Agriculture Program Officer

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 

Published Date – May 16, 2022

iDE, a global organization that advances market-based approaches in agriculture, finance, and WASH to create income and livelihood opportunities for low-income rural households, is recruiting an Agriculture Program Officer for its iDE Nepal Country Office, Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur. Qualified candidates are requested to submit their application along with a recent CV and photograph mentioning the expected monthly gross salary.

Please find below a detailed TOR for the position. Interested and qualified candidates are required to fill out the google form at this link: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Cwl0rgmajLTzKf9AOYUW4lvDRjEUFvO6H0N3oWMUxEM/edit

The deadline for submission of the application is 5 PM, May 22, 2022. As per the gender and workforce diversity policy of iDE, female candidates and/or candidates from disadvantaged communities are highly encouraged to apply. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further process. No telephone inquiries will be entertained.

Terms of References (TOR) for Agriculture Program Officer

Position: Agriculture Program Officer

Report to: Agriculture Program Lead 

Duty Station: iDE Country office, Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur

Projects: Multiple Projects

Contract duration: One year with the possibility of extension as per the funding availability

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY 

This position requires working on multiple projects for iDE Nepal. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Agriculture Program Lead and is responsible for all the aspects of agriculture-related outputs of the iDE projects in close consultation with the respective program unit of the organization, and ensuring compliance with institutional rules and regulations.

Key responsibilities: 

The main duties of the Agriculture Program officer will include: 

• Planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting project activities in line with the overall objective of the projects. 
• Provide technical guidance to field staff, identifying and addressing key issues, harmonizing technical objectives and approaches, developing research protocols, and developing activities guidelines for multiple projects in coordination with the supervisor. 
• Perform tests and experiments and research trials on insect pests and diseases in crops of agricultural significance and provides technical support to field level staff in areas such as research, production, servicing, and marketing. Work and support field-based staff to monitor and give solutions to identified problems on insect pests and diseases through virtual platforms.
• Collaborate and work with existing networks of local and provincial extension systems and farming communities of Nepal. 
• Train and provide information to field staff and associated farming communities on integrated approaches to monitoring, managing, and controlling crop threats in Nepal. 
• Disseminate knowledge through individual and group training with leader farmers and their following farmers. Promote research into the effects of climate change on current and emerging crop pests, weeds, and diseases. Conduct training in areas related to IPM, plant health, production, post-harvest technology, marketing etc. 
• Engage in round table discussions with key stakeholders to discuss all aspects of IPM approaches, application of progressive agrotechnical methods, and recommendations on possible biological methods of crop protection and the latest developments globally.
• Guide field staff and follow up the monitor and evaluate the field level project activities frequently for its effective implementation.
• Ensure effective liaison and maintain good communication with local government, district partners, and other stakeholders. Cooperate and coordinate closely with AKCs where iDE’s projects have been implemented, and with NARC, PQPMC for project activities as per the need. 
• Assist in creating/strengthening the CBF Plant Doctor network. Support marketing groups, Marketing and Planning Committees/collection centers, and cooperatives to ensure the engagement of the target groups. Build on existing networks of IPM producers associated with the collection centers developed by past and existing iDE projects. 
• Prepare timely and quality project analytical progress reports reflecting the main findings together with recommendations and occasional research articles in accordance with reporting procedures. 
• Carry out other tasks assigned by the supervisor and respective Program Lead.

Required qualification and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture (Preference will be given to Plant Protection) with at least 2 years of working experience in plant protection-related field or a higher degree in agriculture and related field.
• Experience in delivery of field-level extension activities, developing content and organizing training and delivery, and training received in agriculture-related subjects.
• Proven analytical and report writing, presentation, and communication skills with good spoken and written skills in both English and Nepali 
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of institutions.
• Good computer and other ICT-based technologies are a must. Previous experience working in agri- ICT-based platforms will be prioritized.