Job Description

Job Title: Developing Climate-Smart Forages for Resilient Livestock Systems in East Africa

Brief Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to lead the development of climate-smart forages for resilient livestock systems in East Africa. The successful candidate will work closely with local farmers, research institutions, and other stakeholders to identify, develop, and promote climate-resilient forage crops that can improve livestock productivity and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on climate-smart forages and their potential to enhance livestock productivity and resilience in East Africa
• Collaborate with local research institutions, universities, and other stakeholders to develop and test new forage crop varieties that are adapted to the region’s climate
• Work with smallholder farmers to promote the adoption of climate-smart forages and provide training on best practices for forage production and management
• Develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of climate-smart forages on livestock productivity and smallholder farmer livelihoods
• Build partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and private sector companies to promote the uptake of climate-smart forages and support the development of resilient livestock systems in East Africa

Requirements

• PhD in Agronomy, Animal Science, or a related field from a recognized university in Ethiopia or abroad
• At least 5 years of experience in agricultural research and development, with a focus on forage crops and livestock production
• Proven track record of conducting research and publishing papers in reputable scientific journals
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including smallholder farmers, researchers, and policymakers
• Fluency in English and Amharic, with knowledge of other local languages an added advantage
• Familiarity with Ethiopian and East African agricultural contexts, with experience working in the region a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions to complex problems