JOB OPPORTUNITY

Seed Specialist

LOCATION: USAID Agricultural Inputs Activity Regional Office
REPORTS TO: Regional Agribusiness Director

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:

Based at the regional office of the USAID Agricultural Inputs Activity, the Seed Specialist will work closely with the regional team, Cluster Agribusiness Managers (CAM) and Area Coordinators (AC) to achieve the results under Objective 1: Demand- and supply-responsive and financially viable seed system improved.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

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 in seed sector.
Provide seed companies with technical advisory support and quality control that will help ensure sustainable win-win relationships between seed companies and smallholder farmers.
Work with seed companies to develop the systems for vetting and identifying the right farmer association or groups for improved seed production.
Work with the CAMs and ACs to identify seed producing farmer association capacity gaps and develop a training and capacity building program to be delivered through local service providers or directly through the 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 sectors on seed component
Closely work with Regional Agriculture TA Manager to develop training materials and tool kits on the seed component. • Help to structure partnerships with seed companies, seed processors, cooperatives; and other seed suppliers.
Provide quality control and technical assistance to private sector partners/seed companies to ensure contracts with seed producer farmer associations/cooperatives are fulfilled and renewed in the next growing season.
Identify and access opportunities for seed companies and seed suppliers to invest within the ZOI regions.
Provide input for preparation of reports as per need of the Activity and as requested by Activity team with critical appraisal of the issues, implementation status, results against targets, work plan and the way forward based on learning, related to areas of interventions in seed.
Oversee the proper collection, processing and documentation of data needed for monitoring, planning, and ensure targets set on seed component are achieved.
Support relevant activities included in the forthcoming US government-to-Nepal government program.
Coordinate with NARC and SQCC to ensure quality seed production by the private sector partners of the Activity.

Others:

Support entering seed related data into the M&E database and in conducting M&E surveys.
Oversee the proper collection, processing and documentation of seed related data needed for monitoring and Activity planning and ensure targets set are achieved.
Ensure a safe and equitable workplace, create opportunities, and offer support for 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 supervisor and Activity management.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQURIEMENTS:

Education: Master’s or equivalent university degree in agronomy, plant breeding or equivalent. Experience

At least 5 years of experience in implementation of seed production and marketing systems in the field.
Experience implementing and adapting sustainable agriculture approaches.
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 Activity targets.
Knowledge on seed production, processing and marketing gaps for smallholder farmers required
Experience working at commercial (private) seed facility preferred.
Ability and willingness to work under cross cultural environment.
Capable of preparing reports in English and Nepali.

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.

Tagged as: NGO INGO, Specialist