About the Organization
The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), formerly known as the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), is a strategy- and delivery-focused government institute dedicated to accelerating the growth and transformation of Ethiopia’s agriculture sector. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and exports. ATI works directly to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by promoting inclusive, sustainable, and resilient agricultural practices.
ATI engages in policy analysis, technical implementation support, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder coordination. By fostering collaboration between policymakers, researchers, farmers, and development partners, ATI ensures that agricultural development programs are effective, evidence-based, and scalable. The Institute also works with international partners to promote knowledge exchange, innovative practices, and global learning in agriculture transformation.
Working at ATI means joining a highly skilled and motivated team committed to achieving transformational impact in Ethiopia’s agriculture sector. The organization values talent, dedication, teamwork, and innovation, offering a supportive environment for professional growth, mentorship, and career development.
Job Description
The Senior Project Officer I – Policy and Regulatory Support Personnel will play a key role in shaping and implementing policies and regulations for mini-grid projects under the DREAM initiative. This position contributes to enabling private sector-led renewable energy solutions in rural areas, supporting Ethiopia’s national objectives for universal electrification, water access, and agricultural productivity.
The role offers an opportunity to influence policy, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and support innovative renewable energy projects, directly impacting rural development and improving the lives of communities across Ethiopia.
Key Responsibilities:
- Policy Development & Advocacy: Lead the design, review, and refinement of mini-grid policies and regulatory directives in collaboration with authorities, such as the Ethiopian Petroleum and Energy Authority (PEA). Ensure policies foster financial viability, private sector engagement, and integration with water and agricultural initiatives.
- Regulatory Framework Support: Provide guidance on regulatory reforms, including licensing, tariff setting, technical standards, and operational guidelines. Identify and help remove regulatory bottlenecks to encourage private investment.
- Economic and Financial Analysis: Conduct cost-benefit assessments, financial modeling, and tariff analysis to support project feasibility. Advise on innovative financing mechanisms for energy and water projects.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination: Facilitate dialogue between government agencies, private sector developers, development partners, and local authorities. Build multi-stakeholder platforms to promote knowledge sharing and alignment.
- Data Collection & Research: Oversee data collection and analysis on mini-grid performance, energy access, water usage, and agricultural productivity. Use insights to inform policies and guide project adjustments.
- Capacity Building & Knowledge Management: Develop and deliver training programs for government officials, private sector actors, and other stakeholders on policy, regulation, and best practices.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Establish frameworks to track project performance, regulatory compliance, and policy impact. Prepare reports, policy briefs, and recommendations for decision-makers.
- Innovation & Sectoral Integration: Contribute to piloting innovative policy approaches, financing models, and regulatory frameworks through an Innovation Lab supporting renewable energy and water-agriculture nexus projects.
Educational Qualification
- Master’s degree in Policy Economics, Energy Economics, Electrical/Energy Engineering, Economics, Development Economics, Law, or Public Policy.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 6 years in energy policy development, regulatory frameworks, or economic analysis in renewable energy or rural electrification.
- Experience in designing and implementing policies or regulations for mini-grid or distributed renewable energy projects.
- Proven record of collaboration with government agencies, private sector, and development partners on large-scale energy or infrastructure projects.
- Experience with water-energy-food nexus projects, agricultural value chains, or rural development is highly desirable.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Strong analytical, economic modeling, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent understanding of energy market dynamics, tariff policies, and regulatory frameworks.
- Ability to simplify complex technical and policy issues into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proficiency in data analysis tools, policy research, and evaluation methodologies.
- Strategic thinking, policy formulation, and innovation orientation.
- Teamwork, time management, adaptability, and results-oriented approach.
Job Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Secondment to Ministry of Water and Energy with potential travel to project sites).
Employment Type and Salary
- Full-time position
- One-year contract with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs
- Competitive salary and benefits aligned with government and ATI standards
Professional Growth and Career Development
- Opportunity to work on high-impact national projects influencing Ethiopia’s energy, water, and agricultural sectors.
- Access to mentorship, training, and exposure to national and international experts.
- Platform to develop leadership skills in policy formulation, stakeholder management, and project implementation.
- Experience in pioneering innovative regulatory frameworks and policy approaches.
Impact of the Role
- Contributes directly to Ethiopia’s goal of universal electrification and rural development.
- Supports private sector-led renewable energy initiatives, fostering sustainable economic growth.
- Strengthens governance, regulatory oversight, and institutional capacity in critical sectors.
- Enhances integration of energy, water, and agriculture for improved livelihoods and resilience.
Diversity and Inclusion
Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. ATI is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
How to Apply
- Submit a cover letter and a CV (maximum 5 pages) via https://apply.ati.gov.et
- Clearly indicate the position title in the subject line of your application.
- DO NOT submit scanned certificates or attachments.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.