Programme Specialist (Agriculture and… at Aga Khan… · Gujarat

Position : Programme Specialist – Agriculture & Agri-Business

Vacancies : 1

Location : Vyara, Tapi, Gujarat

Position Summary:

The Programme Specialist – Agriculture & Agri-Business will be responsible for planning, implementing, strengthening and monitoring agriculture and agri-business interventions. The position will work closely with farmers, farmer groups, community institutions, FPOs, field teams, government departments, technical institutions, market actors and other stakeholders to improve agricultural production and productivity, promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, strengthen farmer institutions and develop viable market and agri-business opportunities.

Qualification:

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Rural Management/Development, or other relevant/allied disciplines.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in the development sector.
• Experience in FPOs, agri-business, market linkages, value-chain development and farmer institutions will be preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Programme Planning, Implementation & Monitoring

  • Plan, implement and monitor agriculture and agri-business programmes as per project objectives, plans and budgets.
  • Coordinate with Area/Programme Managers and field teams for effective programme implementation.
  • Monitor progress, quality, outputs and outcomes and take corrective actions where required.

• Sustainable Agriculture & Technical Support

• Promote sustainable, regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture practices.

• Provide technical support and training on improved agriculture practices, technologies, crop management, IPM, INM and biodiversification.

• Lead demonstrations and scaling of relevant agriculture interventions.

• FPO & Agri-Business Development

  • Support formation, strengthening and development of FPOs and farmer institutions.
  • Develop business plans and support FPOs in input procurement, aggregation, processing, packaging and marketing.
  • Identify market opportunities and facilitate linkages with buyers, suppliers, financial institutions and other value-chain stakeholders.

• Stakeholder & Government Linkages

• Develop linkages with Agriculture Departments, KVKs, agriculture universities, banks, NABARD, SFAC, NGOs and other stakeholders.

• Represent AKRSP(I) in relevant agriculture, FPO and agri-business forums.

• Capacity Building

  • Build the capacity of field teams, farmers, FPOs and community institutions.
  • Organize training, exposure visits, demonstrations and farmer learning activities.

• MIS, Reporting & Documentation

  • Maintain programme MIS, databases, FPO records and required documentation.
  • Ensure timely reporting, field documentation, case studies and success stories.
  • Support procurement, compliance and vendor management as per organisational policies.

• Field & Other Responsibilities

  • Undertake regular field visits to clusters, villages and project locations.
  • Work closely with the Area Manager/Programme Manager and support achievement of project objectives.
  • Undertake any other responsibilities assigned by AKRSP(I) management.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of agriculture, sustainable agriculture and agri-business/value-chain development.
• Understanding of FPOs, farmer institutions and market linkages.
• Strong training, facilitation, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Good planning, analytical, monitoring and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of procurement, compliance, MIS and documentation.
• Proficiency in MS Office and relevant programme systems.
• Good communication skills in English and relevant local language.
• Willingness to travel extensively to field locations.
• High ethical standards and transparency

Key Benefits:

• • Opportunity to work with a renowned NGO.
    • On-site and off-site training opportunities.
    • Comprehensive medical insurance for employee, spouse, and children.
    • Maternity and paternity leave as per organizational policy.
    • 15 General Leaves and 16.5 earned leaves annually (earned leaves can be encashed if not utilized).
    • 10 declared public holidays and 3 optional holidays.
    • Diwali break for 5 days every year.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.