About the Organization
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is a leading African-led institution dedicated to transforming agriculture across the continent. The organization works to improve the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers by strengthening food systems, improving productivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
AGRA focuses on empowering Africa’s 33 million smallholder farming households to shift from subsistence farming to profitable agricultural businesses. Through innovation, partnerships, and strategic programs, the organization supports farmers to achieve higher yields, improved income, and better resilience to environmental and economic challenges.
The organization works closely with governments, private sector actors, and development partners to promote inclusive agricultural transformation. By aligning its work with national development priorities, AGRA contributes to sustainable food systems that improve food security and economic growth across Africa.
AGRA also builds strong partnerships and alliances that encourage innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Its initiatives focus on strengthening the entire agricultural value chain from production to market access.
The organization emphasizes youth engagement and gender inclusion, creating opportunities for young women and men to actively participate in the agricultural sector. Through these efforts, AGRA contributes to employment creation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
AGRA operates through key strategic areas including policy and state capability development, improved seed systems, sustainable farming practices, and inclusive markets and trade. These pillars support farmers in achieving higher productivity and accessing profitable markets.
AGRA’s work is guided by strong organizational values known as I-RISE, which stand for Integrity, Respect, Innovation, Stewardship, and Equity. These values shape the organization’s commitment to ethical leadership, accountability, and impact.
The organization offers an inclusive and multicultural working environment with professionals from more than 24 nationalities. Employees benefit from working in a diverse team that promotes collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
The Country Grants Officer will be part of the AGRA Ethiopia team located at the campus of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Addis Ababa. ILRI is globally recognized for its work in agricultural research and development.
Working with AGRA and ILRI offers a unique opportunity to contribute to agricultural transformation while gaining exposure to international development practices and high-impact projects.
Job Description
The Country Grants Officer will play a critical role in supporting grant administration and project coordination activities within AGRA Ethiopia. The position is responsible for managing grant processes, monitoring grant implementation, and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational policies.
The role involves working closely with the Country Director, program teams, and grant recipients to ensure effective implementation of funded programs. The officer will facilitate smooth grant management processes and provide guidance to partners throughout the grant lifecycle.
The Country Grants Officer will oversee grant tracking and monitoring systems to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely reporting of project performance.
Key responsibilities include:
• Managing the day-to-day administration of grants and project portfolios assigned to the role.
• Ensuring grantees comply with donor regulations and contractual obligations throughout the grant period.
• Maintaining and updating grant tracking systems using AGRA’s AMIS platform and other monitoring tools.
• Monitoring project proposals and ensuring proper documentation from submission through grant award and payment stages.
• Conducting due diligence and organizational capacity assessments before grants are awarded.
• Providing advisory support to country leadership on grant compliance requirements.
• Preparing grant portfolio performance reports and recommending improvements where necessary.
• Supporting implementation of systems, policies, and procedures related to grants administration.
• Facilitating program monitoring and contributing to performance dashboards and reporting tools.
• Serving as secretary to the Grants Charter Committee and coordinating committee documentation and meetings.
• Coordinating grant amendments and modifications with program staff and partners.
• Ensuring timely closure of grants in accordance with donor and institutional policies.
The position also involves strengthening the capacity of AGRA partners through training and technical support on monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems.
The officer will support learning and knowledge management by documenting experiences and lessons learned from grant management activities.
The role requires active engagement in internal and external meetings related to grants management and program delivery. This ensures alignment across teams and supports continuous improvement in grant implementation.
Through these responsibilities, the Country Grants Officer will contribute significantly to AGRA’s mission of strengthening agricultural systems and improving livelihoods across Ethiopia.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold either:
• A Master’s degree in a commercial or business-related field, or
• A Bachelor’s degree in a commercial or business-related discipline.
Relevant academic backgrounds may include business administration, finance, economics, development studies, or other related fields that support grants management and development program administration.
Candidates with additional professional training related to project management, development finance, or grants administration will have an added advantage.
Work Experience
Candidates must demonstrate substantial professional experience in grants management or development program administration.
• Applicants with a Master’s degree must have at least seven years of relevant experience.
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree must have at least ten years of relevant professional experience.
Experience working with international development organizations or donor-funded programs will be highly advantageous.
Applicants with experience working with organizations such as the Mastercard Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, or Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will have an additional advantage.
Professional experience related to agricultural development, grant compliance, or program monitoring is particularly valued for this position.
Required Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate strong technical and interpersonal skills necessary for effective grants management.
Key competencies include:
• Strong understanding of grants administration processes in development organizations.
• Knowledge of donor compliance requirements and reporting standards.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse multicultural teams and partners.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent analytical and organizational abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
Candidates should also have a strong understanding of how grant programs support agricultural development and inclusive economic growth.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to transparency and accountability are essential for success in this role.
Job Location
The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the campus of the International Livestock Research Institute.
Employment Type and Salary
This is a full-time national staff position.
The initial appointment is for three years with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and availability of funding.
The role offers a competitive remuneration package including benefits such as medical insurance, life insurance, and an offshore pension plan.
The minimum base salary for this position is Birr 150,522 per month.
Working with AGRA provides excellent professional development opportunities, exposure to international development initiatives, and opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in agriculture and development.
Employees gain valuable experience in project management, grants administration, and development programming that can significantly advance their careers.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit an updated curriculum vitae and a cover letter explaining their qualifications and motivation for the role.
Applicants must also include the names and contact details of three professional referees who are familiar with their work experience and professional background.
Candidates should clearly indicate the position title and reference number CGO/AGRA/04/2026 in the subject line of their cover letter.
Applications must be submitted online through the recruitment portal of the International Livestock Research Institute.
The application deadline is 16 March 2026.
Applicants should note that scanned academic certificates or other attachments are not required at the initial application stage.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment and interviews.
AGRA and ILRI are equal opportunity employers committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful agricultural transformation initiatives that improve the livelihoods of farmers and strengthen food systems across Africa.