Project Officer (Agro-ecology)

Project Officer (Agro-ecology)-1

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a highly motivated Project officer to join the FIAN Nepal team. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in sustainable agriculture practices and a passion for promoting agro-ecology principles. The agro-ecology Officer will be responsible for implementing agro-ecological practices in FIAN Nepal’s working areas, conducting research on sustainable agriculture methods and indigenous agro-ecological practices, and providing training and support to our staff. This role requires excellent communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. If you are passionate about sustainable agriculture and want to make a positive impact on our food system, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. This position works closely under the Project Manager and provides technical support to the project implementation team in agro-ecology and climate justice action.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide necessary technical expertise in respective areas and ensure the convergence of agriculture, food, and advocacy activities in the field. Support the Field
• Program Officer and Right to Food Educators in collaboration with the Senior Project Officer.
• Lead the implementation of agroecological techniques, including organic farming, agro-forestry, crop rotation, intercropping, and integrated pest management.
• Work with farmers, groups and local communities to adopt practices of agro-ecology to their specific environmental and socio-economic conditions.
• Develop and deliver training programs and workshops for farmers, Groups, Right to Food Educator and community members on agro-ecological principles, practices & techniques.
• Develop ‘Right to Food & Nutrition Knowledge & Learning Center’ with a focus on agro-ecology (agro-ecology demonstration center) in Palika.
• Develop educational materials and resources to support knowledge dissemination, such as manuals, guides.
• Engage with local communities to understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations related to agriculture, food security and right to food.
• Collaborate with Municipalities and Province governments to leverage resources, share knowledge, and scale up successful agro-ecological initiatives.
• Offer technical input through training and activities related to agro-ecology and climate resiliency.
• Organize and facilitate field-level meetings, workshops, group discussions, and training activities.
• Collaborate with monitoring units to develop monitoring protocols and work plans to track ecological and social impacts of project activities. Provide technical solutions to farmers.
• Regularly visit community development groups and farmer members in the project area.
• Assist Right to Food Educators, accompany them on visits, and provide training on agro-ecology issues.
• Participate in regular field team meetings and follow the planned activities.
• Identify and promote suitable crop and vegetable varieties that adapt well to the local environment and encourage their adoption in communities.
• Provide technical assistance to communities, guide them in agro-ecology activities, and offer solutions to emerging issues and support to promote sustainable agriculture practices and promotion of local seeds.
• Prepare reports according to the project monitoring schedule, including monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual progress reports for the Project Manager and MEAL Officer.
• Establish a strong working relationship with local government and ensure cooperation in the project area. Possess knowledge, skills, and experience in mobilization and community facilitation.

COMPETENCIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, forestry, or related fields with at least 3 years of experience in agriculture, preferably in agroecology, food security, nutrition, and community development sectors. A Master’s degree with 2 years of experience is preferred.
• Experience in team collaboration, team building, and community engagement to achieve synergy outcomes in collaboration with local stakeholders and development actors.
• Strong knowledge, skill, and experience on result framework and theory of changes, capacity to deal with key project indicators during project implementation with high quality report writing abilities.
• Experience in organizing training, workshops, and capacity-building activities for various audiences.
• Fluency in written and spoken English with strong report writing skills and computer skills including Microsoft Office and Excel are essential.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and strong interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Interest in policy advocacy and lobbying in the mentioned sectors at the local, provincial and federal level.
• Coordination, collaboration, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel, stay and work in remote areas.

WORK STATIONS: The Agroecology Officer is based in Project Office Surkhet Birendranagar with 60% field visits to Surkhet, Jajarkot, and Kanchanpur District, and Palikas.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

The salary and benefits for this position will be in accordance with the organization’s policies. We are dedicated to offering equal opportunities to all candidates to promote diversity and inclusivity. We especially encourage qualified female candidates to apply. Interested individuals can submit their applications, along with their motivation to work with us, salary expectations, and an updated CV, via email to info@fiannepal.org and by 5 pm on August 25, 2024.