Cooperative Advisor – Ethiopia, Arba Minch Town (40 hrs)
Vacancy
About Agriterra
Agriterra is an international non-profit organisation founded by the Dutch agricultural sector. We are dedicated to strengthening farmer organisations because we believe they are the cornerstone of thriving rural communities.
By building on the success of the Dutch cooperative sector, we provide the knowledge, resources, and support farmer organisations need to grow stronger, thrive economically, and create lasting local prosperity.
With a strong presence in the countries where we work, Agriterra fosters collaboration and long-term impact.
Together, we sow the seeds of change today, for a thriving tomorrow.
About the Project
The Farmers Focused Transformation-II (FFT-II) project is a five-year initiative running from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030.
The project focuses on the avocado, banana, and mango value chains in the Sidama and South regions of Ethiopia.
FFT-II aims to strengthen 26 farmer organizations (FOs) and improve the livelihoods of more than 51,000 smallholder farmers by promoting resilient, inclusive, and market-oriented horticulture systems.
FFT-II will strengthen the role of cooperatives in improving productivity, market access, and business performance. The project will enhance cooperative-led production systems and extension services to ensure farmers receive timely technical support, adopt improved farming practices, and access quality inputs.
These efforts are expected to increase productivity and improve household incomes.
The project will also strengthen market systems by improving aggregation, market linkages, and value addition for avocado, banana, and mango products. Cooperatives will be supported to improve collection systems, connect with reliable buyers, and explore value-added opportunities that increase competitiveness in domestic and export markets.
In addition, FFT-II will expand cooperative financial services and improve business performance to build more sustainable and resilient farmer organizations.
To ensure long-term sustainability, FFT-II will invest in strengthening the governance, leadership, and institutional capacity of farmer organizations. The project will improve management systems, transparency, accountability, and member participation while promoting climate-smart horticulture practices and improved post-harvest management to reduce losses and improve product quality.
FFT-II will also support lobbying, advocacy, and policy engagement to create a more enabling environment for horticulture cooperatives and smallholder farmers.
By 2030, the project envisions strong, financially sustainable, and well-governed farmer organizations that drive productivity, value addition, and market integration across the value chain.
About the Job
Agriterra is seeking a Cooperative Advisor to provide expert guidance and coordinate advisory trajectories with reputable fruit and vegetable producing and marketing cooperatives in the South Region around Arba Minch city.
The Cooperative Advisor will play an advisory and coaching role in developing and strengthening cooperatives, supporting them to become more professional, competitive, and sustainable.
To achieve this, the successful candidate will establish and maintain a robust network that encompasses cooperatives, financial institutions, traders, service providers, and other key stakeholders across the value chain.
He or she will initiate and guide change trajectories with selected cooperatives, while also lobbying, mediating, and supporting negotiation processes, including the preparation of viable business deals.
The Cooperative Advisor will be hired for four months and will support 5–7 cooperatives during the assignment period by working closely with an experienced Agriterra Cooperative Advisor.
This is an excellent opportunity for a true pioneer who is motivated to make a lasting impact.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Cooperative Advisory Work
Support the Senior and Medior Cooperative Advisors in assessing and selecting cooperatives.
Support project implementation with selected cooperatives.
Conduct advisory work such as:
Scoping studies
Cooperative assessments
Development of action plans
Action Planning and Contract Management
Assist selected farmer cooperatives in developing annual action plans with Agriterra.
Prepare and manage contracts between targeted cooperatives and Agriterra.
Implementation and Follow-Up
Support execution of action plans and follow-up activities.
Develop performance objectives and coaching work plans with target organizations in collaboration with cooperative advisors and the project lead.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
Collect and record project and client data in Agriterra’s M&E systems.
Assist the Project Lead with planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of interventions.
Prepare timely monthly and end-of-mission reports.
Stakeholder Engagement and Representation
Maintain strong working relationships with all FFT-II project partners.
Represent Agriterra in relevant value chain meetings, workshops, consultations, and field visits.
Competencies
Skills
Interpersonal skills
Organizational skills
Communication skills
Personal Qualities
Initiative
Creative problem-solving
Team player
Ability to work under strenuous conditions
Ability to work independently and within a team
Multitasking ability
Positive “can-do” attitude
What Do We Offer?
A collegial and ambitious work environment.
Development opportunities, including an education fund.
Responsibility and freedom to use your skills in dynamic international markets.
Opportunity to identify and realize new opportunities.
Full-time employment for four months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability.
Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
Good working conditions and additional benefits.
About You
Education
Bachelor’s degree in:
Development Studies
Climate Change
Environmental Science
Entrepreneurship
Agribusiness
Agricultural Economics
Rural Development
Or a related field
Experience
Up to 5 years of relevant professional experience.
Experience with international organizations, NGOs, or agricultural and climate-resilience development projects is preferred.
Technical Knowledge
Strong knowledge of climate change adaptation and mitigation approaches.
Experience in Ethiopian fruit and vegetable value chains, especially banana and mango value chain development.
Experience in:
Climate-smart agriculture
Sustainable agricultural practices
Resilience building
Environmentally sustainable market systems development
Proven experience in:
Market systems development
Market linkage facilitation
Value chain assessments and analyses
Familiarity with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and reporting processes.
Language Skills
Excellent oral and written English.
Proficiency in Gamo and other local languages is an added advantage.
Computer Skills
Strong computer skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Other Requirements
Willingness and ability to travel frequently to field locations.
Availability to commence work immediately upon selection.
Method of Application
Are you interested in this position, and do you fit the profile? Apply with a cover letter and curriculum vitae by sending an email to [email protected],
addressed to Habtamu Mekonnen, Country Manager of Agriterra Ethiopia, before June 15, 2026. Include the vacancy code (Cooperative Advisor) in the email subject.