Application Cycle Concluded
The listed deadline for this opening was July 29, 2026. Application criteria, required documents, and preparation guidelines below remain active for upcoming academic cycles. Explore active live openings below.
About this opportunity
RTI International is hiring an Agribusiness/Market Officer and an Agriculture Production Officer in Ethiopia, with applications due by July 29, 2026. Both roles support RTI's agricultural development programs in the country, which focus on improving market systems, boosting production, and strengthening rural livelihoods. RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute based in North Carolina, USA. It was founded in 1958 and has grown into a global organization with more than 5,000 employees working in over 75 countries. The institute is known for applying scientific rigor to real-world problems, combining expertise in social sciences, laboratory sciences, engineering, and international development. Its clients include governments, foundations, and international agencies that need reliable data, thorough analysis, and sustainable programs to inform public policy. In Ethiopia, RTI has a long track record of working on agriculture, health, education, and governance projects, often in partnership with local organizations and government bodies. Ethiopia is one of Africa's largest countries by population, with a fast-growing economy that still depends heavily on agriculture. The sector employs roughly two-thirds of the workforce, and most farmers work small plots of land. Working in Ethiopia means navigating a of diverse climates, from the highlands to the lowlands, and a complex set of market systems that are still developing. The cost of living in Addis Ababa is relatively low compared to Western cities, though housing in the capital can be pricey. The work culture in international NGOs and research institutes tends to be professional and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on field visits and community engagement. International applicants will need a work permit, which employers typically sponsor for qualified candidates. These positions are suited for professionals with experience in agricultural value chains, market development, or production systems. If you have a background in agribusiness, agronomy, or rural development, and you want to apply your skills in a country where agriculture is central to daily life, these roles offer a chance to do meaningful, hands-on work.
Responsibilities
Agribusiness/Market Officer:
- Support the design and implementation of market systems development activities
- Build relationships with farmers, cooperatives, traders, and input suppliers
- Facilitate linkages between smallholder farmers and commercial buyers
- Conduct market assessments and analyze value chain opportunities
- Provide technical support to agribusinesses on business planning and financial management
- Monitor market trends and report on progress against project targets
- Organize training sessions for farmers and local partners on market access
- Coordinate with government extension services and private sector actors
Agriculture Production Officer:
- Provide technical guidance to farmers on crop production and soil management
- Promote climate-smart agriculture practices and improved inputs
- Support the establishment of demonstration plots and farmer field schools
- Train extension agents and lead farmers on good agricultural practices
- Monitor crop health, yields, and adoption of new technologies
- Collect and report field data on production outcomes
- Collaborate with research institutions to test and scale innovations
- Ensure project activities align with national agricultural policies
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
- Health insurance coverage
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Field-based work with direct impact on rural communities
- Collaborative work environment with an international research institute
Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in agribusiness, agricultural economics, agronomy, crop science, or a related field
- At least 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural development or market systems
- Strong understanding of Ethiopian agricultural value chains and rural markets
- Experience working with smallholder farmers and rural communities
- Proficiency in English and at least one local language, such as Amharic or Oromo
- Ability to travel frequently to field sites and work in rural settings
- Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills
- Familiarity with USAID or other donor-funded projects is an advantage
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word
How to Apply
- Prepare your CV and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience in agriculture or market systems.
- Ensure your application clearly indicates which position you are applying for: Agribusiness/Market Officer or Agriculture Production Officer.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in Ethiopia to Research Triangle Institute (RTI)'s strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
