Crop Production and Agronomy Expert

Salary; As per our pay scale with some other benefits Project title; Enhancing food security and reduce dependency on emergency food aid. Organization Profile and Background Pastoralist Concern PC is a pastoralist-initiated, -inspired and -led CSO working toward sustainable development in pastoralist areas of Ethiopia since 1995, their vision is “to see improved and sustainable livelihood of the pastoralist communities of Ethiopia and further realize strong co-operations with neighboring countries’ pastoralist communities.” PC works within our target area in the Somali region, engaging in both multi-sector development programming and emergency responses across diverse sectors that include health and nutrition, WASH, environmental resilience, education, protection and women’s empowerment. PC works with the hard-to-reach pastoralist and Agro-pastoralist populations, including in Somali region. Skills training, mobilization and organization, awareness creation, input provision, value chain development, and market linkages are among the key strategies and approaches of PC to improving health and nutrition and to building livelihood resilience. PC has roughly 120 permanent staff, including staff with technical experience in community-based programming, protection, gender, GBV, resilience, WASH, Health and Nutrition who are based at their head office and field offices.  We work in the sectors of Rural Development, WASH, Natural Resource Management and Social Development as well as Civil Society Strengthening.  What We Offer: A multicultural work environment where differences are accommodated. A continuous learning culture. Innovative and creative work practices A highly committed team Job Summary The Crop production and Agronomy Expert will lead the technical design and implementation of agricultural interventions tailored to the semi-arid and agro-pastoralist contexts of East Hararghe. As the region faces increasing climate volatility, the expert will focus on promoting drought-tolerant crop varieties, improving small-scale irrigation systems, and transitioning pastoralists toward diversified climate-smart agriculture (CSA). The goal is to enhance food security and reduce dependency on emergency food aid. V. Key Responsibilities 1. Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Implementation Design and oversee the distribution of high-quality, early-maturing, and drought-resistant seeds (e.g., sorghum, haricot beans, and local varieties). Train agro-pastoralists in modern agronomic practices, including Integrated Pest Management (IPM), conservation agriculture, and soil fertility management. Lead the establishment of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) to demonstrate innovative farming techniques and water-harvesting technologies. 2. Irrigation & Water Management Provide technical guidance on the development and maintenance of small-scale irrigation schemes (e.g., motor pumps, drip irrigation, or spate irrigation). Advise on efficient water use and the cultivation of high-value crops (vegetables and fruits) to improve household income and nutrition. Conduct site assessments for soil-water conservation (SWC) structures to prevent erosion in the hilly terrains of East Hararghe. 3. Value Chain & Market Linkage Support farmers in post-harvest handling, storage, and processing to reduce losses. Facilitate linkages between smallholder farmers and local markets or cooperatives to ensure fair pricing and sustainable income. Conduct regular market assessments to advise farmers on crop selection based on demand and climate forecasts. 4. Monitoring & Technical Reporting Monitor crop performance and pest/disease outbreaks, providing timely alerts and technical solutions to the community and local government. Prepare high-quality monthly and quarterly technical reports detailing project progress, challenges, and success stories. Utilize GPS and digital mapping tools to track farm plots and intervention areas.