Education:

Master’s degree in one of the following fields: • Agricultural Engineering • Post-Harvest Technology • Agricultural Mechanization • Agribusiness • Other closely related agricultural disciplines

About the Organization
Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to transforming agriculture across Africa. The organization focuses on strengthening the productivity and resilience of smallholder farmers by promoting modern agricultural technologies, improved farming practices, and sustainable food systems.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SAA operates in several African countries including Ethiopia, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda. Through its programs, the organization works to improve food security, nutrition, and income opportunities for rural communities.

SAA supports smallholder farmers through training, research, extension services, and partnerships with governments, financial institutions, and private sector actors. Its work helps farmers adopt modern technologies that increase productivity and reduce losses in the agricultural value chain.

The organization focuses on three major strategic pillars. These include regenerative agriculture, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and market-oriented agriculture. Together, these approaches help strengthen food systems while ensuring environmental sustainability and economic growth.

In Ethiopia, SAA has been active since 1993 and is officially registered with the national authority responsible for civil society organizations. The organization has supported numerous agricultural development initiatives aimed at improving food security and rural livelihoods.

SAA’s programs place strong emphasis on innovation, climate resilience, and the integration of smallholder farmers into modern agricultural markets.

Working with SAA offers professionals an opportunity to contribute to large-scale agricultural transformation while gaining experience in international development and rural innovation.

Job Description
The Program Officer will play a key role in implementing agricultural interventions that focus on post-harvest technology and mechanization. The position aims to reduce food losses and improve the efficiency of agricultural systems among smallholder farmers.

The officer will support the implementation of climate-smart food loss reduction solutions designed to help farmers preserve their harvest and increase their income.

This position bridges the gap between agricultural innovation and accessibility. The Program Officer will help introduce practical technologies that farmers can adopt in their daily operations.

The role includes coordinating the rollout of post-harvest technologies such as threshers, mills, solar dryers, cold storage systems, hermetic bags, and silos.

The officer will also ensure that energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies are introduced to farming communities.

Another major responsibility is organizing training programs for farmers, extension workers, and small agricultural enterprises. These training activities will strengthen farmers’ technical skills and increase the adoption of improved technologies.

The Program Officer will also support the establishment of farmer-led service centers that provide mechanization services and technical support to local communities.

Partnership development is another critical part of the role. The officer will collaborate with government institutions, financial organizations, agricultural technology suppliers, and development partners.

The role also involves designing innovative financing mechanisms that help farmers access modern agricultural equipment. These financing models will include collaboration with banks, credit institutions, and community-based savings groups.

The Program Officer will contribute to monitoring and evaluation processes by documenting results, identifying best practices, and reporting progress to project stakeholders.

Through these efforts, the officer will help reduce post-harvest losses, improve agricultural productivity, and strengthen rural economic resilience.

Educational Qualification
Applicants should have a Master’s degree in one of the following fields:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Post-Harvest Technology
• Agricultural Mechanization
• Agribusiness
• Other closely related agricultural disciplines

A combination of relevant academic background and professional experience in agricultural systems or value chain development is highly desirable.

Work Experience
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in agricultural outreach, agricultural mechanization, agribusiness, or post-harvest management.

Experience working with smallholder farmers, agricultural cooperatives, or rural development programs is highly valuable.

Candidates with experience in agricultural value chain development, renewable energy applications in agriculture, or climate-smart farming technologies will have an advantage.

Experience in coordinating development projects, working with NGOs, or managing community-based agricultural initiatives is also desirable.

Previous work that involved collaboration with government agencies, financial institutions, or development organizations will strengthen a candidate’s profile.

Required Skills and Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate strong project management and organizational skills.

Applicants must have the ability to work with farmers, agricultural experts, development partners, and government stakeholders.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are important for identifying effective solutions to agricultural challenges.

Applicants should have knowledge of rural finance systems, credit access mechanisms, and agricultural equipment financing models.

Strong communication skills are necessary for conducting training programs and preparing professional reports.

The position requires the ability to travel frequently to rural project locations and work directly with farming communities.

Candidates should be comfortable using computer applications including Microsoft Office, database systems, and mobile data collection tools.

Experience with small-scale agricultural machinery and renewable energy technologies is also valuable for this role.

Fluency in spoken and written English is required for communication and reporting.

Job Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The position will be based in Addis Ababa but requires frequent travel to project sites and rural intervention areas across the country.

Employment Type and Salary
This is a full-time position offered for a duration of 12 months.

The contract is renewable depending on project performance and availability of funding.

Working with SAA provides an excellent opportunity to gain professional experience in international agricultural development programs.

Employees benefit from exposure to innovative agricultural technologies, international partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives.

The organization promotes a professional work environment that supports learning, collaboration, and career development.

SAA encourages qualified professionals from diverse backgrounds to apply. Women and candidates from underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to submit their applications.

How to Apply
Interested Ethiopian nationals should submit the following documents:

• One-page cover letter
• Detailed CV (maximum four pages)
• Contact information for three professional references

Applications should be sent by email to: saa-recruit@saa-safe.org

Applicants must clearly state “Program Officer: Post Harvest” in the subject line of the email.

Only a cover letter and CV are required at the application stage. Scanned certificates and additional attachments are not required during the initial application process.

Candidates are encouraged to ensure that their CV clearly highlights their professional experience, achievements, and relevant technical skills.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further recruitment steps.

Application Deadline: 23 March 2026.