Agribusiness & Market Officer – SunGold Project (Ethiopia)

About the role

The Agribusiness/Market Officer will support RTI International’s SunGold project, a USDA‑funded Food for Progress initiative aimed at transforming Ethiopia’s sunflower sector. Based in Arbaminch, the officer will strengthen the sunflower value chain, improve market integration, and facilitate linkages between producers and buyers across several regions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement agribusiness development plans for the sunflower value chain in collaboration with the SunGold Agriculture Lead, Financial Services Lead, and Production Officers.
• Lead market‑linkage initiatives, connecting farmers with domestic and international buyers.
• Facilitate training programs on market systems, contract farming, and access to finance for farmers and agribusiness actors.
• Support capacity building of extension services and promote improved policies and regulatory frameworks.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on value‑chain progress and market outcomes.

Required profile

• Degree in agriculture, agribusiness, economics, or a related field.
• Experience in agricultural value‑chain development, preferably with sunflower or similar crops.
• Familiarity with market systems, contract farming, and financing mechanisms.
• Ability to work in Ethiopia and adapt to local contexts.
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Fluency in English.

Required skills

• Market analysis
• Value chain assessment
• Training facilitation
• Project coordination
• Data collection and reporting