Website CEAPRED
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Regional Agribusiness Director (RAD)
LOCATION: Regional Office under USAID Agricultural Inputs Activity
REPORTS TO: Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)
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 Regional Agribusiness Director (RAD) will be responsible for overall management and operations of USAID Agricultural Inputs Activity within the region. Additionally, RAD will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of regional office, ensuring that results are achieved on time and on budget.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
The RAD will closely work with the DCOP and Cluster Agribusiness Managers to achieve all results under Objective 1: Demand- and supply-responsive 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 responsibilities are detailed blow:
A. Technical
- Support achievement of results in increasing adoption of improved agricultural inputs and sustainable production practices, post-harvest technologies and marketing practices through direct engagement of private sector partners.
- Ensure the achievement of Activity production and income targets, with active participation of private sector partners.
- Serve as panel member in designing Activity programs and plans in close collaboration with the respective specialists and management team members.
- Provide technical and managerial guidance to Cluster Agribusiness Managers and regionally-based specialists, to develop partnership with private sector service providers and monitor the activities to achieve the Activity results.
- Provide critical technical inputs in the achievement of the Activity goal and outcomes.
B. Management
- Lead in establishing and strengthening coordination and linkage with relevant government, nongovernment and private agencies and other stakeholders at each level of program implementation in association with the Activity teams placed at the region, clusters and districts,
- Monitor cluster programs and attend coordination meetings for facilitation and guidance.
- Carry out staff appraisals of regional staff and cluster managers, and promote staff motivation and discipline.
- Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly, and other special reports as requested by the monitoring unit, DCOP and COP with critical appraisal of the issues, implementation status, work plan and the way forward based on learning, related to areas of expertise.
- Participate in contributing to detailed implementation planning sessions.
C. Operations/Communication
- Oversee necessary logistic support to the central and regional team during specific studies, field monitoring and training.
- Lead preparation of training materials and tool kits.
- Oversee training to government, non-government, private sector, and Activity staff.
- Regularly review and analyze budget expenditures.
- Monitor the financial expenditures at field level.
D. Other
- Serve as field focal person for M&E unit of AIP 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 DCOP/COP.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQURIEMENTS:
Education: Master or equivalent university degree in agri-economics, agribusiness, or related field.
Required Experience
The ideal candidate will have the following experience:
- At least 10 years of experience in agricultural project management.
- Experience implementing and adapting sustainable agriculture approaches under donor-funded projects or private sector.
- Experience with/knowledge of markets (increasing access, linkages, dynamics).
- Experience working with the private sector, government agencies at different levels, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Experience monitoring activities and progress against project targets.
- Knowledge of smallholder agriculture in the ZOI districts.
- Experience managing office and large number of field staff.
- Strong communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Experience in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
- Ability and willingness to work in cross-cultural environment.
Language
- Fluent Nepali and English is required. We seek to cultivate an environment where all candidates relish e
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.