Junior Technical Assistant (JTA)

Farmers for Rural Development (FRDEV) is a Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to livelihood improvement of rural farmers. FRDEV aims to promote sustainable agriculture and improve the well-being of the farmers. 

FRDEV is looking for 3 JTA, who will work on the project “Towards More Sustainable Food Value Chains in Nepal (SFVC)”. This project is supported by the INGO Triangle Génération Humanitaire (TGH) in consortium with Médecins du Monde (MdM) and aims to transform the current agricultural production and distribution system in at least four municipalities of Ramechhap, Kavre and Sindhupalchok districts through strategies and models of healthy, sustainable and alternative agriculture. This initiative will support medium-term changes in agricultural practices, food markets and the integration of protection and health of targeted beneficiaries. The development and strengthening of agricultural cooperatives will contribute to the creation of economic opportunities, poverty reduction and adaptation to climate change. The project will support the transition to a greener economy, based on the "Farm to Fork" and "One Health" principles. In addition, through the promotion of a risk reduction approach to occupational exposures and the implementation of occupational health services, the health of agricultural cooperative members and their communities will be improved. Advocacy will be implemented on the economic and health aspects to ensure the sustainability of the project. The project started in February 2023 for a duration of 3 years.

General objective of the position: The Agriculture Technician (JTA) will be responsible for the direct implementation of the agriculture and farmer’s occupational health safety-related activities of the project.

Place of work : 

• One based in Dhulikhel Municipality covering also Mandandeupur Municipality, 
• One based in Likhu Tamkoshi Rural Municipality 
• One based in Panchpokhari Thangpal Rural Municipality
• The 3 JTA will have occasional travel to FRDEV Office in Lalitpur Metropolitan City

Line manager: Project Coordinator

Job Description/Key Responsibilities:

• Work under the guidance of the Project Coordinator, Entrepreneurship Development Officer and Public Health Officer in supporting planning and implementing project activities related to agriculture and occupational health safety of the farmers at the community level. 
• Assist in market studies and value chain analysis for selected agro-based commodities/products, inputs and services.
• Promote sustainable food value chain and raise farmers’ awareness about mitigation of occupational and environmental risks. 
• Assist in carrying out assessments on training, selection of beneficiaries for training, conducting training, input support and other activities. 
• Maintain database and records on field-level project activities and accomplishments and report to the Entrepreneurship development officer/Public Health Officer
• Assist in timely preparation of monthly/quarterly/annual reports with targets, budget and timeframe of the field level activities.
• Coordinate with the agriculture cooperatives, local municipality/rural municipality and other community-level and related stakeholders.
• These roles and responsibilities are not exhaustive and can be adjusted based on ongoing FRDEV needs.

• Should have completed a Junior Technical Assistant course in agriculture or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution with a minimum of three years' work experience in development projects.
• Basic computer knowledge (email, word, excel).
• Good communication skills with fluency in Nepali and ability to communicate in English. 
• License holder of two-wheeler (preferred motorbike). 
• Open and believes in teamwork.
• Skills in coordination with community-level stakeholders.
• Strong facilitation and good communicator of the messages to be delivered.
• Experience working with local authorities and with an NGO. 
• Previous experience in agriculture, marketing, community & cooperative mobilization and integrated farming with organic farming practices will be a value addition.