VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Associate Program Officer (APO)

TAGDev 2.0 Project

Haramaya University invites qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of Senior Associate Program Officer (APO) under the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) Project.

TAGDev 2.0 is a partnership between RUFORUM, Mastercard Foundation, twelve African universities, and the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA). The project aims to strengthen higher education and TVET institutions to empower Africa’s youth and promote inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient transformation of agriculture and agrifood systems.

Position Information

Position Title: Senior Associate Program Officer (APO)

Duty Station: Haramaya University, Ethiopia, with frequent travel to project sites in Haramaya (Maya Administration), Kersa, Kombolcha Woredas and more

Contract Duration: Fixed-term appointment linked to the TAGDev 2.0 project duration, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Program Officer will support the effective implementation and coordination of TAGDev 2.0 activities through:

  • Supporting project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
  • Coordinating stakeholder engagement and multistakeholder innovation platforms.
  • Organizing trainings, workshops, field days, learning events, and consultative forums.
  • Supporting student entrepreneurship, innovation, incubation, and experiential learning activities.
  • Facilitating community engagement and extension activities.
  • Preparing technical reports, policy briefs, newsletters, and other knowledge products.
  • Supporting project financial and administrative processes.
  • Maintaining project databases, monitoring systems, and documentation.
  • Ensuring compliance with donor and university requirements.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

  • Master’s Degree or higher in Agriculture and Rural Development Studies, Agricultural Communication and Innovation, Agribusiness Management, Value Chain Analysis, or related fields.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in project implementation, coordination, management, or development programs.
  • At least (5) years of experience organizing and facilitating Multistakeholder Innovation Platforms (MSIPs) in development sectors
  • Demonstrated experience working with smallholder farmers, rural youth, women, and vulnerable groups.
  • Proven experience in agricultural extension, advisory services, capacity building, community engagement, and innovation platforms.
  • Strong experience in preparing reports, policy briefs, knowledge products, and communication materials.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and reporting skills.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English, Afaan Oromo, and Amharic.

Desirable Qualifications

  • PhD in a relevant field.
  • Experience working with higher learning institutions.
  • Experience in donor-funded projects, particularly agricultural development programs.
  • Experience with Farmers Field Schools (FFS), Farmers Training Centers (FTCs), and community-based agricultural innovation approaches.

Required Competencies

  • Strong leadership and coordination skills.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
  • Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
  • Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
  • High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should submit:

  1. Application letter.
  2. Detailed (extended) Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  3. Copies of academic credentials.
  4. Copies of relevant training certificates.
  5. Copies of testimonials or evidence of relevant work experience.
  6. Names and contact details of three professional referees.

Applicants shall submit their applications electronically as a single PDF file to:

  • TAGDev 2.0 Project Office Haramaya University
  • Email: TAGDev2.0_ASEC@haramaya.edu.et
  • Subject Line: Application for Program Officer – TAGDev 2.0 Project
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the complete Terms of Reference (ToR) before submitting their applications.

The detailed ToR can be accessed through: [Insert Direct Download Link to the Full ToR]

Application Deadline

Applications must be received no later than 27 June 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

SELECTION PROCESS

The recruitment process may include:

  • Document screening and shortlisting.
  • Written examination.
  • Oral interview and/or presentation.
  • Reference checks.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the subsequent stages of the recruitment process.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Any form of canvassing or attempt to influence the recruitment process shall lead to automatic disqualification.

Haramaya University reserves the right not to fill the position, to re-advertise the vacancy, or to amend the recruitment process at any stage without prior notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

  • Haramaya University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • Women, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and qualified candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

For further information, please contact:

TAGDev 2.0 Project Office Haramaya University

Email: TAGDev2.0_ASEC@haramaya.edu.et

 

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