Job Description
Position: Sustainable Agriculture Project Coordinator
Company: International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Location: Massawa, Eritrea
Experience: 3-5 years in agricultural development or project management
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related field
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Agriculture and Rural Development
Department: Sustainable Development
Salary: 150,000 – 200,000 Eritrean Nakfa (SSP)
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries. In Eritrea, IFAD supports initiatives that promote climate-resilient agriculture, improve food security, and empower local communities through sustainable resource management. With operations spanning over 100 countries, IFAD prioritizes partnerships with governments, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to drive measurable impact in agricultural ecosystems.
Job Overview
This role is part of IFAD’s flagship Sustainable Agriculture Transformation Initiative in Eritrea, focusing on coastal and arid region farming systems. The position requires strategic coordination of multi-stakeholder projects, including soil conservation programs, agroforestry training, and market access development for smallholder farmers. Candidates will work directly with Eritrean Ministry of Agriculture officials and local cooperatives to implement climate-smart agricultural practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and manage agricultural development projects aligned with national food security goals
- Conduct field assessments of coastal and inland farming communities in Massawa region
- Develop training programs for farmers on drought-resistant crop cultivation techniques
- Coordinate with international donors and Eritrean government agencies for resource allocation
- Monitor and report on project outcomes using digital data collection tools
- Facilitate partnerships with agricultural research institutions for technology transfer
Required Skills
- Proven experience in agricultural project management in arid environments
- Strong understanding of Eritrean agricultural policies and land use regulations
- Proficiency in GIS mapping for land suitability analysis
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and cross-cultural communication skills
- Ability to work in remote rural locations with limited infrastructure
- Fluency in English and Tigrinya preferred
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, or Rural Development
- Postgraduate qualification in Sustainable Development or related field is an asset
Experience
- 3-5 years in agricultural development projects in East Africa
- Experience with climate-smart agriculture initiatives
- Project coordination experience with UN agencies or international NGOs
Salary
150,000 – 200,000 Eritrean Nakfa (SSP) per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Annual professional development allowance
- Relocation assistance for international candidates
- Performance-based bonuses
- Access to UN system-wide benefits
Training
- Climate-smart agriculture certification program
- Leadership development workshops
- Conflict resolution training for community engagement
- Advanced project management methodologies
Working Environment
The role involves 70% fieldwork in rural Massawa communities and 30% office work at IFAD’s Eritrea regional office. Candidates must be prepared to work in challenging environments with variable weather conditions and limited access to modern facilities during field assignments.
Application Process
Submit your CV and cover letter through the official Eritrea Job Search Portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Equal Opportunity Statement
IFAD is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability status. All employment decisions are made without regard to protected classifications.