Overview
Provide technical backstopping and quality assurance for the production, seed multiplication, climate-smart agronomy, farmer capacity-building, and SMEs development for Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) crops.
Tasks Summary
- Provides technical guidance to facilitate the identification and selection of priority species and analyse production constraints and opportunities;
- Provide technical guidance on sourcing, evaluation, and introduction of climate-resilient NUS varieties;
- Support the identification, selection of farmers, organization and technical strengthening of Producer Farmer Groups (PFGs);
- Provide guidance in the conduct of training workshops, establish Farmer Field Schools (FFS), and demonstration plots;
- Support in the promotion of technology dissemination through extension networks, digital tools, and partnerships;
- Support in the facilitation of multi-stakeholder consultations;
- Support strengthening seed systems for selected NUS;
- Monitor adoption rates of improved practices and varieties, and provide ongoing technical backstopping;
- Prepare progress and terminal reports, case studies, success stories, and lessons learned;
- Submit project related documents to International Consultant and get approved;
- Ensure gender-equitable and inclusive participation in all activities;
- Assist in development of project work plan and monitoring framework;
- Assist in organization of project inception and capacity building and validation workshop/ exposure visits;
- Support in preparation of Letter of Agreement (LoA) and contract to engage relevant organization;
- Provide technical guidance in designing, establishing, and monitoring seed multiplication plots and on-farm demonstration sites;
- Assist and/or adapt technical guidelines and training materials on good agricultural practices (GAP) for priority NUS.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in crop production systems, with demonstrated expertise in neglected/underutilized crops, climate-smart agriculture, and seed systems.
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly as field positions is desirable.
Qualification Requirements
• Advanced university degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Agricultural Extension, Plant Breeding, or related fields
