The Cluster Coordinator is an integral part of the TSU and will be responsible for providing technical assistance to key actors in the EFSN, with a specific focus on Cluster-specific responsibilities. The Cluster Coordinator supports the planning and coordination of efforts across EFSN’s 24 Game-changing solutions and coordinates engagements between the Interministerial Steering committees, Cluster Working Groups, specialized teams (such as M&E, socialization, etc.), and regional implementation status. The Cluster Coordinator will work under the EFSN Secretariat to ensure effective delivery, communication, and collaboration across the relevant EFS cluster. He/she will work closely with the TSU Principal Coordinator and other members of the TSU and be responsible for guiding the technical work of the relevant Cluster Working Groups, providing regular updates on progress, challenges, and support needed.

The Cluster Coordinator is expected to strengthen the program’s focus and approach by linking the EFSN with the specific thematic focus of the clustered areas, including broad national priorities. He/she is expected to work with key stakeholders to ensure that the EFSN is accepted and increasingly institutionalized within the stakeholders.

The Cluster Coordinator is expected to work closely with the TSU team under the guidance of the principal coordinator to oversee the implementation of game-changing solutions to promote the strategic growth of the country’s food system.

The successful applicant is expected to be driven and dynamic, have a problem-solving mindset, and have excellent communication skills. This role presents a unique opportunity to engage with key players in the food and nutrition ecosystem, both local and international.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate the activities and efforts of the relevant Cluster Working Group, including facilitating meetings, documenting discussions, and tracking progress.
• Work with Cluster Working Group members to undertake detailed diagnostics that inform policy formulation and legal arrangements needed to implement the game-changing solutions.
• Provide updates on the status of clusters/game changers to the EFSN Secretariat.
• Support regional and local-level action by the Cluster Working Groups, ensuring alignment with the overall EFSN transformation strategy.
• Identify key bottlenecks or challenges that may affect the implementation of the game-changing solutions and work with the TSU members to develop strategies to address them.
• Document and disseminate best practices and lessons learned from the Cluster Working Groups to inform broader food systems transformation efforts.
• Collaborate with other TSU members to support the Secretariat in prepare presentations, meeting minutes, and other materials for the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee.
• Engage with a wide range of food systems stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector, civil society, and development partners, to facilitate coordination and alignment.
• Represent the Cluster Working Groups in high-visibility activities, task forces, and working groups related to food systems transformation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the TSU Principal Coordinator and EFSN Secretariat to support the overall success of the EFSN transformation.

Required Qualification, Competencies and Experience

• MSc in agricultural economics, supply chain management, development studies, marketing or other relevant fields;
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in designing and implementing market information systems, agricultural commercialization programs, and value chain development initiatives
• Demonstrated expertise in using digital and geospatial technologies for market mapping, evidence-based agricultural planning, and strengthening market linkages
• Strong understanding of Ethiopia’s agricultural markets, trade dynamics, and the factors influencing the competitiveness and specialization of nutrient-dense commodity value chains
• Proven track record of collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, and development partners, to promote agricultural commercialization and market-driven interventions
• Demonstrated national and/or international experience in multi-sectoral coordination, inter-disciplinary and multi-cultural leadership, and communication, as well as deeper knowledge of the Ethiopian economy;
• A strong research and operational leadership experience;
• Adequate experience in translating complex technical material and research findings into tools that support evidence-based decision-making;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, at least in Amharic and English, to interact with various individuals, including elected and government officials, development partners, the public, and key stakeholders.