About the Organization

One Acre Fund is a transformative non-profit social enterprise that has been redefining agricultural productivity for smallholder farmers since 2006. With a massive footprint across nine countries that house two-thirds of Africa’s farmers, the organization equips over 5.5 million families with the tools they need to succeed. By providing high-quality farm supplies, tree seedlings, accessible credit, and modern agronomic training, One Acre Fund enables farmers to increase their income and assets by an average of more than 35 percent. This model doesn't just provide temporary relief; it permanently improves the resilience of rural communities against environmental and economic shocks.

In Ethiopia, the organization’s impact is deeply rooted in agroforestry and community-based seed multiplication. Since entering the Amhara region in 2014 and expanding into the South Region in 2024, One Acre Fund has facilitated the planting of over 30 million trees and the production of 1,500 metric tonnes of improved teff seed. These initiatives have directly improved the futures of nearly 200,000 community members, making rural farming more market-friendly and environmentally sustainable. The organization operates from its country headquarters in Addis Ababa, with a major program office in Bahir Dar and several field offices supporting "last-mile" delivery.

The internal culture at One Acre Fund is powered by a team of over 9,000 full-time staff drawn from diverse professions and backgrounds. We operate with a "Field-First" mindset, ensuring that every strategic decision is informed by the realities of the farmers we serve. Our work environment is characterized by high-performance expectations, a commitment to data-driven results, and a supportive atmosphere that values constant learning. By integrating innovative global ideas with local expertise, we are building a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that empowers the next generation of Ethiopian farmers.

We are deeply committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the global community. One Acre Fund explicitly encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for leadership and technical roles. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), and anti-racism are not just corporate buzzwords here; they are fundamentally connected to our mission. We aspire to build a culture where all staff feel consistently valued, represented, and connected, ensuring that our team can thrive as professionals while achieving exceptional impact for farmers.

Professional growth is a cornerstone of the One Acre Fund experience. We invest heavily in our people through weekly check-ins, mentorship, and formal training programs. Career reviews are held every six months to discuss aspirations and set clear goals for advancement. As a growing organization, we provide a unique platform for professionals to shape large-scale operations and build rewarding long-term careers. Whether you are leading innovations or managing people operations, your work at One Acre Fund contributes to a legacy of prosperity and resilience across the African continent.

Job Description and Strategic Impact

The Ethiopia Chief of Staff and the Innovations & Growth Lead are high-level leadership positions designed to drive the organization toward its ambitious 2030 goals. The Chief of Staff serves as the strategic engine of the country program, overseeing enabling functions such as People Operations, Communications, and Health, Safety, and Security (HSS). This role ensures that the Country Director can focus on external partnerships and high-level strategy, while the Chief of Staff manages the internal systems and culture that allow the entire 1,000+ person team to function at peak efficiency.

The Innovations & Growth Lead sits at the intersection of experimental design and national-scale rollout. This role is responsible for architecting the "Learning Agenda" that will see the Ethiopia program serve over 440,000 farmers and plant 100 million trees by 2030. By designing field trials for high-value crops like avocado and investigating new revenue streams like carbon credits, the Innovations Lead ensures that every dollar invested generates maximum impact for the farmer. This position is vital for transitioning the organization from a traditional NGO model to a self-sustaining, revenue-generating enterprise.

Both roles offer a "day-in-the-life" experience that balances high-level roadmap architecting with reality testing in the field. One day you might be drafting strategic briefs for the Country Director or analyzing complex impact data; the next, you could be at a remote nursery troubleshooting grafting success rates or auditing seed supply trials. This blend of strategic oversight and operational execution provides a level of professional challenge and fulfillment that is unique to One Acre Fund’s mission-driven environment.

The strategic impact of these roles cannot be overstated. The Chief of Staff builds the healthy, inclusive culture necessary for long-term organizational stability, while the Innovations Lead defines the next frontier of agricultural services. Together, these leaders ensure that One Acre Fund remains agile, evidence-based, and focused on delivering life-changing results. Your work will directly influence the nutritional security and economic independence of hundreds of thousands of households across Ethiopia.

Career development in these roles is structured for those who aspire to executive leadership in the international development sector. Exposure to complex cross-functional project management, financial modeling, and regulatory navigation prepares you for the highest levels of organizational management. At One Acre Fund, we don't just offer jobs; we offer the chance to lead a movement that is permanently changing the trajectory of rural poverty.

Job Positions and Requirements

1. Ethiopia Chief of Staff (Renewable)

Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Strategy, or related fields.

Work Experience: 7+ years in strategy, People Management, or HR Business Partner roles, including at least 3 years of experience managing teams.

Job Location: Addis Ababa or Bahir Dar, Ethiopia (Travel: 25%)

Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Includes health insurance, housing, and comprehensive benefits).

No. Required: 1

2. Ethiopia Innovations and Growth Lead

Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Agricultural Science, Economics, Business, Research, or related fields.

Work Experience: Minimum 7 years of experience in managing complex projects or social enterprise programs, including 3+ years in emerging markets.

Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Travel: 35% to field areas).

Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Includes health insurance, housing, and comprehensive benefits).

No. Required: 1

Employment Type and Compensation

One Acre Fund offers full-time, permanent-track employment with a renewable contract structure (typically 2 years for the Chief of Staff role). We pride ourselves on offering a competitive compensation package that supports a high quality of life for our staff. This includes comprehensive health insurance, housing support, and other benefits tailored to the needs of international and local professionals.

Our compensation philosophy is designed to attract top-tier talent who are committed to long-term impact. We provide the stability of a well-funded international organization alongside the growth opportunities of a fast-paced social enterprise. Beyond financial compensation, the value of working at One Acre Fund lies in the immense investment we make in your professional toolkit, from leadership coaching to technical certifications.

How to Apply

One Acre Fund follows a transparent and merit-based recruitment process. We wish to clearly state that scanned certificates or physical attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. Candidates should focus on submitting a high-quality CV and answering the application questions via our official online portal.

Original documents and educational certificates will be requested for physical verification only if you reach the interview stage. Please ensure that your application accurately reflects your experience and qualifications, as any discrepancies discovered during verification will lead to disqualification. One Acre Fund never asks for money or payment for tests at any stage of the interview process.

Please note that we hire on a rolling basis, which means applications are reviewed and processed continuously. Only shortlisted candidates who meet the specific experience requirements (7+ years for these leadership roles) will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within a few weeks of your submission, please consider your application unsuccessful for this specific cycle.

The next steps for shortlisted candidates typically involve a combination of written exercises, case study interviews, and conversations with the leadership team. We are looking for individuals who demonstrate a "Field-First" mindset and a passion for evidence-based development.

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official links provided below. Ensure you select the correct role for your background and experience.

Application Deadlines

• Chief of Staff: April 27, 2026

• Innovations and Growth Lead: July 25, 2026

Official Application Link / Contact

• Apply for Chief of Staff: https://oneacrefund.org/vacancies/ethiopia-chief-staff-renewable

• Apply for Innovations & Growth Lead: https://oneacrefund.org/vacancies/ethiopia-innovations-and-growth-lead