Agrometeorologist

Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is a humanitarian organization that aims to improve aid to protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. Established as part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), NORCAP collaborates with local, national, and international partners to find solutions that meet the needs of vulnerable populations. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding initiatives. NORCAP's mission includes supporting initiatives that protect and empower people, improving impact through joint projects, providing expertise and developing capacity, and strengthening the global system through leadership and policy development. The organization is dedicated to enhancing climate resilience, particularly in regions like Ethiopia, where agriculture is highly dependent on climate conditions.

Job Overview:
The Agrometeorologist position at NORCAP is designed to enhance the development and dissemination of climate information tailored to agricultural needs in Ethiopia. This role is crucial in improving the country's climate information systems and supporting partners in translating weather and climate data into actionable advice for farming communities. The position is full-time and based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with direct support to the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). The successful candidate will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Ethiopian Meteorology Institute (EMI) and other partners involved in the Agricultural Resilience through Climate Services (ARCS) project. The role is expected to last for 12 months, with the possibility of extension, and involves significant collaboration with agricultural institutions and meteorological agencies to improve climate service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As an Agrometeorologist, the individual will be responsible for analyzing agrometeorological information systems and identifying opportunities for improving climate information delivery to farming communities. Key responsibilities include translating meteorological data into user-friendly agrometeorological advisories, monitoring and communicating weather and climate risks that affect agricultural productivity, and supporting the development of early warning information systems. The role also involves building the capacity of extension officers and staff from MoA, FAO, and EMI through training and mentoring. Additionally, the Agrometeorologist will strengthen collaboration among agricultural institutions, meteorological agencies, and research institutions to enhance the coherence and co-production of climate services. The position requires contributing to the development and promotion of tools for climate-smart agriculture and supporting policy-relevant communication through briefs and simplified information products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Agrometeorologist position must possess an advanced degree in Agrometeorology, Climatology, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences, or related fields. Professional working proficiency in Amharic is mandatory, and candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in applied agrometeorology and the provision of climate information for agriculture. Experience in using remote sensing, GIS, crop modeling, or climate monitoring tools is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate experience in producing and disseminating agroclimatic information for rural farming communities and have strong collaboration skills with agricultural institutions, meteorological agencies, and rural stakeholders, including farmers and extension systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Agrometeorologist position includes an advanced degree in relevant fields such as Agrometeorology, Climatology, Climate-Smart Agriculture, or Agricultural Sciences. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of climate impacts on agriculture and for developing effective climate information systems that can support farming communities in Ethiopia.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in applied agrometeorology, particularly in providing climate information tailored for agricultural applications. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with agricultural institutions and meteorological agencies, as well as experience in engaging with rural stakeholders, including farmers and extension services. This level of experience is essential for effectively translating complex meteorological data into actionable insights for farming communities.

Languages:
Professional working proficiency in Amharic is mandatory for this position, as it is crucial for effective communication with local stakeholders and farming communities. While proficiency in English is likely beneficial, the primary language requirement focuses on Amharic to ensure that the Agrometeorologist can effectively engage with the target audience and disseminate climate information in a comprehensible manner.

Additional Notes:
The Agrometeorologist position is a full-time role based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a contract duration of 12 months, subject to possible extension. The position is part of a collaborative effort involving multiple partners, including FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture. NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or disability. The organization reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates, and an approved Health Certificate will be required prior to the commencement of the contract. Feedback will be provided to all applicants within four weeks after the closing date of the advertisement.