Nuru International Ethiopia Position: Agricultural Extension and Rural Livelihood Program Officer

Established in 2012 and headquartered in Arba Minch, Nuru Ethiopia works closely with farmers, cooperatives, unions, government institutions, private sector actors, and civil society organizations. Its work focuses on developing sustainable farmer-owned agribusinesses, strengthening market systems, improving livelihoods, enhancing food security, and increasing communities' resilience to climate change and other shocks.

Guided by the vision of a world without cycles of unjust poverty, Nuru Ethiopia equips communities to unlock their economic potential through locally designed and sustainable solutions.

Nuru Ethiopia is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. The organization strongly encourages qualified women candidates to apply.

Job Summary

The Agricultural Extension and Rural Livelihood Program Officer will support the planning and implementation of agricultural extension and rural livelihood activities in Nuru Ethiopia's operational areas.

The officer will provide technical support to farmers, extension workers, cooperatives, and local partners; promote climate-smart and regenerative agriculture; support nature-based solutions and livestock-related good practices; and strengthen farmers' resilience and livelihoods.

The position also involves monitoring field activities, collecting project data, documenting lessons learned, coordinating with government and community stakeholders, and reporting progress to the Program Manager.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Planning and Implementation

Support the Program Manager in planning and implementing program activities in accordance with approved standards and protocols.

Develop detailed activity plans, schedules, and field implementation plans for assigned interventions.

Conduct regular field visits to monitor implementation, provide technical guidance, and identify challenges requiring corrective action.

Ensure project activities reach targeted households and communities in accordance with approved beneficiary selection criteria.

Coordinate with government focal persons, agribusiness cooperatives, and relevant government offices to ensure effective implementation of program activities.

Follow up and supervise field implementation of activities related to agronomy, nature-based solutions, and livestock-related good practices.

Mentor and build the capacity of cooperative leaders and experts to strengthen their support to farmers.

2. Promotion of Climate-Smart and Regenerative Agriculture

Support the integration of climate resilience and environmental sustainability into livelihood interventions.

Provide technical support on climate-smart agriculture, high-value crop promotion, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture to improve farmers' resilience to climate change.

Prepare and organize training materials and handouts based on approved manuals and training modules.

Deliver training to farmers and extension workers on climate-smart agriculture practices and soil fertility improvement initiatives in collaboration with relevant partners.

Plan farmer training activities in collaboration with government focal persons, Development Agents (DAs), and cooperative staff.

Facilitate the establishment and management of demonstration sites at Farmer Training Centers (FTCs) or cooperative farmland.

Monitor demonstration site activities, evaluate performance against established protocols, and take corrective measures when needed.

Facilitate and coordinate farmers' field day events to promote learning and positive changes in farming practices.

Train agribusiness cooperative leaders and staff on agricultural input supply systems, market linkages, and post-harvest handling.

Support the establishment and management of tree nurseries in different agro-ecological areas.

Provide technical support for community-based tree planting campaigns, agroforestry adoption, and restoration of degraded land.

Support farmers and Nuru-supported cooperatives in identifying agricultural risks, developing early warning systems, and implementing adaptation techniques.

Support the digitalization of agricultural services, including SMS-based weather forecast services.

3. Documentation, Communication, and Reporting

Maintain positive communication with local community representatives, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders.

Collect accurate and timely field-level data on project implementation, outputs, and outcomes.

Collect and compile feedback from beneficiary communities, local governments, and partners.

Document success stories and lessons learned for internal and external communication.

Submit timely reports to the Program Manager.

Assist with research activities conducted by Nuru Ethiopia and its counterparts when required.

Job Requirements

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's Degree or above in one of the following fields:

Plant Science

Agronomy

Agricultural Extension

Rural Development

Other related fields

Work Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in agriculture or rural livelihood improvement.

At least two (2) years of recent field-level project implementation experience.

Practical experience in natural resource management, nursery management, income-generating activities, and cooperative management is an advantage.

Additional Skills and Competencies

Good understanding of community development, the poverty cycle, rural livelihoods, and NGO programme cycle management.

Experience working with local government structures and good knowledge of national rural development policies and strategies.

Excellent interpersonal communication, presentation, negotiation, and decision-making skills.

Ability to work under pressure, independently, and with limited supervision.

Willingness and ability to travel frequently to Nuru Ethiopia's operational areas in South Ethiopia.

Strong oral and written communication skills in English and Amharic.

Knowledge of one or more local languages spoken in the South Ethiopia Region is an advantage.

Knowledge of Nuru Ethiopia's operational areas in South Ethiopia is an advantage.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the minimum requirements should submit the following documents electronically:

A detailed CV of no more than three (3) pages.

A cover letter of no more than one (1) page.

Email:telaye2011@gmail.com

Email Subject: Agriculture Extension & Rural Livelihood Program Officer

Application Deadline: November 15, 2026

Important Notes

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

Nuru International Ethiopia is committed to equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, or disability.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by telephone after the application deadline.

Applicants invited for a written examination or interview are responsible for covering their own travel costs.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.