About the Organization:
The Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) was established by the Government of Ethiopia to identify systemic bottlenecks in the agricultural sector, conduct analytical studies, and provide evidence-based recommendations to support policy formulation and implementation. The Institute also provides implementation support, manages strategic projects, and strengthens coordination among agricultural development programs nationwide.
ATI is a strategy and delivery-oriented government institute created to accelerate the growth and transformation of Ethiopia’s agriculture sector. The Institute envisions becoming a leading center of innovative solutions contributing to the transformation of Ethiopian agriculture by 2030, where smallholder farmers are commercialized with increased income, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability.
ATI offers a professional platform for individuals seeking to achieve their highest potential while making a meaningful contribution to Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation. The Institute operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment supported by motivated and committed professionals.
ATI recognizes that its employees are its most valuable assets and is committed to providing the tools, training opportunities, and mentorship necessary to support career growth and professional development.
Organizational Culture
The organizational culture at ATI emphasizes teamwork, accountability, adaptability, and performance excellence. Employees are encouraged to demonstrate initiative, collaborate effectively, and deliver high-quality results.
Job Summary:
The Cluster Development Project within ATI aims to improve the income of smallholder farmers by increasing agricultural productivity and promoting commercialization. The project establishes Farmer Production Clusters that group farmers with adjacent plots to consolidate production, operate as business entities, and access value chain support.
Reporting and Scope:
The Cluster Coordinator works across Agricultural Commercialization Cluster segments covering input supply, production, and market linkage. The position reports to the Regional Director and supports coordinated implementation with public, private, and development stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
The Cluster Coordinator is responsible for supporting prioritized ACC interventions and ensuring increased farmer aggregation, improved production practices, and enhanced commercialization outcomes.
Performance Focus
Key performance areas include farmer registration in Farmer Production Clusters, expanded land coverage under full production packages, increased productivity of priority commodities, higher marketable surplus at woreda level, and strong farmer participation in bottom-up planning.
Coordination and Planning
The role ensures integration of ACC planning and monitoring systems into zonal processes, facilitation of value chain alliance forums, and support to HDP project implementation across assigned zones.
Program Management
The Cluster Coordinator mainstreams standardized planning, program management, and reporting tools to support effective decision-making and performance tracking.
Operational Duties
Responsibilities include coordinating planning activities, preparing meeting agendas and reports, facilitating value chain meetings, and ensuring follow-up actions are implemented.
Implementation Oversight
The position involves daily coordination of interventions, tracking progress, identifying challenges, and supporting joint problem-solving with stakeholders.
Reporting and Escalation
The Cluster Coordinator escalates unresolved issues to the Regional Director, oversees ATI-owned interventions, follows up with woreda focal persons, and ensures accurate reporting to regional and national stakeholders.
Technical Support
Additional duties include maintaining agricultural databases, coordinating development agents for assessments, supporting training delivery, and providing technical supervision to Farmer Production Clusters.
Monitoring and Learning
The role requires active participation in monitoring activities, organizing learning field days, supporting capacity-building for IDPs, and coordinating HDP project activities.
Stakeholder Engagement
The Cluster Coordinator works closely with community leaders, humanitarian organizations, and local stakeholders to ensure transparent beneficiary selection, accurate data management, and documentation of best practices.
Market Linkages
Market linkage platforms are facilitated to connect Farmer Production Clusters with buyers and enhance contract farming opportunities.
Education:
A Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, Agriculture, Crop Protection, Plant Breeding, Irrigation Agronomy, Dryland Agriculture, Rural Development, Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, or a closely related field is required.
Experience:
A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in agriculture, rural development, agricultural commercialization, value chain development, program coordination, or related areas is required.
Professional Knowledge
Strong knowledge of Ethiopian agricultural policy and regulatory frameworks and in-depth understanding of agricultural commercialization and agribusiness development are required.
Additional Experience
Experience working with smallholder farmers, private sector actors, market-based programming, IDPs, refugees, or humanitarian programs is an advantage.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English and Afan Oromo, written and spoken, is essential. Knowledge of additional Ethiopian languages is an advantage.
Skills and Abilities
Strong communication and reporting skills, time management, teamwork, coordination, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities are required.
How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and a CV of no more than five pages through https://apply.ati.gov.et. Applicants must clearly indicate the position title in the subject line of both the cover letter and the email. Scanned certificates should not be submitted. Women are highly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.