CRS is seeking a Field Technical Coordinator (TA-I) for the Feed the Future funded five-year Seed Activity Project. The technical Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day project implementation in Oromia and Amhara regions with the close support of the ESA technical Advisors. The TC will also be responsible for managing the planning to implementation of activities, providing management support to the MEAL team and scaling up activities with private sector partners in his/her respective regions. The TC will also coordinate the ESA at regional, zonal, Woreda and intervention sites including coordination and collaboration with different stakeholders especially USAID-funded projects in the region.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Technical Coordination 

• The technical Coordinator (TC) will support the CoP in overseeing the planning and day-to-day project implementation. 

• Providing a combination of management, guidance, and technical oversight throughout the project cycle. 

• Coordinate the market systems and private sector development approaches providing direct support for activities related to upgrading crop and forage production and value addition and marketing in the region.

• Facilitates strategies and partnerships that strengthen linkages between market actors and private sectors along the forage and livestock value chain in the region. 

• Monitor and facilitate dialogues along the marketing value chain of crop and forage-based products in the region

• Work closely with private sector actors to identify new business models for ESA crop and forage processing with a focus on establishing new business models to de-risk and co-invest with the private business sector to develop new forage feed products to support livestock fattening and marketing.

• In coordination with technical advisors, identify and promote gender and youth agriprueres on ESA crop and forage in the region

• Coordinate and support MEAL in the respective regions

• Lead the implementation of high impactful activities to support forage and livestock market actors to enable them to create job opportunities for youth, women, and job seekers in the value chain.

2. Representation, Coordination, Collaboration and Networking

• Coordinate and representation of ESA by building collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, local governments, and other stakeholders in Oromia and Amhara region with the close support of ESA core team

• Actively participate regional seed system (Crop and forage) and other coordination meetings in the seed sector

• Act as ESA focal point on seed system in regional relevant networks and working groups

• Ensure coordination with relevant government institutions, private sector actors and NGOs in relation to the delivery of results within the seed system portfolio.

3. Reporting and Learning

• Produce written updates on bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually basis, in addition to formal project reports capturing achievements, challenges and lessons learnt within the seed system portfolio.

• Capture knowledge management and learning in Oromia and Amhara regions through collecting and analyzing program data, evaluating strategic projects, assisting with measuring program impact, capturing and sharing lessons learned and best practices, and research and internal reports

• Supports the production of reports providing summary of market-based activities and recommendations in the region

• Support the Technical Director, technical advisors with data needed to drive evidence-based briefs for the Seed Activity learning agenda.

• Capture lessons learned and good practices in the region

Job Requirements

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

• MSc/MA degree (with five years of experience) or a BSc/BA (with 8 years of experience) in one of the following subjects: Plant science, seed science, forage development, livestock production, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development or other relevant fields.

• Experience leading agricultural market systems development programs with a track record of effective private sector and financial institution engagement. USG or other similar development project experience preferred.

• Deep understanding of markets and private sector development approaches and Economic & Markets Development facilitation including coaching, relationship building, communicating, entrepreneurialism/business understanding and innovating

• Experience in working with livestock, crop production and financial market actors in the industry (public and private) actors and institutional stakeholders.

• Knowledge of participatory analyses, action, and results processes.

Required Languages – Professional level proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Amharic & Afan Oromo

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 60% of the time 

Personal Skills 

• Business minded, entrepreneurial, adaptive, curious, and results motivated.

• Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local government, donors, community-based organizations, and the private sector. 

• Highly data driven with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions and offer innovative solutions.

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

• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.

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

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and networking skills with a wide range of private, partner and NGO-sector actors.

• Computer literate especially in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

 Preferred Qualifications

• Good experience in project management, preferably for grants from USAID.

• Experience engaging with partner organizations.

• 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 are 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 look 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.

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

How to Apply

If you are ready to take on this rewarding opportunity and make a difference in the lives of others, you may fill out the application form through THIS LINK and attach your up-to-date CV on/before the application deadline of October 19, 2024. You will be contacted only if selected for a written exam/interview. Phone solicitations will not be accepted. These job opportunities are open to Ethiopian nationals only.