Solidaridad Ethiopia Job Vacancy 2026 – Project Associate (Biochar Pilot Project)
Organization: Solidaridad East & Central Africa
Location: Jimma Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia (Field‑based)
Employment Type: Contract (1 Year)
Career Level: Mid‑Level (3–5 years)
Application Deadline: May 20, 2026
Number of Positions: 1
About Solidaridad
Solidaridad is an international civil society organization with over 55 years of experience in building resilient communities and sustainable supply chains. Guided by a farmers‑first approach, Solidaridad promotes sustainable land use, fair wages, food security, and improved livelihoods. In East and Central Africa, Solidaridad operates across Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with outreach in Burundi, Cameroon, DRC, and Rwanda.
Position: Project Associate – Biochar Pilot Project
Duration: One Year
Reporting Line: Project Manager / Senior Project Officer
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage feedstock sourcing (coffee husks, maize, soy, forestry thinnings).
- Oversee installation and operation of pyrolysis units (Kontiki kilns).
- Monitor biochar production and safety in collaboration with farmers and academia.
- Train 20 farmer groups (320 members) on biochar production and application.
- Implement biochar use in coffee plots and manage field trials.
- Coordinate quality testing with labs for pH, carbon content, etc.
- Maintain kilns and project assets.
- Collect field data and report KPIs (adoption rates, fuel use, yields).
- Handle logistics for biomass transport and biochar distribution.
- Liaise with government, farmer groups, and stakeholders for permits and agreements.
- Track project budget and assess scalability for commercial expansion.
- Draft donor narrative and financial accountability reports.
- Document farmer success stories and lessons learned.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related fields.
Experience:
- 2–5 years of field experience in agricultural project implementation.
- Background in soil health, climate‑smart agriculture, or biochar preferred.
Skills & Competencies:
- Practical knowledge of biochar production and organic fertilizer use.
- Understanding of the coffee value chain and Jimma socio‑economic context.
- Strong communication, problem‑solving, and attention to detail.
- Ability to coordinate multiple tasks under pressure.
- Proficiency in English and Oromiffa.
- Capacity to train and mobilize smallholder farmers.
- Willingness to travel and live in coffee‑growing areas.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Opportunity to contribute to climate‑smart agriculture and farmer livelihoods.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application online:
👉 Apply & Details
📅 Deadline: May 20, 2026
Note:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Solidaridad is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from marginalized and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.