Website CEAPRED
Regional Agriculture Technical Assistance (RATA) Manager
LOCATION: Regional Office under USAID Agricultural Inputs Activity
REPORTS TO: Regional Agribusiness Director (RAD)
USAID Agricultural Inputs is a new five-year USAID-funded 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 RATA will be responsible for providing technical on implementation of USAID Agricultural Inputs Activity.
The RATA Manager will be working under direct supervision of the RAD and in coordination with the Cluster Agribusiness Managers and Agribusiness Area Coordinators to capacitate, guide and provide backstopping support to private sector partners of the Activity.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Based at the regional office of Activity, the RATA Manager will work closely with the regional team, Cluster Agribusiness Managers and ACs to achieve all results under Objective 1: Demand- and supplyresponsive and financially viable seed system improved; Objective 2: Soil fertility management and fertilizer distribution system improved; Objective 3: Climate adaptive and sustainable irrigation management system improved; and Objective 4: Agricultural mechanization enhanced.
The specific responsibilities are detailed below:
- Provide technical oversight and guidance to Activity field staff in developing the capacity of private sector partners in business skills, adoption of new agricultural practices and technologies, and market responsive production planning.
- Provide agribusinesses partners with technical advisory support and quality control that will help ensure sustainable win-win relationships between private sector partners and smallholder farmers.
- Work with agribusiness to develop the systems for vetting and identifying the right farmer association or groups.
- Work with the Cluster Managers and ACs to identify farmer association capacity gaps and develop training and capacity building programs to be delivered through local service providers or directly through private sector partners.
- Monitor district programs and attend coordination meetings for facilitation and guidance;
- Oversee training to GoN, Municipalities, Activity cluster and district staffs and private sector.
- Develop training materials and tool kits.
- Help to structure partnerships with seed companies, custom hiring services, fertilizers producers and distributors, processors, cooperatives; and other agri-input suppliers.
- Provide quality control and technical assistance to private sector partners to ensure contracts with agribusinesses are fulfilled and renewed in the next growing season.
- Identify and access opportunities for agribusiness to invest within the ZOI regions. This could be input specific, crop specific, an opportunity to seize a specific market window due to seasonality, specific agro-ecological conditions, strong farmer associations, and/or access to market services.
- Prepare biweekly, monthly, quarterly, and other special reports as per need of the Activity and as requested by the RAD, DCOP and COP with critical appraisal of the issues, implementation status, work plan and the way forward based on learning, related to areas of interventions.
- Oversee the proper collection, processing and documentation of data needed for monitoring, project planning, and ensure targets set are achieved.
Other Responsibilities
- Serve as field focal person for M&E unit of Activity to enter data into the M&E database and in conducting M&E surveys.
- Oversee the proper collection, processing and documentation of data needed for monitoring and Activity planning and ensure targets set are achieved.
- Ensure a safe and equitable workplace, create opportunities, and offer support to women and those from disadvantaged groups.
- Support relevant activities included in the forthcoming direct support by USAID to the Government of Nepal.
- Undertake other related tasks assigned by the immediate supervisor or DCOP/COP.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQURIEMENTS:
Education: Master or equivalent university degree in Agriculture, agri-economics, agri-business, or related field.
Required Experience
The ideal candidate will have the following experience:
- At least 7 years of experience in agriculture project implementation.
- Experience implementing and adapting sustainable agriculture approaches under donor-funded projects.
- Experience developing training materials and facilitating training.
- Experience working with private sector actors, and government agencies at province and municipal levels.
- Experience monitoring activities and progress against project targets.
- Ability and willingness to work under cross cultural environment.
- Knowledge of input supply gaps for smallholder agriculture in the ZOI districts.
Language
- Fluent Nepali and English is required.
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.