Website CEAPRED
POSITION TITLE: Agribusiness Technician (AT)
LOCATION: Designated district or municipality under USAID Agricultural Inputs Activity
REPORTS TO: Agribusiness Area Coordinator (AAC)
USAID Agricultural Inputs is a new five-year USAID-funded Feed the Future (FTF) activity in Nepal. The aim of USAID Agricultural Inputs is to increase the availability, accessibility, and use of agricultural inputs and technology to improve Nepal’s agricultural productivity. The Activity is implemented by Winrock International in collaboration with five organizations: Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy, Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED), MarketShare Associates (MSA), Pathway Technology, Fertilizer Association Nepal (FAN), and Vikara Institute.
USAID Agricultural Inputs will enable lead firms, agrovets, input suppliers, local machinery service providers, and Government of Nepal (GON) change agents and farmers to increase productivity, input supply chain efficiency, market system competitiveness, and strengthen the enabling environment in a way that equitably addresses the needs of women, youth, and members of marginalized groups. USAID Agricultural Inputs will benefit 200,000 farmers in the USAID Feed the Future (FTF) zone of influence.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Agribusiness Technician (AT) will be responsible for implementing USAID Agricultural Inputs Activity adopting a private-sector-led approach at the municipality level. This will include supporting the private sector partners in developing and implementing field activities to achieve the objectives of the Activity. The AT will also be responsible for backstopping and guiding activities undertaken with local government.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the private sector in assessing the market and identify market opportunities in the area of his/her assigned municipalities.
- Support private sector partners to assess the needs, capacities and interests of beneficiaries in his/her working area and design a support package appropriate for participants, given prevailing market conditions.
- Support private sector partners to improve farmer access to high quality inputs including seed, soil nutrients, pesticides, herbicides, integrated pest management technologies, mechanization, and irrigation technologies among others ensuring delivery of appropriate inputs to farmers in a timely manner.
- Facilitate and support private sector partners to conduct demonstrations and provide training to farmer groups to promote the use of high-quality inputs and the adoption of new technologies (including production and post-harvest technologies, irrigation management, soil fertility management and mechanization) that will increase the quantity and quality of production leading to increased incomes and improved food security for Activity participants.
- Support the private sector partners to form and strengthen farmer groups. This may include facilitating organization of exposure visits of farmer groups, strengthening collection centers (including MPCs), cooperatives, or haat bazaars; and facilitating development of possible contract farming arrangements.
- Support the private sector partners to increase access of farmer groups to credit facilities through linking them with banks, MFIs and cooperatives.
- Build the capacity of change agents and private sector partners including agro-vets, and others to provide better services to Activity participants. Capacity will be built through their participation in Activity-organized trainings, field visits, or counseling and mentoring.
- Encourage market actors to provide more and better services to a diverse set of farmers by
helping them better understand its benefits to promote their business. - Leverage support from the municipalities for implementing activities (irrigation, mechanization, seed production and distribution, soil fertility improvement) that will benefit farmer groups.
Other:
- Support relevant activities included in the forthcoming direct support by USAID to the Government of Nepal.
- Ensure a safe and equitable workplace, create opportunities, and offer support for women and those from disadvantaged groups,
- Undertake other related tasks assigned by the supervisor and Activity management.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQURIEMENTS:
Education: Minimum agriculture diploma course completed from CTEVT or I. Sc. Ag.
Experience:
- At least 3 years of field experience in implementation of agriculture activities with a focus on improved agri-inputs (improved seeds, fertilizers, farm machinery and irrigation).
- Experience in implementation of production programs, monitoring, documentation and reporting of progress.
- Experience working closely with local government and private sector.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Ability and willingness to work under cross cultural environment.
Language
- Understanding of English and fluent in Nepali
The eligible and interested candidates are requested to submit their application ‘Online’ in CEAPRED’S website www.ceapred.org.np (career page). Application submitted online only will be considered for further processes. Please refer the website for detailed JD/TOR of the position. The last date for posting the application is 5:00 PM on 22nd August, 2023. The organization reserves the right to reject any/all applications without assigning any reason whatsoever
We seek to cultivate an environment where all candidates relish equal employment opportunities devoid of discrimination, misconduct, fraud, and abuse. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and Localization guides our practices not just in hiring, but also in staff retention, growth, and policy implementation. This commitment signifies that we value diversity in all its forms including age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, and cultural background. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, recognizing the rich tapestry of the communities in which we live and work.
Disclaimer: This position is contingent upon donor’s approval.