, at least in Amharic and English, to interact with various individuals, including elected and government officials, development partners, the public, and key stakeholders.

How To Apply

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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

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

Women are highly encouraged to apply.

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.