Regional Advisor – Solar Water Pump – Horti- LIFE GREEN GROWTH

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Background of the Project

The Horti-LIFE GREEN GROWTH Description of the Action (DoA) promotes the integration of Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) solutions into Ethiopia's horticultural value chains. Supported by the EU Delegation and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ethiopia, it aligns with Specific Objective 2 of the EU Action Document for Green Business Development in sustainable agro-food systems. Building on lessons from the Dutch-funded Horti-LIFE project, where PURE was not included, the DoA responds to growing demand driven by rising fuel costs, limited fertiliser access, soil degradation, and post-harvest losses.

The project aims to enhance smallholder productivity and resilience through PURE solutions such as solar irrigation, biodigesters, solar cold storage, and solar dryers. These technologies improve soil health, water efficiency, year-round production, and reduce post-harvest losses amid climate variability. Given Ethiopia's security volatility, the project will apply adaptive management to ensure conflict-sensitive and equitable implementation across four target regions. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) will be embedded to ensure women, youth, and marginalised groups access technologies, training, finance, and markets.

The project also strengthens local private sector capacity to supply PURE solutions, leveraging Horti-LIFE III platforms including Farmer Field Schools, (A)TVETs, and MSME networks. The Horti-LIFE Green Growth project is implemented in Sidama, South Ethiopia, Central Ethiopia and Southwest Ethiopia.

Purpose of the Job

The Regional Advisor SWP (solar water pumps) will be responsible for the roll out of SWP technologies to horticultural farmers. The advisor will train, coach and follow up on all the zonal and cluster advisors, to ensure that SWP are promoted in the 4 southern regions. They are responsible to train BoA staff in SWP technologies. The advisor works closely with companies to ensure different SWP demonstration sites are managed well. In addition, training is provided to supported (A)-TVETs to ensure that the introduced technologies function well and that lecturers and students make use of the equipment. In collaboration with the project A-TVET advisor, training materials are developed.

This role will focus on ensuring the deployment of innovative, scalable, and cost-effective SWP technologies, supporting market expansion, financing mechanisms, and capacity-building efforts for project partners at different levels.

Job Description

Technical Leadership in SWP Adoption & Scaling in Selected Regions

• Identify and address systemic barriers to SWP adoption, recommending innovative, market-driven, and climate-smart solutions that align with horticulture practices and enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Work closely with technology providers, finance institutions, end users, and government agencies to ensure SWP solutions are technically feasible, financially viable, and scalable.
• Support the development of business models and financing mechanisms to scale SWP adoption among smallholder farmers and agribusinesses.

Market System Development for PURE

• Analyse market opportunities, barriers, and incentives for the adoption of SWP technologies in agricultural value chains.
• Facilitate partnerships/linkages between technology providers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and farmers to develop sustainable business models.
• Work with financial institutions to co-design innovative financing mechanisms, such as pay-as-you-go (PAYG), lease-to-own models, and blended finance solutions to de-risk SWP investments.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) for PURE Integration

• Collaborate with the LEARNING team/MEL team to track progress, measure impact, and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Contribute to regular reporting and communication of project outcomes to stakeholders.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of BSc degree in a field related to Renewable Energy or Energy Management.

Experience

• Substantial experience (at least 5 years) in promoting SWP for rural communities in an agricultural setting in Ethiopia.
• Private sector experience and understanding of the dynamics when it comes to demand activation for PURE solutions.
• Training experience for rural communities and development agents in the use of SWP.

Additional Skills

• Strong skills in facilitating learning processes, producing knowledge products, and leading course material development activities.
• Excellent negotiation and diplomatic skills.
• Excellent writing, communication, facilitation, and analytical skills.
• Experience in working in international and national organisations (public and private).
• Fluency in English is required.
• Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Competencies

• Problem analysis.
• Coaching.
• Result orientation.
• Persuasiveness.

Additional Information

Contract Type: National Expected Start Date: June 1, 2026 Duty Station: Hawassa, Ethiopia Contract Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability.

How to Apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation before/on May 1, 2026 via: https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/oneclick-ui/company/SNV/publication/6d1b190a-fc91-4b52-a78d-718648245096?dcr_ci=SNV

All information will be kept in the strictest confidentiality. If we see that your experience and skills match the requirements of the position, we will contact you to advise on the next steps in the recruitment process.

Working at SNV

SNV offers a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from and contribute to an internal and global network of experts.

At SNV, inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and uphold a policy of non-discrimination based on factors such as disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and more.

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