Climate Resilient Agronomist

Overview

The role of Climate Resilient Agronomist will contribute to the project goal and objectives by ensuring that all Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) interventions are technically sound, contextually appropriate, adopted at scale and institutionalized for sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, support and supervise the implementation of a climate-resilient and market-oriented production programme of high-value crops, identifying climate resilient crops, varieties and sustainable supply of key inputs.
• Support the District teams with specific knowledge and advise on all aspects of the designed market-oriented crop development.
• Liaise with relevant departments of Provincial Governments, research institutions and other technical assistance projects to ensure coordination and collaboration.
• Provide technical backstopping to Farmer Facilitators and government extension staff on all CRA practices.
• Develop recommendations on the design, site selection, installation and management of adaptive research plots for improved crop production.
• Guide and supervise the Project's Farmer Field School (FFS) programme for adaptive research and participatory learning.
• Develop, follow up and monitor the implementation of Farmer Field School activities.
• Ensure the integration of CRA and On-Farm Water Management (OFWM) practices into FFS curricula.
• Support the establishment and management of demonstration plots for adaptive research.
• Ensure the inclusion of training/capacity building on the use of climate, water and agriculture information.
• Develop effective training methods and modules and deliver training for participating farmers and capacity building for FAO and Government staff.
• Facilitate and participate in capacity building events and trainings on selected CRA practices.
• Train Farmer Facilitators and government extension staff on CRA and OFWM practices.
• Contribute to the development of training materials, manuals, handouts, and visual aids on CRA and OFWM practices in local languages.
• Assist in identification and selection of farmers for each demonstration plot.
• Perform demo plot profiling and prepare profiling reports.
• Establish approved number of demo plots in selected locations using established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Apply SOPs for selecting demo plots and beneficiaries and obtain beneficiary consents.
• Share the outcomes of adaptive research on a timely manner.
• Analyse collected data and draw conclusions on the impact of CRA practices.
• Contribute to the development of information/advisories and messages to be disseminated to farmers.
• Work with Communication Specialists and Provincial Coordinators to develop detailed collaborative workplans.
• Advise on the design and implementation of feedback mechanism(s).
• Closely work with district team lead and sectoral specialists for collection and compilation of all information related to CRA practices, economic analysis, and cost-benefit analysis data.
• Assist in the day-to-day monitoring of CRA interventions and compile monthly monitoring sheets.
• Ensure timely submission of CRA work plans and progress reports.
• Document, report and develop database, based on the progress of trained beneficiaries' information.
• Identify and develop case studies and success stories for periodic reports.
• Assist in monitoring implementation of activities to achieve project outcomes.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings on establishing adaptive demo research plots and prepare meeting minutes.
• Liaise with the Agriculture Department, private sector companies, input suppliers, and off-takers to strengthen market linkages for farmers.
• Assist in Component 3 development of enabling environment including through review of policies, rules and regulations for CRA practices adoption and scaling up.
• Ensure that CRA and OFWM training materials and demonstration activities are accessible to women farmers and marginalised groups.
• Support the establishment of Women Open Schools (WOS) and ensure that CRA/OFWM practices are adapted to women's needs.

Required Experience

8 years of proven experience in Pakistan's agricultural sector, specializing in crops, marketing, with a minimum of 3 years in practical field experience in Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) and at least 5 years in training extension staff on Climate Smart Agriculture.

Qualifications

Advance University degree in plant/crop sciences, agronomy, climate smart agriculture

Other Details