Junior Agrologist Expert for South Liaison office

Organization

Stichting Wageningen Research (SWR) Ethiopia is an international NGO registered in Ethiopia since March 2021 with the FDRE Agency for Civil Society Organizations. The organization promotes more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems in Ethiopia.

Position Overview

Project: RAISE-FS LOGIC

Duty Station: Hawassa, with frequent travel to three regional hubs:

• Shashemene Potato Hub (Sidama and Oromia regions)
• Dale Avocado Hub (Sidama region)
• Arba Minch Banana Hub (South Ethiopia region)

Duration: One year, subject to annual renewal based on performance and availability of funding

Reports to: Team Leader, Hawassa Liaison Office

Project Background

Agrologistics remains an underdeveloped sector in Ethiopia. Key challenges include:

• Insufficient refrigerated transport and storage facilities
• Capacity gaps among actors in the supply chain
• High transportation costs
• Poorly developed infrastructure and disorganized fleets
• Delays in product delivery and increased postharvest losses
• Reduced product quality and marketability
• Inadequate sorting, grading, and packaging according to safety standards, resulting in international market rejections

Project Objectives

The RAISE-LOGIC project addresses agro-logistics sector challenges and enhances agri-food sector resilience by:

• Improving efficiency and sustainability of logistics systems
• Building the capacity of chain actors
• Scaling innovations and practices that maintain product quality and safety along the supply chain
• Strengthening value chains for avocado, banana, and potato
• Protecting against market fluctuations, climate shocks, and postharvest losses