Job Description
Position: Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager
Company: Olam International
Location: Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Experience: 5-7 years
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or related field; Master’s preferred
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Agriculture
Department: Sustainable Agriculture
Salary: SSP 180,000 – 250,000 per annum
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
Olam International is a leading global agribusiness and food solutions company with a strong footprint across Africa, including Ethiopia. The company is dedicated to creating sustainable value for farmers, consumers, and shareholders by integrating innovative practices, responsible sourcing, and community development. In Ethiopia, Olam works closely with smallholder farmers to improve yields, promote climate‑smart agriculture, and enhance market access. As part of its commitment to Ethiopia Jobs and career growth, Olam continuously invests in talent that can drive transformative agricultural projects across the region.
Job Overview
The Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager will lead Olam’s flagship initiatives aimed at increasing productivity, resilience, and environmental stewardship among farming communities in the Amhara region. This role involves designing, implementing, and monitoring programs that align with global sustainability standards while delivering measurable impact on local livelihoods. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, government agencies, NGOs, and farmer cooperatives to ensure seamless execution of project activities. For more information about Olam’s impact and other Jobs in Ethiopia, visit the Ethiopia Jobs portal.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive sustainable agriculture strategies that address soil health, water management, and climate adaptation.
- Manage end‑to‑end project cycles, including planning, budgeting, stakeholder engagement, and performance reporting.
- Lead a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, field officers, and data analysts to achieve program targets.
- Facilitate capacity‑building workshops for smallholder farmers on best practices, input use, and market linkage.
- Monitor and evaluate program outcomes using robust data collection tools, ensuring alignment with Olam’s ESG goals.
- Coordinate with local government bodies and NGOs to secure necessary permits, funding, and technical support.
- Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior leadership and external partners, highlighting impact metrics and lessons learned.
Required Skills
- Strong knowledge of sustainable farming techniques, climate‑smart agriculture, and value‑chain development.
- Excellent project management abilities with a track record of delivering large‑scale agricultural programs.
- Proficient in data analysis, GIS tools, and impact assessment methodologies.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work in multicultural environments and adapt to dynamic field conditions.
- Fluent in English; proficiency in Amharic is an advantage.
Education
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related discipline is required. A Master’s degree or professional certifications in sustainable development, project management, or related fields is highly desirable.
Experience
Applicants should possess 5‑7 years of relevant experience in managing agricultural development projects, preferably within Ethiopia or comparable emerging markets. Experience working with smallholder farmer groups, NGOs, or government agencies will be considered a strong asset.
Salary
The compensation package ranges from SSP 180,000 to SSP 250,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The package includes performance‑based incentives and comprehensive benefits.
Benefits
- Health insurance covering employee and dependents.
- Retirement savings plan.
- Paid annual leave and public holidays.
- Transportation allowance for field visits.
- Professional development budget.
Training
- On‑boarding program covering Olam’s sustainability framework and Ethiopia operations.
- Continuous learning opportunities through workshops, webinars, and certifications.
- Mentorship from senior agronomy and ESG leaders.
Working Environment
The role is based in Bahir Dar with frequent travel to rural farming zones across the Amhara region. Candidates will experience a collaborative office setting combined with dynamic fieldwork, offering a balanced mix of strategic planning and hands‑on implementation.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through the online application portal on Olam’s career site. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Olam International is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or background. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.