Climate Resilient Agriculture Specialist

Job Title: Climate Resilient Agriculture Specialist

Duration: 1 Year

Type of Contract: Third Party Recruitment

Duty Station: New Delhi

Remuneration: INR 1,25,000 – 1,40,000 Per Month

BACKGROUND

WFP has been working in India for more than six decades and contributing to the Government of India’s efforts towards achieving sustainable food security. The work in India has evolved over the past 50 years from providing food aid to providing technical assistance to the Government to help the Country achieve its food and nutrition targets by 2030.

Aligned to India’s national policies and programmes, improving food and nutrition security, enhance effectiveness of government food-based safety-nets, adaptation to climate change, building resilient food systems and livelihoods and strengthening disaster risk reduction are key priorities of WFP India’s CSP (2023-27). WFP will focus on building the resilience of smallholder farmers and vulnerable rural communities in the face of the climate crisis by supporting the entire food system. Initiatives will include promoting drought resilient seeds, crop diversification such as millet mainstreaming, reducing post-harvest losses, renewable energy for farmgate level processing and tailored climate services at the last mile.

Through the CSP, WFP in India is strengthening its partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare at central level based on a set of mutually identified priorities, with the objective of contributing to the Ministry’s efforts towards achieving SDG 2.

JOB PURPOSE AND KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (Not all inclusive)

The candidate will be hired by WFP and deputed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The person will report to the Joint Secretary (NRM), MoAFW and guidance of Head of Climate Change, Resilient Food Systems and DRR with overall supervision of the Country Director, WFP India. The candidate will also liaise with Head of RAM and Evaluation Unit, at WFP India for Research activities.

The candidate will deliver following main responsibilities:

Programme activities:

1. Contribute to developing the plans, projects, and processes to support National programmes around climate adaptation and resilient agriculture. Develop workplan for the assignment in collaboration with the MoA&FW.
2. Provide technical expertise on related issues as needed by the Ministry including undertaking assessment, selection of geographies.
3. Co-ordinate various programme activities of CRA projects at the ministry level by facilitating cross-learning between Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (POCRA), NICRA expansion and ADAPT4R and other upcoming projects.
4. Facilitate joint visits, cross learning visits to the projects such as NICRA, POCRA between the states for accelerated learning and contextualization.
5. Leverage resources and strengthen collaborations with various technical institutions for geo-spatial analysis that will help the schemes on CRA and climate adaptation.
6. Support the identification of alternate resilient agriculture and livelihood options such as resilient rice varieties, millets and other key areas for promotion and collaboration, contribute to establishing and strengthening seed systems for resilient varieties.
7. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration, monitor ongoing projects, and highlight potential risks.
8. Co-ordinate for WFP programmes activities relevant to MoA&FW and facilitate support.
9. Liaise closely with the WFP country office in New Delhi through weekly meetings/updates and programme review meetings to ensure alignment.

Research and assessment activities:

1. Develop tools and frameworks to map the best practices for CRA and support replication in other agro-climatic zones,
2. Support the conceptualization and implementation of relevant research studies in the areas identified mutually with MoA&FW.
3. Support the dissemination and advocacy of findings, insights, and recommendations from research studies undertaken.
4. Contribute to development of evidence-based knowledge and advocacy products.
5. Consolidate available research and knowledge resources within MoA&FW, identify evidence gaps, lessons learnt, and support in informing policy and programmatic decisions at the MoA&FW.
6. Develop tools and frameworks to map the best practices for CRA for replication in other agro-climatic zones.
7. Any other related work.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education:

Master’s or higher degree in agricultural economics, Agronomy, crop sciences, natural resource management, environmental sciences or closely related field from an institute of repute.

Experience:

A minimum 10-15 years of progressively responsible work experience is preferred, in Climate resilient and alternative agriculture and agri-value chain development strategies, substantial experience of on ground implementation of sustainable livelihood options and working at the national/ state level in partnership with the government/UN agency/INGO is required. Experience of working on rural financing, undertaking research, understanding community actions and providing training in the related field as well as working on climate change adaptation is desirable.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills required, including strong professional communication abilities.

• Advocacy and networking skills with a broad range of stakeholders including government, civil society, academia and NGOs.

• An up-to date understanding climate issues and its impact on resilient agriculture, various relevant programmes, global frameworks and policies, climate adaptation and resilience strategies, potential use of renewable energy and other technological advances.

• Demonstrated understanding of food and nutrition security and learning ability and good knowledge about climate advisories & agriculture issues, impact of climate change on livelihoods, and familiarity with government policies and data sets related to agriculture and climate.

• Knowledge in the field of climate change, soil conservation and agronomic/agro-tech practices, and national priorities.

• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and other analytical software. Demonstrated research skills in both quantitative and qualitative research, analysis, and reporting.

• Knowledge of UN and the Government system would be an asset.

• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of supply chain and food security, environment and climate resilience, livelihoods, gender, and nutrition experts across India.

• Tact and diplomacy.

  Languages: Fluency in spoken and written English and Hindi; ability to speak in other Indian languages is a plus.

  CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

  • Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of actors from government, private sector and civil society.
  • Very strong communications skills, both in writing and speaking.
  • Solid planning and problem-solving skills and action orientation.
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines and simultaneously manage multiple tasks in an independent but consultative manner.
  • Maturity, initiative, courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
  • Ability to handle any other additional tasks as requested by the supervisor.

  TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. A written test will be used as a form of screening. In the event your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide in advance a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/ certificate(s) required for this position.
  • This is a national position therefore candidates who are non-Indian nationals will not be considered.
  • WFP is committed to promoting diversity and gender balance. WFP adheres to “zero tolerance policies” in the workplace.

  Female applicants are especially encouraged to apply