Agrometeorologist (f/m/x) in Nicaragua

Background

The agroecological consortium (Consorcio Agroecológico por el Cambio – CAC) is an alliance of the six local grassroots organisations ADM, ASOMUPRO, COOPAD, FEDICAMP, NOCHARI and ODESAR. They are jointly dedicated to the issue of integral rural development. The consortium’s work includes raising awareness among the rural population about the consequences of climate change, as well as education and training in appropriate adaptation and mitigation techniques in sustainable agriculture. The lack of water due to climate change can threaten the food security of the rural population.

The agroecological consortium CAC, together with Centro Humboldt and the participation of other organisations in the country, has set up a community-based climate monitoring network based specifically on water variables with (manual) recording of rainfall using rain gauges. This network provides sound information. However, in view of the impacts of climate change, it is necessary to scientifically relate agricultural production processes to weather and climate conditions in order to achieve better crop yields for small-scale producers. In addition, suitable measures must be taken to ensure the availability of water in households.

The office is located in Managua, Nicaragua. Occasional trips to the departments of Nueva Segovia, Esteli, Matagalpa, Carazo, Granada and Boaco are planned. ASOMUPRO is administratively responsible for the professional; the consortium is responsible for the implementation.

Job Scope

As a professional in agrometerology you will work with the consortium’s member organisations on tools for joint climate monitoring using field data recording and the relationship between climate and agricultural crop production, including diseases and pests, suitable crop varieties, etc. Through your work, you make a relevant contribution to helping smallholder families better adapt to the negative impacts of climate change and become more resilient.

In detail, you would be responsible for the following:

• You will support the development of a simple and functional digital database for the registration and analysis of agrometeorological information.
• You will evaluate digital platforms for climate projections that are useful for technical teams as an additional source of information.
• You will support the technical teams (mainly agronomists) with field methods to identify evapotranspiration processes in the areas and the infiltration capacity of the respective soils.
• You will advise on the phenological cycles of the main crops and the respective water requirements in the growth phases and also assist in the preparation of projections for future crop cycles.
• You will conduct training sessions with the technical team and assist in the design of didactic material for the exchange of information with the producers.
• You will advise the member organisations of the consortium on the preparation of regular climate monitoring reports with the required technical quality standards.
• You will support the systematisation of experiences and the preparation of information used in communication and advocacy work

Profile

• You have successfully completed a degree in agrometeorology or a comparable field of study and have completed relevant further training.
• You have at least four years of professional experience in agrometeorology, ideally in Central America or tropical regions.
• You already have practical experience in knowledge transfer (e.g. designing workshops and trainings).
• You have a talent for communication; your work is characterised by gender-sensitive communication.
• Your fluent Spanish skills enable you to communicate in a target group oriented way.
• Citizenship of a Member State of the European Union or Switzerland is required.

Benefits provided by Bread for the World and Dienste in Übersee Bread for the World provides a framework in which the professionals of Dienste in Übersee share their knowledge and skills with people of another culture.

Supportive cooperation, mutual learning and intercultural exchange are enabled by:

• Individual preparation
• Three year contract with benefits in accordance with the German Development Aid Workers Act
• Coaching

Interested? Please upload your application now.

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Important advice

Please note that, due to the current global restrictions caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, it is not possible to set definitive dates for selection and departure at this time. Nevertheless, we look forward to receiving your application and will work with you individually to find the best current job opportunities.

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