Ethiopia Systems Change Specialist – One Acre Fund
Agriculture, Development and Project Management, Economics
One Acre Fund
One Acre Fund works to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. In Ethiopia, we engage farmers in agroforestry and community-based seed multiplication. In partnership with the Amhara National Regional State, these programs have planted more than 10 million trees, produced over 500 MT of improved teff seed, and reached more than 65,000 farmers. Now, we are now in an exciting phase of work in which we are trialing novel approaches and preparing for scale-up in the coming years. We have over 8000 employees globally, and our growing Ethiopia headquarters are in Bahir Dar, Amhara Region, with small offices in Addis Ababa, Finote Selam, and Motta.
To learn more about our work, take a look at our Why Work Here blog for more information.
About One Acre Fund
One Acre Fund works to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. In Ethiopia, we engage farmers in agroforestry and community-based seed multiplication to increase farmers’ incomes and improve farming systems. Engaging with local actors at every step but bringing ideas from outside, we are making rural farming more market-friendly and environmentally sustainable. Our Ethiopian partner farmers have planted more than 45 million trees, produced over 2000 MT of improved teff seed and improved the futures of hundreds of thousands of their neighbours. In Ethiopia alone, our permanent team numbers over 150 with nearly 1000 rural seasonal staff supporting them. Our Ethiopia headquarters are in Addis Ababa and we have a large program office in Bahir Dar, plus several smaller field offices.
To learn more about our work, take a look at our Why Work Here blog for more information.
About the Role
The System Change Specialist will be an essential part of a team in one of One Acre Fund’s fastest-growing country programs. The Ethiopia program currently serves over 160,000 farmers, grows over 14 million trees per year, and has an ambitious seed multiplication program. By 2025, we aim to serve 500,000 farmers and plant 100 million trees.
We are seeking a dedicated professional to lead the design and implementation of tree systems change trials and interventions to achieve our scale targets by creating a market-oriented tree system that enables farmers to sustainably generate value from trees.
You will report directly to the Systems Innovations Department Lead.
Responsibilities
As the System Changes Specialist, you will:
- Lead stakeholder mapping and engagement for the tree system, with a focus on tree production input supply and seedling sales, and understand the role of each actor in moving us towards a market-oriented tree system
- Conduct primary and secondary research on the tree system to identify the major stakeholders and understand the underlying dynamics and structures
- Analyze information gathered from research to identify patterns and trends within the tree ecosystem
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, to present recommendations to stakeholders
- Collaborate with various public, private, and development partners, distributors, and customers, to define and align on a vision for the tree system and how each actor can help achieve that vision
- Establish and manage stakeholder relationships at various levels such as agro-dealers, microfinance institutions, government counterparts and cooperatives for the success of tree systems change trials.
Career Growth and Development
We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You’ll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.
Qualifications
We are seeking someone with 4+ years of work experience and a demonstrated passion for our mission. Candidates who fit the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Agribusiness, Agricultural Marketing or a related field with at least 4 years of experience
- Established track record of working effectively in partnerships or collaborative settings involving multiple public, private and development actors
- Experience working with farmers in community projects, especially related to trees.
- Strong understanding of the tree system and its operations, including tree production input supply and seedling sales
- Demonstrated ability in designing and implementing the agricultural product or service trials
- Demonstrated ability in managing people and coaching.
- Excellent English writing and grammar.
- Command of the basics of email, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel (can maintain complex spreadsheets)
- Experience synthesizing large volumes of information gathered from different sources.
Preferred Start Date
As soon as possible
Job Location
Bahir Dar with frequent travel to rural Kebeles, Ethiopia
Benefits
Health insurance paid time off
Eligibility
This role is open to Ethiopian citizens, permanent residents, and origin cardholders.
Application Deadline
21 June 2023
One Acre Fund never asks candidates to pay any money or pay for tests at any stage of the interview process. Official One Acre Fund emails will always arrive from an @oneacrefund.org address. Please report any suspicious communication here (globalhotline@oneacrefund.org), but do not send applications or application materials to this email address.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), and anti-racism are deeply connected to our organization’s mission and purpose. One Acre Fund aspires to build a culture where all staff feel consistently valued, represented, and connected – so that our team can thrive as professionals, and achieve exceptional impact for the farmers we serve.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace.