Senior Project Officer II – Natural Resources Management
About the Organization
The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), formerly the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), is a strategy- and delivery-oriented government institute dedicated to transforming Ethiopia’s agriculture sector. Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Ethiopian economy, contributing significantly to GDP, exports, and employment.
ATI works to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural practices. The Institute operates through policy analysis, technical implementation support, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder coordination to accelerate sectoral growth.
ATI collaborates with government institutions, research organizations, farmers, and development partners at national and international levels to facilitate knowledge exchange, learning, and evidence-based decision-making.
The Institute values innovation, adaptability, and teamwork. ATI provides its staff with tools, training, mentorship, and career development opportunities, allowing them to make a meaningful contribution to Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation.
Job Location
Hawassa, Ethiopia
Employment Type and Duration
Full-time position, one-year contract with possibility of extension.
Position Summary
The Senior Project Officer II will oversee and provide technical leadership in Natural Resources Management (NRM), Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies, and Climate Information and Advisory Services (CIAS) components under the SATC ACC II project. The officer ensures the integration of high-quality systems and processes to support effective project delivery for smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and agro-pastoralists.
The officer will manage project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, while building technical capacity among staff, partners, and stakeholders in the region.
Key Responsibilities
Outcome 1: Effective Project Management (50%)
- Provide technical leadership and oversight of NRM & CSA activities across the project cycle, ensuring alignment with ATI quality standards, donor requirements, and best practices.
- Guide technical assistance and capacity-strengthening initiatives to improve program quality and impact.
- Serve as technical lead in proposal development, including budgeting, staffing, and activity planning for NRM & CSA components.
- Facilitate project learning by identifying research and innovation opportunities in NRM, CSA, and climate advisory services.
- Document, disseminate, and integrate best practices and lessons learned for broader knowledge management.
- Provide equipment, logistics, and training support to project sites to scale out NRM & CSA interventions.
- Conduct periodic monitoring and evaluation of project performance.
Outcome 2: Linkage and Coordination (30%)
- Identify, assess, and strengthen partnerships relevant to NRM & CSA technologies, practices, and climate information services.
- Coordinate technical activities with regional cluster coordinators to achieve overall project objectives.
- Facilitate collaboration with project stakeholders and sub-grantees for coherent implementation of NRM & CSA components.
- Promote stakeholder capacity building in NRM & CSA solutions for smallholder farmers.
- Lead the identification of CSA gaps through climate risk analysis and facilitate validation workshops, preparing comprehensive reports for stakeholders.
Outcome 3: Resource Management (5%)
- Contribute to staff development plans to ensure regional and head office teams comprise high-caliber professionals.
- Ensure timely and appropriate allocation of project funds and resources in line with approved financial plans.
Outcome 4: Communication and Knowledge Management (15%)
- Lead reporting and documentation of NRM & CSA components, ensuring timely delivery of project outcomes, outputs, and activities.
- Promote the sharing of lessons learned and best practices from NRM & CSA interventions across ATI and partner organizations.
- Serve as a liaison between project teams, stakeholders, and government institutions to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
Educational Qualification
- Master’s degree in Soil Science, Natural Resources Management, Agronomy, Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture, or a related field.
Work Experience
- At least 8 years of practical experience in implementing NRM, soil health and fertility management, irrigation, and related projects.
- Proven record of successful project implementation demonstrated through completed projects, portfolios, or achievement showcases.
Technical Competencies
- Planning, implementing, and monitoring projects effectively.
- Capacity to build operational excellence, lead staff, and manage budgets and activities.
- Strong stakeholder management, including experience engaging with regional and federal institutions, NGOs, and private sector partners.
- Familiarity with Ethiopian agricultural systems and climate-smart agriculture approaches.
Other Requirements
- Proficiency in English, Amharic, and other local languages relevant to the duty station.
- Competent in essential computer applications.
- Certification in project management is an advantage.
Required Skills
- Time management
- Communication
- Teamwork
Professional Growth and Career Development
- Lead high-impact NRM & CSA interventions at a regional level.
- Develop expertise in climate-smart agriculture, natural resource management, and stakeholder engagement.
- Gain exposure to multi-stakeholder coordination, project management, and institutional capacity strengthening.
- Contribute to national-level agricultural transformation initiatives.
Impact of the Role
- Supports sustainable agricultural development through improved NRM & CSA practices.
- Enhances smallholder farmer resilience to climate risks.
- Strengthens technical capacity of ATI and partner organizations in climate-smart agriculture and NRM.
Diversity and Inclusion
Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. ATI is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.
How to Apply
- Submit a cover letter and CV (maximum 5 pages) via https://apply.ati.gov.et.
- Clearly mention the position title in the subject line of the application.
- Do not submit scanned certificates or attachments.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.