Project Officer - Agriculture
Heifer International
- Koraput, Odisha
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Provide technical support in roll out and effective implementation of the agricultural extension model in the project.
- Establish and lead market research to continuously evaluate the business environment to refine the model.
- Lead execution of the extension model, including on-the-ground set-up of operations, developing relevant relations with ecosystem actors, and effective flow of products and services.
- Exercise oversight on the operations of the model, with a focus on quality and diversification of products and services, capacity building, and scale up in promoting sustainable agriculture systems.
- Develop entrepreneurs as per the objectives of the project.
- Focus on cash crop/spices practices and build skills of the farmers.
- Promote a model kitchen garden effective at the FPO/farmer level.
- Promote product businesses at the FPO/farmer level.
- Develop a package of practices in consultation with State Agriculture Universities and KVKs and disseminating the same in the project area.
- Conduct crop modeling, soil mapping, and weather modeling
- Adoption of improved agriculture practices
- Prepare and conduct advisory sessions and training for farmers, policymakers and other stakeholders.
- Training design, development and delivery; conduct learning sessions provide regular coaching and support during the action period for implementing.
- Analyze agricultural data and report on findings.
- Maintain records of agricultural yields and services
- Make presentations to farmers, livestock producers, and agriculture businesses.
- Analyze soil composition as it relates to plant growth.
- Be actively involved in practices related to waste matter, increased production and irrigation practices
- Promote organic agriculture across the project area and work on Cluster Identification, Diagnostic Study, Feasibility Analysis, Base Line assessment, mobilization of farmers, Business Planning for FPO's Formed, assessment.
- Assist project partners in various training, farmer's field trips, exchange visits, study reports.
- Assist project partner in the implementation of the project activities.
- Assist project partner to ensure quality passing on the gifts and other resources.
- Assist the partner in the implementation of the exponential POG with quality.
- Assist project partner to develop/produce market-oriented quality products!
- Assist partner in following PMD-pro tools and framework.
- Liaise and network relevant line departments, KVKs, and state agriculture universities at village and block for leveraging resources
- Prepare official documents, reports, periodic statements and MIS Reports for each project and proactive communication with all stakeholders
- Create agri-business plans for the farmers, facilitate bank and market linkage
- Support monitoring and evaluation of the effects and impact of the project
- Contribute to Program and Project design and strategic discussions
- Coordinate with other stakeholders and build a fruitful relationship with them.
- Promotion of cross learning and exchange of the knowledge
- Support the partners in the mobilization of the committed co-funding (Catalytical Leverage Funding)
- A bachelor's degree in agriculture related field, having experience in planning and implementing agricultural development and/or livelihood related initiatives at the field level and minimum of four (4) years of experience, OR
- A master's degree or equivalent from a recognized university in the fields of Agriculture Economics, Business Administration, Rural Development, Enterprise Development or other related field and minimum of two (2) years of experience.
- Experience with the commercial sector, agribusiness development in a mix of economic growth/trade, value chain competitiveness, investment promotion, or agriculture development is added advantage.
- Planning and Management, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or other relevant qualification is an added preference.
- Experience in working with FPOs and their businesses is highly recommended.
- Clear understanding of goat, backyard poultry, vegetable, and agri-product value chains.
- Innovative, analytical, and solutions-oriented mindset.
- Knowledge of enterprise development and linkages to poverty alleviation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate challenging situations to achieve goals and deadlines.
- Demonstrate a high degree of honesty and integrity.
- Motivated to work responsibly with little supervision.
- Ability to meet and deal with others in a courteous and tactful manner.
- Ability to work with sensitive information and to always maintain confidentiality.
- Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule.
- Fluent in Hindi, English, and local language, both spoken and written.
- Have an interest in animal/agriculture community development.
- Willingness and ability to travel locally and internationally.
- Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, web designing, collaboration platform and tools, and electronic mail software (Microsoft preferred).
- Constant sitting, standing and walking, with occasional bending and lifting; may work at a computer for extended periods of time.