ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY (AMU)
She-F.E.R.A. (Moringa) Project — AID 013244/05/2
RESEARCH STIPEND
Arba Minch University (AMU), as implementing research partner of the She-F.E.R.A. (Moringa)
Project ‘Moringa: Economic Chains for Resilience Food in Ethiopia” funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and led by CESVI Fondazione ETS in consortium with Ayuda en Acción Ethiopia (AeA) and PAD, invites applications from qualified and motivated candidates for one MSc Student (Research Stipend) position based in Arba Minch.
1. Project Background
The She-F.E.R.A. (Moringa) Project is a 12-month initiative (15 Sep, 2026 – 15, Aug, 2027) implemented in the Karat Zuria district of Konso Zone and the Derashe district of Gardula Zone, South Ethiopia Regional State. The project integrates moringa cultivation with sorghum and beans to strengthen resilient food systems and promote sustainable economic growth in the moringa agroforestry value chain, benefiting approximately 9,287 individuals (1,500 households). AMU is responsible for applied research on agroforestry and indigenous cultivation techniques, technical assistance to processing units, and related capacity-building activities.
2. Position Overview
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Position MSc Student (Stipend) – AMU |
Number of Positions 1 |
|
Duty Station Arba Minch, South Ethiopia Regional State |
Supervision AMU Investigator (Research Supervisor) |
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Engagement Type Research stipend recipient (not a university staff/employment position) |
Duration In line with the project period and MSc registration status, subject to performance review |
3. Required Qualifications
➢ MSc candidate (registered/enrolled) in Food Technology, Food Science, Soil science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
➢ Strong academic background with experience in laboratory work, data collection, and applied research.
➢ Preference given to candidates with experience in enset fermentation, food processing, or food quality evaluation.
➢ Ability to support field trials, sample analysis, and technical reporting.
➢ Ethiopian nationality (as per approved project Human Resources Plan).
➢ Strong written and spoken English.
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4. Key Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the AMU Investigator, the selected MSc Student will:
➢ Engage in hands-on experimental work, including laboratory analyses, field data collection, and sample processing.
➢ Contribute to preliminary data interpretation and analysis.
➢ Support literature review and contribute to project report writing.
➢ Assist in the organization and delivery of workshops or training sessions related to project activities.
➢ Submit a brief monthly progress note on research/field activities, countersigned by the Investigator.
5. Eligibility and Continuation Conditions
Selection is undertaken by AMU in consultation with the Investigator and Project Coordinator, based on the qualification profile above, transparent shortlisting, and an interview/assessment process. Continuation of the monthly stipend is conditional on:
➢ Valid, active MSc registration/enrolment status throughout the engagement;
➢ Verified attendance and delivery of assigned research and field tasks each month;
➢ Compliance with AMU academic regulations and CESVI/AICS codes of conduct, including the
PSEA Policy, the Policy on Prevention of Fraud and Corruption, the Child Safeguarding Policy, and the Ethical Code;
➢ Continued availability of approved budget under the relevant line item of the project budget.
6. How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents:
1. A cover/motivation letter (maximum 1 page) explaining interest in and suitability for the position;
2. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV);
3. Copies of academic credentials (degree certificates and transcripts) and evidence of current MSc registration/enrolment;
4. A short statement (maximum 1 page) on relevant laboratory, field, or applied-research experience, particularly in enset/moringa-based food systems or food processing, where applicable;
5. Contact details of two (2) academic or professional referees;
6. A copy of a valid national ID or passport.
Applications should be submitted, in a single PDF file where possible, to:
Application Submission
Applicants are required to submit their application as a single PDF file, where possible, by email to:
To:
Cc:
Email Subject: Application - PhD Student Stipend, She-F.E.R.A. Project
Deadline: September 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM
Applications must be received by the above deadline. Late applications will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview/assessment. AMU and CESVI are equal-opportunity partners; qualified women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
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