Technical Advisor (Analytics Agricultural Transformation Agency), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

The ATA is an initiative by the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) with the primary aim of promoting agricultural sector transformation by supporting existing structures of government, private-sector and other non-governmental partners to address systemic bottlenecks 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 conducted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Its structure and function is focused on nimble, innovative and results-oriented support to a range of partners in the agricultural sector.

Programmatically, the ATA will focus on a set of high priority initiatives identified by an inter-ministerial Council chaired by the Prime Minister. There are expected to be 7 initial areas of focus, including seeds, markets/cooperatives, technology access and adoption and extension and research. 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.

The Technical Adviser of Analytics will work directly with the program directors from the 7 initial areas of focus to assist each program to develop visions, roadmaps and implementation support plans together with key stakeholders and implementation partners in the focus areas. The Technical Adviser will provide high-level guidance to the 5-10 analysts and program managers hired to support each program director. The ideal Technical Adviser would possess a passion for improving the lives of small-holder farmers, a deep familiarity with Ethiopia's agricultural system and extensive knowledge and experience in management consulting. S/he would likewise possess the entrepreneurial ability to visualize transformation, to mobilize stakeholders across system, to be innovative and to drive practical change on the ground.

This position will officially report to the Chief Technical Advisor (Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency).

Duties and Responsibilities

Major Responsibilities

• To assist Program Directors of the ATA in collaboration with key stakeholders and partners to develop program visions, and roadmaps and plans to support implementation of the initiatives that will achieve them.
• To provide guidance and management of the analysts and program managers hired to assist the program directors in the design and execution of the program initiatives.

Key Functions

• To lead program development and strategies for the 7 initial focus areas, with the understanding that this number might increase.
• Provide analytical support and some leadership coaching to the program directors and their departments as well as senior leadership.
• To ensure the analytical rigor and quality of all program work related to the ATA – both within, and across program areas; and in matters of sequencing and coordination within ATA activities and where necessary with respect to activities occurring in the wider Ethiopian agricultural landscape.
• Help to institutionalize genuinely collaborative problem solving with ATA's stakeholders and implementation partners, and to design the infrastructure that will constitute ATA's long term support to implementation in Addis and the regions.
• Help lead the capability development of the ATA – including in helping to institutionalize on-the-job learning as part of “How We Work”, and contributing to training and recruiting.
• Serve as a thought leader to help the creation and delivery of strategies and programs to enhance the ATA, and where appropriate helping to seek external peer review and counsel on ATA's approach.
• Contribute to the development of an institutionalized knowledge base for the ATA.
• Provide guidance to and manage work output of the program managers and analysts in each program area and contribute to their performance reviews and planning for their continued professional development
• Participate in a collaborative team environment with dynamic project settings.
• Regularly report to the CEO on progress, challenges and constraints of the work

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, leadership, and data gathering skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong set of personal values including integrity, honesty and desire to be of service.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

:

• Master's degree in Business Administration, or Master's / PhD in Agriculture or other relevant subject.

Experience

:

• At least 10 years of experience in management consulting with leadership experience
• Understanding of Ethiopia's agricultural system, with a broad perspective on how the entire system operates and how public, private and informal actors operate within the system
• Experience in prioritizing and sequencing both programmatic and operation activities
• Demonstrable track record of success with program design, performance management, learning systems and monitoring & evaluation.
• Practical experience in piloting and scaling up relevant solutions at the local level.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is essential.
• Fluency in at least Amharic and/or one additional Ethiopian language is a plus.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.