Education:

Master’s Degree (MA/MSc) or Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BSc) in a related field (Check details)

About the Organization

Save the Children is a global leader in humanitarian and development programming, operating in over 100 countries to ensure that every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation. In Ethiopia, the organization plays a critical role in addressing systemic challenges related to food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. Our work is grounded in the belief that transforming food systems is essential to ending preventable child deaths and ensuring that all children can reach their full potential.

The organization is currently spearheading the "Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture and Food Systems (NSA&FS)" project. This three-year initiative, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focuses on strengthening the governance and institutional capacity of Ethiopia’s food systems. By working directly within government structures, Save the Children aims to drive sustainable improvements in food and nutrition outcomes that are nationally owned and locally led.

Our workplace culture is defined by our core values: accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity, and integrity. We foster an environment where technical experts are empowered to challenge existing mindsets and develop innovative solutions to complex global problems. At Save the Children, professional growth is fueled by high-level strategic engagement and the opportunity to influence national policy at the highest levels of government.

We recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset. We are committed to providing a collaborative and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued as a source of strength. Our staff members are provided with the mentorship and tools necessary to achieve their career goals while making a meaningful contribution to the lives of millions of children and their families.

Save the Children Ethiopia is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity. We firmly believe that our workforce should reflect the communities we serve. Consequently, we strongly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe, supportive, and gender-responsive environment for all our team members to excel professionally.

Job Description

The Senior Food System Advisor is a high-level strategic position seconded to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). This role is designed to provide technical leadership in strengthening food systems governance and policy coordination. You will be at the forefront of establishing and operationalizing the National Food Systems and Nutrition Council (FSNC), a critical body for the implementation of the Ethiopia Food System Transformation Vision 2030.

The strategic impact of this role lies in its ability to bridge the gap between various sectors, including health, education, and industry. As a key advisor, you will lead multisectoral collaboration to ensure that agricultural policies are nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient. This position offers a unique "day-in-the-life" experience of working within the halls of government power while maintaining the technical rigor and values of an international NGO.

Your responsibilities will extend to mentoring the Ministry’s Food and Nutrition Office leadership and technical teams. You will guide the design of system-oriented strategies and coordination mechanisms that reduce fragmentation and improve efficiency. This role is essential for ensuring that data-driven decision-making becomes a cornerstone of the Ministry’s approach to food systems transformation.

For an experienced professional, this role offers unparalleled career development. You will represent Save the Children and the MoA in national and international forums, task forces, and donor meetings. By influencing policy and resource mobilization, you will build a professional legacy centered on the sustainable transformation of Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape.

Beyond policy work, the Advisor ensures that all interventions are inclusive and equitable. You will support the implementation of gender inclusion plans and climate-smart approaches within the agriculture sector. Your contribution is vital to ensuring that Ethiopia’s food system not only feeds its people but also protects its most vulnerable children from the long-term effects of malnutrition.

Job Positions and Requirements

Senior Food System Advisor

Educational Qualification: Minimum of an MSc/MA degree in Food Science, Food System Governance, Livelihoods and Rural Development, Agriculture, Public Policy, Public Health, Nutrition, or a related field.

Work Experience: Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in food systems, agriculture, or nutrition policy. At least 5 years must be in a leadership role within the NGO/UN or government sectors.

Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Federal Ministry of Agriculture)

Salary: Competitive / Per Scale

No. Required: 01

Required Skills and Competencies

Candidates must have a strong understanding of food systems frameworks and agriculture-to-nutrition pathways. Proficiency in policy analysis, evidence synthesis, and political economy analysis is essential for navigating the complexities of government secondment. We are looking for individuals with a proven track record of coordinating multisectoral platforms and influencing high-level strategic processes.

Excellent interpersonal skills are required to mentor technical teams and gain the confidence of senior government leadership. Applicants must be fluent in English, with the ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner. Familiarity with donor-funded programs (e.g., Gates Foundation, USAID, EU) and experience with Ethiopia’s Food Systems Transformation Roadmap are highly desirable.

Employment Type and Compensation

This role is offered on a contract basis for the duration of the project, providing stability and the opportunity to see long-term policy goals through to fruition. Save the Children offers a competitive package in the context of the humanitarian sector, reflecting the high-level expertise required for a secondment to a national ministry.

How to Apply

The application process is designed to identify individuals with the right mix of technical expertise and diplomatic skill. At this initial stage, candidates are not required to submit scanned certificates or official attachments. We encourage you to provide a detailed CV and cover letter that clearly illustrates your experience in policy advocacy and food systems governance.

Please note that original documents and academic credentials will only be required during the interview and physical verification stage. Save the Children maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward fraud, bribery, and corruption, and all candidates must comply with our ethics and anti-fraud measures throughout the recruitment process.

As this is a high-profile secondment role, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. We thank all applicants for their interest in this vital position. If you have not heard from us within the standard notification period after the deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful at this time.

Interested candidates should submit their application via the official Save the Children recruitment portal Apply link

Application Deadline

May 7, 2026