Job Description

Title: Technical Specialist - Agriculture

Company Name: Young Power in Social Action (YPSA)

Vacancy: 1

Location: Cox's Bazar (Teknaf, Ukhia)

Minimum Salary: Tk. 69155 (Monthly)

Experience:
∎ At least 5 years

Published: 2 Oct 2024

Education:
∎ Bachelor's/Master's degree preferably in Agronomy, Horticulture, Poultry Science, Fisheries, Food Security and Livelihoods and/or relevant discipline.
∎ Bachelor's/Master's degree preferably in Agronomy, Horticulture, Poultry Science, Fisheries, Food Security and Livelihoods and/or relevant discipline.

Requirements:

Additional Requirements:
∎ Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural project management in Bangladesh or a similar context.
∎ In-depth understanding of Bangladesh’s agricultural systems, including rice production, aquaculture, and livestock management.
∎ Experience working with government agencies, local NGOs, or international development organizations in Bangladesh.
∎ Knowledge of climate change adaptation strategies in agriculture is a plus.
∎ Proficiency in both Bengali and English is required for effective communication with local communities and international stakeholders.
∎ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an understanding of the challenges facing Bangladeshi farmers.
∎ Experience with agricultural project management, budget tracking, and donor reporting.
∎ Ability to work in Camp area, rural areas, often with limited resources.
∎ Excellent interpersonal and training skills for working with diverse groups, including farmers and government officials.
∎ Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural project management in Bangladesh or a similar context.
∎ In-depth understanding of Bangladesh’s agricultural systems, including rice production, aquaculture, and livestock management.
∎ Experience working with government agencies, local NGOs, or international development organizations in Bangladesh.
∎ Knowledge of climate change adaptation strategies in agriculture is a plus.
∎ Proficiency in both Bengali and English is required for effective communication with local communities and international stakeholders.
∎ Skills:
∎ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an understanding of the challenges facing Bangladeshi farmers.
∎ Experience with agricultural project management, budget tracking, and donor reporting.
∎ Ability to work in Camp area, rural areas, often with limited resources.
∎ Excellent interpersonal and training skills for working with diverse groups, including farmers and government officials.

Responsibilities & Context:
∎ Provide in-depth technical advice on crop production, soil fertility, water management, and pest control in line with Bangladesh's agro-climatic zones.
∎ Adapt and promote the use of modern and climate-smart agricultural techniques that increase productivity and resilience to weather extremes.
∎ Guide on the use of organic farming, sustainable irrigation, and eco-friendly pest management techniques that fit the local context.
∎ Design agriculture-related projects that address local agricultural challenges, such as soil degradation, water scarcity, or post-harvest losses.
∎ Ensure projects are culturally and economically suitable for the Bangladeshi rural population, particularly smallholder farmers.
∎ Collaborate with local government agencies (like the Ministry of Agriculture), private sector players, and NGOs to ensure smooth project implementation.
∎ Train farmers and extension workers on best agricultural practices, focusing on increasing yields and reducing risks due to climate variability.
∎ Support the introduction and usage of innovative farming tools and technology in rural areas.
∎ Build the capacity of local agricultural teams, cooperatives, and farmer groups to promote sustainable practices.
∎ Develop indicators specific to Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape to monitor and evaluate project performance.
∎ Conduct regular field visits to assess the effectiveness of interventions and ensure projects meet their goals.
∎ Prepare progress reports and provide recommendations for project adjustments based on field observations.
∎ Integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies into agricultural projects, especially in flood-prone and drought-affected regions of Bangladesh.
∎ Promote sustainable agricultural practices like conservation agriculture and agroforestry that are viable in Bangladesh’s environment.
∎ Advocate for the use of renewable energy sources like solar irrigation systems to improve resilience and reduce the carbon footprint.
∎ Establish strong relationships with key stakeholders such as the agricultural institutions and farmer organizations, etc.
∎ Represent the organization at Local forums, Advocacy dialogues and workshops to discuss agricultural innovation.
∎ Stay informed on agricultural trends and research in Bangladesh, such as salinity management in coastal areas and high-yield crop varieties.
∎ Support research into context-appropriate innovations for crops, pest management, and water efficiency in the country's diverse agricultural regions.
∎ Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) is an organization for sustainable development working in the greater Chittagong division including Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) since 1985 (International Youth Year). YPSA is implementing a project titled, “Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM) project for Food Security & Livelihood and Child protection sectors” at Ukiya & Teknaf Upazila (Host & Camp) in Cox's Bazar. YPSA will implement the project with the support from Save the Children (SCI).
∎ Duration : Up to 29 September 2025 (Possibility to extend depending on performance & availability of fund)
∎ Project Location : Ukiya & Teknaf Upazila (Camp), Cox’s Bazar
∎ Job Overview:
∎ The Technical Specialist - Agriculture in Bangladesh will provide specialized expertise in agricultural development projects, ensuring that they are aligned with the country's agrarian needs and socio-economic conditions. The role involves working with local farmers, government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations to enhance agricultural productivity while promoting sustainability and climate resilience. The focus will also be on supporting smallholder farmers, improving value chains, and ensuring food security through innovative practices.
∎ Key Responsibilities:
∎ 1. Agricultural Technical Expertise:
∎ Provide in-depth technical advice on crop production, soil fertility, water management, and pest control in line with Bangladesh's agro-climatic zones.
∎ Adapt and promote the use of modern and climate-smart agricultural techniques that increase productivity and resilience to weather extremes.
∎ Guide on the use of organic farming, sustainable irrigation, and eco-friendly pest management techniques that fit the local context.
∎ 2. Project Design and Implementation:
∎ Design agriculture-related projects that address local agricultural challenges, such as soil degradation, water scarcity, or post-harvest losses.
∎ Ensure projects are culturally and economically suitable for the Bangladeshi rural population, particularly smallholder farmers.
∎ Collaborate with local government agencies (like the Ministry of Agriculture), private sector players, and NGOs to ensure smooth project implementation.
∎ 3. Training and Capacity Building:
∎ Train farmers and extension workers on best agricultural practices, focusing on increasing yields and reducing risks due to climate variability.
∎ Support the introduction and usage of innovative farming tools and technology in rural areas.
∎ Build the capacity of local agricultural teams, cooperatives, and farmer groups to promote sustainable practices.
∎ 4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
∎ Develop indicators specific to Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape to monitor and evaluate project performance.
∎ Conduct regular field visits to assess the effectiveness of interventions and ensure projects meet their goals.
∎ Prepare progress reports and provide recommendations for project adjustments based on field observations.
∎ 5. Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainability:
∎ Integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies into agricultural projects, especially in flood-prone and drought-affected regions of Bangladesh.
∎ Promote sustainable agricultural practices like conservation agriculture and agroforestry that are viable in Bangladesh’s environment.
∎ Advocate for the use of renewable energy sources like solar irrigation systems to improve resilience and reduce the carbon footprint.
∎ 6. Collaboration and Networking:
∎ Establish strong relationships with key stakeholders such as the agricultural institutions and farmer organizations, etc.
∎ Represent the organization at Local forums, Advocacy dialogues and workshops to discuss agricultural innovation.
∎ 7. Research and Development:
∎ Stay informed on agricultural trends and research in Bangladesh, such as salinity management in coastal areas and high-yield crop varieties.
∎ Support research into context-appropriate innovations for crops, pest management, and water efficiency in the country's diverse agricultural regions.

Compensation & Other Benefits:
∎ Monthly Consolidated Salary: Consolidated Salary per month BDT 69,155/- (with fringe benefit).

Employment Status: Full Time

Job Location: Cox's Bazar (Teknaf, Ukhia)

Read Before Apply:

If you are interested and competent for this position and have the required qualifications and experience, apply bdjobs Apply Online on or before 07/10/2024.

YPSA is an equal opportunity employer and is sensitive to child protection and gender. Only the short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any persuasion or lobby will be treated as a disqualification for an applicant. Smokers are discouraged from applying for the position.

YPSA HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Emergency call: 02334470996 (9:30 am to 1:00 pm excluding govt. holiday)

Company Information:
∎ Young Power in Social Action (YPSA)
∎ House # F 10 (P), Road # 13, Block # B Chandgaon R/A, Chittagong - 4212
∎ Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), an organization in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN-ECOSOC) since 2013, is a voluntary non-profit organization for sustainable development registered with the different departments of the People`s Republic of Bangladesh including NGO Affairs Bureau contributing to national goals for making a difference in the lives of the population since its establishment in 1985. YPSA, a fleet of professional staff specializes in the six thematic areas of Health; Education; Human rights and Governance; Economic Empowerment; Environment and Climate change; and Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Response. At present YPSA`s direct program interventions reach the Greater Chittagong Division including Chittagong Hill Tracts and part of the Dhaka and Sylhet division.

Address::
∎ House # F 10 (P), Road # 13, Block # B Chandgaon R/A, Chittagong - 4212
∎ Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), an organization in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN-ECOSOC) since 2013, is a voluntary non-profit organization for sustainable development registered with the different departments of the People`s Republic of Bangladesh including NGO Affairs Bureau contributing to national goals for making a difference in the lives of the population since its establishment in 1985. YPSA, a fleet of professional staff specializes in the six thematic areas of Health; Education; Human rights and Governance; Economic Empowerment; Environment and Climate change; and Disaster Risk Reduction and Humanitarian Response. At present YPSA`s direct program interventions reach the Greater Chittagong Division including Chittagong Hill Tracts and part of the Dhaka and Sylhet division.

Application Deadline: 7 Oct 2024

Category: NGO/Development