Technical Advisor Agriculture and Watershed Management - Posting No. 1569
Date Posted
July 10, 2009
Employer
Catholic Relief Services
Location
S.Asia/Afghanistan, Kabul
Job Description
Job Title: Technical Advisor Agriculture and Watershed Management - I 09 073
Dept/Location: S. Asia/Afghanistan, Kabul
Background:
CRS Afghanistan is implementing agro-enterprise (AE) and watershed (WS) restoration programs in western and central parts of Afghanistan with funding support from multiple donors including USAID, IOM and CRS private funds. AE activities cover production, post harvest handling, value addition through processing and marketing for high value crops including fruits and vegetables. The watershed restoration activities look to rebuild vegetative cover, reduce erosion and increase water percolation through a variety of soil and water conservation treatments and community mobilization activities. There are also elements of water and sanitation (health and hygiene) built into the WS program. Both AE and WS interventions are community based, rural and participatory in nature. CRS encourages the participation of both men and women in all of the communities where it works. For implementation of AE and WS programs, CRS has involved numerous stakeholders and maintains strong working relationships with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Government Research Station, National Environmental Protection Agency and local universities, in addition to community shuras and councils. To maintain excellent quality standards across the provinces CRS requires an experienced Technical Advisor (TA) with extensive qualifications in Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Integrated Water Development, Water and Sanitation, and Small Business Development.
Primary Function:
The TA will build technical relationships with MAIL, Agriculture Universities, UN agencies, FAO, other NGOs, Thematic Working Groups or Clusters in Kabul and the provinces. The TA will also be responsible for spearheading the research component of the AE and WS programs, acting as an in-country focal point with CRS regional and worldwide resources, and devoting significant time to staff and partner capacity strengthening.
Specific Responsibilities:
I. Program Quality Management
1. Lead the technical planning of agriculture (agro-enterprise) and watershed rehabilitation activities by setting and achieving high quality performance targets, ensuring adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines.
2. In accordance with ProPack and CRS ASIA proposal guidance, review AE and watershed proposals for technical soundness, feasibility, and innovation.
3. Work closely with the AE and WS Program Managers to ensure that CRS staff and partners receive the necessary training and technical assistance to achieve program objectives.
4. With support from the network of regional technical advisors, undertake periodic reviews of AE and WS strategies and activities.
II. Coordination and Communication
1. Provide technical support to the CRS provincial based teams by making frequent visits to ensure that targeted beneficiary households benefit from CRS led initiatives and trainings.
2. Facilitate regular meetings of the Technical teams engaged in AE and WS activities.
3. Work closely with relevant CRS Afghanistan staff and teams to ensure systems are in place that will enable timely dissemination of all project related technical materials and supplies.
4. Make linkages with other organizations, especially those working in AE and WS and related activities to disseminate and incorporate best practices.
5. Strengthen the linkages between research, university education and extension departments to share lessons learned/best practices.
6. Maintain communication with Regional Technical Advisors and headquarters resource persons.
III. Reporting
1. Assist in the review of quarterly narrative reports, quarterly performance indicator tracking tables, annual donor reports, baseline and final evaluation reports, as well as other reports needed/required by the local government, donors, the region or headquarters.
2. Assist with data analysis and feedback to partners and field staff.
IV. Mentoring Responsibilities
1. Provide leadership and mentoring for CRS Senior National and International Technical staff involved in AE and WS rehabilitation.
2. Mentor and coach technical staff along with the PMs to develop performance and technical plans in line with the CRS/Afghanistan Performance Management System.
3. Proactively seek and promote appropriate training opportunities for staff.
V. Representation
1. Serve as the primary representative of CRS Afghanistan in technical meetings, coordination bodies and working groups.
2. Represent CRS interests to partners, donors, country and district authorities and research institutes.
3. Maintain key professional relationships with the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Irrigation, other line ministries, donors and non-governmental agencies as appropriate; attend meetings and organize field visits to explain technical aspects as required.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Country Representative, Head of Programs, AE and WS program Managers, ASIA Agriculture / Watershed RTA, CRS Senior Agriculture Advisors
External: Partners, Ministry of Agriculture, USAID, agricultural research institutes, farmer groups, cooperatives, traders, and other international and local NGOs involved in agriculture or agro-business and Watershed restoration activities.
Personal/Professional Skills:
1. Ability to work independently, but also work effectively as part of a team.
2. Strong analytical and organizational skills.
3. Ability to implement adult education based Training Of Trainers
4. Representational and networking abilities.
5. Detailed, flexible and the ability to multi-task.
6. Demonstrated professionalism and high level of maturity.
7. Strong professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
8. Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and statistical packages, such as SPSS, EpiInfo).
9. Honest, responsible for achieving results, a self-starter.
10. Willingness to work in potentially stressful work environment.
Job Qualifications
Qualifications:
1. Masters in Agricultural Sciences or related field; Ph.D. preferred.
2. Minimum of 10 years experience in providing technical support to agriculture and NRM or related fields.
3. Extensive qualifications in Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Integrated Water Development, Water and Sanitation, and Small Business Development.
4. Experience in advanced techniques to improve agricultural productivity and NRM.
5. Experience in Participatory Technology Development and use of participatory analytical tools.
6. Understanding of and/or experience in agro-enterprise.
7. Understanding of watershed restoration work
8. Knowledge of South/Central Asian agricultural environment highly desirable.
9. Knowledge of Dari/Farsi, a plus
Physical Requirements/Environment: The position requires a minimum of 30-40% travel within Afghanistan in areas with limited amenities, and strict adherence to staff safety and security protocols. This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
EOE/M/F/D/V
To apply for this position please visit the Catholic Relief Services website at www.crs.org/about/careers.
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Website - www.crs.org/about/careers.