ARD Kavre Vacancy Announcement for Agriculture Technician

Project: Enhancing Climate Resilience in Aamachhodingmo (ECRA) Project

Location: Aamachhodingmo RM Rasuwa, preferably a local resident

Reporting To: Programme Manager

Languages: Fluency in local language(s) and Nepali (both spoken and written)

Salary: 28,000/- per month

Role Overview
The Agriculture Technician will play a crucial role in supporting the ECRA project’s goals of enhancing climate resilience in agriculture. This position involves working directly with farmers to implement climate-resilient practices, providing technical support, and fostering sustainable agricultural development. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of local weather patterns, agricultural cycles, and practical farming techniques. Being a local resident with fluency in the local language will be advantageous for effective community engagement and project success.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Support and Advisory

• Provide on-site technical assistance to farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, including soil health, crop diversification, and pest management.
• Offer advice on the implementation of climate-resilient farming techniques and practices.
• Assist farmers in selecting suitable crop varieties and planting methods based on local weather patterns and soil conditions.
• Work closely with local farmers to promote participation in ECRA project activities.
• Conduct community meetings, training sessions, and workshops on climate-smart agriculture.

Field Implementation

• Monitor the progress of agricultural interventions and provide feedback for improvements.
• Assist in organizing and distributing agricultural inputs  to project beneficiaries.
• Weather and Climate Monitoring
• Collect and analyze data on local weather patterns and agricultural cycles to inform project activities.
• Support the integration of climate information into agricultural planning and decision-making.

Training and Capacity Building

• Support the agriculture officer to develop training materials and resources tailored to the needs of local farmers.
• Help the agriculture officer organise and facilitate training sessions on topics such as crop management, water conservation, and climate adaptation strategies.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare detailed reports on field activities, farmer engagement, and agricultural outcomes for the Agriculture Officer and Programme Manager.
• Document case studies, success stories, and best practices in climate-resilient agriculture.
• Collect and manage data related to crop yields, soil health, and farmer adoption of new practices.
• Provide inputs for social media updates and communication materials related to agricultural activities.
• Support communication efforts with the documentation officer to highlight project achievements and challenges.

Miscellaneous

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Programme Manager to support the overall success of the ECRA project.

Qualifications and Skills
Education: Minimum Diploma in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Experience:
At least 2 years of experience in agriculture extension, farm management, or a related role.
Previous experience working with local communities and understanding of local agricultural practices is highly desirable.

Language: Fluency in the English language and Nepali is required; proficiency in Tamang is an asset.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of agricultural practices, soil management, and crop production.
• Familiarity with climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable farming techniques.
• Ability to analyze weather data and understand its impact on agricultural cycles.
• Competence in preparing reports, case studies, and training materials.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Key Competencies

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of agricultural practices and climate smart strategies.
• Community Engagement: Ability to effectively work with and mobilize local farmers.
• Problem-Solving: Capacity to address and resolve challenges in agricultural practices and project implementation.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for local customs, traditions, and farming practices.

Travel Requirements

• Regular travel within the project area is required.
• Occasional travel outside the project area for training or meetings may be necessary.

Work Environment

• The position involves working in rural agricultural settings with frequent interactions with farmers and community members.
• Flexibility in working hours may be required to accommodate agricultural cycles and community schedules.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the position, including their connection to the local community and language skills, to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2ZrjGvRuxtz9O62lR0Iox_hMeeIeJ2nRP9U-mTLp4mku0kQ/viewform

Equal Opportunity

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Deadline for Application: 19th July, 2024