Job Description

Since 1963, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society.

ACDI/VOCA Ethiopia would like to invite applicants for Mechanization Specialist for the Feed The Future Alliance to Accelerate Agricultural Growth (3AG) Project. Begun in 2021 and to continue through 2024, 3AG is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by ACDI/VOCA Ethiopia.  The overall goal of 3AG is to increase the income and resilience of Ethiopian smallholder wheat and maize farmers in six regional states of Amhara, Oromia, South West Ethiopian People, Sidama, SNNPR & Tigray, through increased access to improved seed and mechanization services.  We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the following position:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain good relationships with 3 AG mechanized service partners including but not limited to: John Deere, other agricultural mechanization companies, Gedeb Engineering PLC, Kegna Ag. Equipment Manufacturing and General Trading, ATA Mechanization Service Centers, Public and private farm mechanization service centers.

• In collaboration with 3 AG mechanized service providers, John Deere, develop a kiosk certification program with several service provision levels, eligibility criteria, and periodic performance evaluation.

• Assess multiple models for the delivery of mechanized services for their potential for scaling up. These include John Deere’s kiosks, MSP cooperatives, and ATA mechanization service centers (MSCs), among others.

• Support participating Mechanization Service providers in establishing and executing performance upgrading plans including improvement of efficiency and customer satisfaction, Work closely with participating MSCs to help them build a profitable agricultural equipment business services. 

• Evaluate participating garages, kiosks, and other MSCs on key performance indicators including but not limited to:

  • Safety Incidence Rate

  • Employee Engagement

  • Customer Satisfaction

  • Profit Before Tax

  • Work in Process Days

• Train participating garages, kiosks and MSCs in financial and inventory management.

• Train and supervise mechanical personnel when necessary

• Responsible for the safe maintenance and repair of a variety of complex agricultural rental equipment

• Identify training gaps in garage/kiosk mechanics to diagnose and repair equipment

• Maintain paperwork/electronic documentation of work performed (work orders) in a complete and timely manner daily

• When required, travel to customer job sites for repair/maintenance of rental or customer owned equipment; must maintain service vehicle in a clean and professional manner

Required Number:   One 

Type of contract:   Regular Part-time Employee

Duty Station:  Addis Ababa with frequent field trips

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• BSc in agricultural engineering / agricultural mechanization

• 7+ years of experience repairing/maintaining equipment and tools

• 3+ years’ experience as a trainer of mechanics of agricultural machinery

• Valid license with acceptable driving record

• Advanced mechanical aptitude and working knowledge of tools

• Demonstrated understanding of schematics and diagrams

• Strong diagnostic and repair skills for a variety of agro mechanical systems.

• Previous experience with USAID projects preferred

How to Apply

Send your Application Letter, Updated CV via email:  AV-Recruitment@acdivocaeth.org