Project Manager - Technical Assistance

🌱 We’re hiring: Project Manager – Technical Assistance (Ethiopia) 🌱 Organisation: COLEAD Programme: Mobilizing Actors in Horticulture for Entrepreneurship and Boosting Ethiopian Resilience (MAHEBER) Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Start date: As soon as possible Contract: Independent consultancy agreement - 1 year (renewable) About COLEAD & the programme COLEAD is a non-profit interprofessional association founded in 1973 whose mission is to support the sustainable transformation of agri-food systems and strengthen the contribution of the agri-food sector to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). COLEAD manages development programmes in more than 50 countries across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, supporting private-sector operators, producer organisations, public institutions and other stakeholders to improve competitiveness, sustainability and market access. As part of the implementation of the MAHEBER Programme – “Mobilizing Actors in Horticulture for Entrepreneurship and Boosting Ethiopian Resilience”, COLEAD is recruiting a Project Manager within its Technical Assistance Department. MAHEBER aims to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of Ethiopia’s horticulture sector by supporting stakeholders in adapting to evolving sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS), commercial, social and environmental requirements in local, regional and international markets. The Role Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Project Manager will work under the supervision of the MAHEBER Programme Coordinator and in close collaboration with COLEAD teams in Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Brussels and Lomé. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of partner-beneficiaries and coordinate technical assistance and capacity-building activities supporting horticultural businesses, producer organisations, public institutions and support-service providers. The role requires strong project management skills, experience in the Ethiopian agricultural or horticultural sector, and the ability to translate identified needs into practical and impactful support interventions. Key responsibilities Assess support requests from partner-beneficiaries and identify priority needs, challenges and capacity-building opportunities. Develop and manage tailored support projects, including the implementation of COLEAD’s Sustainability Self-Assessment System (SAS). Coordinate technical assistance, training and other capacity-building activities from planning through implementation, monitoring and follow-up. Prepare terms of reference, support the selection and contracting of experts and service providers, and supervise the delivery of assignments. Coordinate with programme partners and stakeholders to ensure effective technical, administrative and logistical implementation of activities. Organise and monitor calls for expressions of interest and other beneficiary selection processes. Ensure activities are delivered on time, to the required quality standards, and in accordance with COLEAD and donor procedures. Contribute to programme monitoring, evaluation and reporting, including activity documentation, financial follow-up and performance tracking. Maintain strong relationships with horticultural companies, producer organisations, public institutions, experts and other programme stakeholders. Contribute to workshops, conferences, trade fairs, training resources and other programme activities. Profile Master’s degree (or equivalent) in agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, agribusiness, project management, or a related field. Minimum 7 years’ relevant professional experience, including substantial experience in Ethiopia’s agricultural or horticultural sector and at least 3 years in project management. Experience designing, implementing, and monitoring technical assistance, capacity-building, or organisational development activities. Strong understanding of horticultural value chains and experience working with businesses, producer organisations, public institutions, and support-service providers. Experience managing external experts and service providers, as well as project monitoring, reporting, and administrative follow-up. Strong project management, analytical, organisational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a multicultural environment. Good digital literacy and fluency in English and Amharic. Knowledge of French, Spanish, or Portuguese is an asset. Conditions 📍 Full-time position based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ✈️ Regular travel within Ethiopia and occasional travel within the Eastern African region and Belgium may be required 📆 Start date: As soon as possible 📩 How to Apply Send your CV + Cover Letter + References by Friday 16th of October 2026 17:00 CEST . Joining COLEAD means joining a multicultural and committed team working to promote sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems. It is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful development impact while working alongside experts and partners across Africa and Europe. COLEAD's values are commitment, diversity, humanity, performance, and continuous improvement.