Associate Program Officer – Agribusiness and Agri-services Job Vacancy at ILRI Ethiopia

Organization: International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) / AGRA
Position: Associate Program Officer – Agribusiness and Agri-services
Reference Number: APOABS/AGRA/09/2026
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: National Staff Position
Application Deadline: June 23, 2026

About AGRA

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) is an African-led organization dedicated to transforming agriculture and strengthening food systems across the continent. AGRA supports millions of smallholder farmers by improving access to quality seeds, sustainable farming practices, profitable markets, and innovative agricultural solutions.

Working alongside governments, development partners, and private-sector stakeholders, AGRA promotes inclusive agricultural growth, climate resilience, and economic opportunities for youth and women.

Position Summary

AGRA is seeking a qualified and motivated Associate Program Officer – Agribusiness and Agri-services to support youth and women-led agribusiness initiatives in Ethiopia.

The position focuses on strengthening climate-smart and nutrition-sensitive agricultural enterprises, improving access to quality inputs, supporting seed systems development, enhancing agribusiness management skills, and creating sustainable employment opportunities within agricultural value chains.

The successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of the Youth Employment for the Future of Agriculture (YEFFA Ethiopia) program and support AGRA’s mission of promoting inclusive agricultural transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Agribusiness Development

• Support youth groups and women agripreneurs engaged in seed and seedling production, handling, and marketing.
• Strengthen youth-led agricultural enterprises and agribusiness initiatives.
• Promote climate-smart agricultural practices and sustainable business models.
• Support aggregation models for agricultural inputs and advisory services.

Capacity Building and Training

• Deliver practical agribusiness and entrepreneurship training.
• Facilitate business development programs for youth and women entrepreneurs.
• Promote farming as a profitable business opportunity.
• Support green-skilling initiatives and climate-resilient business development.

Partnerships and Market Linkages

• Collaborate with agro-input suppliers, private sector actors, and development partners.
• Support the expansion of digital agricultural advisory services.
• Facilitate access to affordable post-harvest technologies and solutions.
• Strengthen networks among policymakers, practitioners, and youth entrepreneurs.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Support development of youth agripreneur performance monitoring systems.
• Track project implementation and business outcomes.
• Prepare reports, knowledge products, and learning materials.
• Contribute to program evaluations and impact assessments.

Program Support

• Assist country teams in implementing the YEFFA Ethiopia Program.
• Support knowledge sharing and documentation of best practices.
• Contribute to AGRA’s efforts in sustainable job creation and agricultural innovation.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master's Degree or PhD in:
  • Agronomy
  • Agribusiness
  • Rural Development
  • Agriculture or related field
• Relevant professional certification is an advantage.

Required Experience

For Master's Degree Holders

• Minimum nine (9) years of relevant professional experience.

For PhD Holders

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience.

Additional Experience

• Experience in agribusiness development, seed systems, agricultural extension, or crop agronomy.
• Experience working with youth and women groups in agriculture.
• Proven experience in business development and entrepreneurship training.
• Experience strengthening farmer groups, cooperatives, or youth-led enterprises.
• Practical knowledge of climate-smart agriculture and nutrition-sensitive value chains.
• Experience collaborating with public and private sector partners.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of agricultural value chains and agribusiness systems.
• Understanding of seed systems and agricultural input markets.
• Knowledge of post-harvest technologies and sustainable agriculture.
• Excellent project coordination and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong report writing and proposal development abilities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English.

Salary and Benefits

Grade

HG16

Minimum Base Salary

USD 2,339 per month

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Medical insurance
• Life insurance
• Offshore pension plan
• Professional development opportunities
• International working environment

Duty Station

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit:

• Updated CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact details of three professional referees

Applicants must clearly indicate:

Reference Number: APOABS/AGRA/09/2026

in the subject line of their application.

Applications must be submitted online through the official ILRI recruitment portal before June 23, 2026.

Apply Here

Important Notes

• AGRA and ILRI do not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Why Join ILRI and AGRA?

This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to agricultural transformation, youth employment, and sustainable food systems development in Ethiopia. The successful candidate will work with leading agricultural experts and development partners while supporting innovative agribusiness solutions that improve livelihoods and strengthen food security across the country.