Climate Resilient Agriculture Specialist

UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:  

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs.
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized.
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability.

South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture

The livelihood of a large proportion of India’s population—as the largest private enterprise with ~138 million farm families with an 18% contribution to national GDP—is at risk. Any shock on agricultural production already has social and financial repercussions for both the population and the country as a whole; it impacts rural income levels, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and, in the worst years, poverty rates.

The Government of Odisha (GoO) is focused on doubling farmers income and farmers’ well-being by addressing the constraints, optimal usage of available natural resources and using technology to ensure a growth that is environmentally, economically, and technologically inclusive, scalable, and sustainable. The GoO, to enhance and diversify agricultural production, enhance climate resilience, and improve water productivity in partnership with the Government of India is implementing the World Bank assisted project “Odisha Integrated Irrigation will go a long way in ensuring livelihood security and poverty alleviation through sustainable and community-based management of forests contributing to Sustainable Development Goals. IPCC has also acknowledged that tenurial security over community resources and land can play a significant role towards achieving climate justice.

Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA): The project OIIPCRA is multi sectoral in nature and will be jointly implemented by three line-departments, i.e., (1) Department of Water Resources, Government of Odisha, (2) Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Government of Odisha, and (3) Department of Fishery and Animal Resource Development, Government of Odisha, with clearly defined role and responsibilities.

The objective of the current project is to provide technical support to the government in its effort to improve economic resilience of farm households to climate risks and natural disasters through intensification and diversification of agricultural production, enhanced climate resilience, and improved water productivity in selected districts of Odisha. It is expected that the Technical Support Unit will support the implementation of the OIIPCRA by developing implementation modalities.

Duties and Responsibilities

UNDP proposes to engage a Climate Resilient Agriculture Specialist in Bhubaneswar for marketing and planning of agri-business as well as promotion of project supported commodities. S/He will be a part of the Project Management Unit to be established within the office of Directorate of Agriculture and will ensure engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Bhubaneswar when needed.

Advise to design and implementation the agriculture plan 

• Advise on agriculture planning, review agriculture plans and management at state level
• Ensure district level planning for crop diversification, rabi crop planning and others
• Coordinate with different officials from time to time for better implementation of the programme.
• Regular assessment of Agri business and market linkage activities
• Support in MIS development on agribusiness activities and monitor the marketing of the crops.

Provide Technical Guidance 

• Support Chief District Agriculture Officer (CDAO) and  District Level Project Monitoring Team (DLPMT) on agricultural activities.
• Facilitate Support Organizations in conducting their agricultural activities and CDAO at district level, State Agricultural University (SAU) and other relevant departments in their training and demonstration activities
• Work closely with Department of Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment (DA&FPO) for successful execution of planned activities for the financial year
• Coordinate with Training and Capacity Building expert to prepare the training programmes and course curriculum.
• Liaising with market players and other entities for promotion of agri-business activities

Ensures provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management 

• Periodic monitoring and supervision of activities implemented in project areas.
• Prepare the guidelines for different component of the Project.
• Visit different Micro Irrigation Project (MIP) points for monitoring of the programme implementation and direct interaction with the field officials and farmers, if required.
• Coordinate with Agri- marketing Expert for marketing of non-paddy crops.
• Efficient facilitation of business planning and credit linkage of Framers Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Agri Entrepreneurs (AEs)
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Agricultural Science from Indian Agricultural Research Institute / Any Central or State Agricultural University, or relevant related field is required OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree in agriculture Science

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years (with master’s degree) or minimum 9 years of experience (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in the field of (agriculture/ horticulture) from  Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) & Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres (CGIAR)  institutions/ central/ state agriculture departments/national or international organizations working on agriculture
• Significant working experience in Government or relevant multilateral institutions.
• Proven experience in supporting the uptake of green/climate smart practices in agricultural /agri value chains.
• Hands-on experience in improving soil and water resources management.
• Experience in designing large scale projects on agriculture and climate change in an asset
• Experience in supporting government/bilateral agencies in a technical advisory role, project development role or other related functions is an asset.
• Demonstrated  skills for facilitation of business planning and credit linkage of Farmers Producers Organisation (FPOs) and  Agri-Entrepreneurs (AEs) is an asset.
• Demonstrated Knowledge of and experience in gender mainstreaming in agriculture is an asset.
• Experience in applying new techniques in irrigation, cultivation, harvesting & marketing in the agriculture industry
• Demonstrated experience in application of technology in farm management systems, crop management systems or devices
• Demonstrated knowledge on crop-cultivation, farm resource management and minimizing post-harvest loss and wastage

Required languages: 

• Excellent Oral and written communication in English & Odia.

Source: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions/job/19471