Director, Seeds Program

Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency
Ethiopia

The newly-created Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency seeks a Director, Seeds Program to join its founding leadership team. The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency (the Agency or ATA) is an initiative of the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) expected to be established by federal regulation in January 2011. The primary aim of the Agency will be to promote agricultural sector transformation by supporting existing structures of government, private-sector and other non-governmental partners to address systemic bottlenecks in the system and deliver on a priority national agenda to achieve growth and food security.

The formation of the ATA is a result of two years of extensive diagnostic study across eight sub-sectors of Ethiopia’s agricultural system in a highly-consultative, multi-stakeholder process led by the Ministry of Agriculture with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Modeled after similar public-sector bodies in Asia (i.e. Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, etc.) that played important roles in the growth of those national economies, the Agency’s structure and function is focused on nimble, innovative and results-oriented support to a range of partners in the agricultural sector.

The ATA will be established as a public Agency led by a Chief Executive Officer and a high-caliber staff of senior leadership. Governance will be provided by an inter-ministerial council, chaired by the Prime Minister. The Minister of Agriculture will serve as the deputy chair with additional representation from other relevant federal ministries and regional governments. The ATA will be headquartered in Addis Ababa with a foreseeable ad hoc and potential standing presence in the regions.

Programmatically, the ATA will focus on a set of high priority initiatives identified by the Council. There are expected to be approximately 6-7 initial areas of focus, including seeds, irrigation and markets/cooperatives. Across the thematic initiatives, the ATA engages public, private and non-governmental stakeholders to support strategic planning, manage and strengthen implementation capacity, and test innovative models. The ATA will be financed by GOE and a range of development partners.

Director, Seeds Program - Responsibilities and Functions

The Director will have primary responsibility for developing, implementing and supporting a portfolio of initiatives to improve the quality and availability of improved seeds for key crops in Ethiopia. The ideal Director would possess a passion for improving the lives of small-holder farmers and an extensive knowledge of Ethiopia’s seed system. S/he would likewise possess the entrepreneurial ability to visualize transformation, to mobilize stakeholders across the seed system and to drive practical change on the ground.

Director, Seeds Program will report directly to the CEO and be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Major Responsibility

To conceive, launch and support a portfolio of initiatives designed to measurably improve the quality and availability of improved seeds for key crops across Ethiopia.To build the capacity, as necessary, of key government, private and informal actors in Ethiopia’s seed system to enable long term improvements within the seed system.

Key Functions

Serving as the leader of the Seeds Program team, responsible for the overall direction, values, culture and management of the ProgramEngaging stakeholders across the seed system (government, business, civil society, universities, cooperatives, farmers organizations, farmers, donors, etc.) to identify and prioritize actions to improve quality and availability of seeds for target crops.Working with stakeholders to design and then implement high-priority interventions to improve the quality and availability of seeds for target crops.Supporting stakeholders to mobilize needed financial, human or organizational resources for project execution.Managing the performance of seed initiatives; setting key performance indicators, milestones and targets; engaging stakeholders to creatively solve problems and overcome obstacles in order to achieve desired results.Critically assessing capacity gaps hindering the effective implementation of seeds initiatives and developing approaches for improving capabilities as required. Using the ATA seeds initiatives as a platform for project-based learning.Integrating seeds initiatives with other ATA programs to achieve synergies and outcomes that impact the broader agricultural system.

Experience

10-15 years in senior program leadership role in government, international agency or private sector.Deep understanding of Ethiopia’s seed system, with a broad perspective on seeds value chains and an intimate knowledge of how public, private and informal actors operate within the sytem.Experience in agribusiness and creating public private partnerships in the sector preferred.Demonstrable track record of success with program design, performance management, learning systems, and monitoring & evaluationMaster’s degree in Business Administration, or Master’s / PhD in Agriculture Science or other relevant subject.Fluency in Amharic and English is essential. Fluency in at least one additional Ethiopian language a plus.

Competencies

Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, start-up environment, with an emphasis on high-performance, teamwork, accountability and results.Ability to build relationships with all kinds of people.Highly facilitative and collaborative leadership style.Excellent adaptive problem-solver in challenging environment.Excellent analytical skills.Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty and desire to be of service.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to: ATA@synergos.org

Internationally competitive compensation package. Details available upon request.

Application Instructions

To apply, send resume and cover letter to: ATA@synergos.org

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