Project Technical Assistant (Agriculture), Narmada Landscape Restoration

Location: India

City: Khargone District, Madhya Pradesh

Contract Type: Staff

Grade: X4

Salary scale: Country Scale

Contract Duration: 36 months

Date to close (KST): 20/07/2020

Job Reference: STA1912

GGGI, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), is implementing a 4-year project called Narmada Landscape Restoration Project (NLRP) in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. The project is being supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and NTPC Ltd. NLRP will demonstrate the interdependency of upstream sustainable forest and farm practices on downstream water resources. Through demonstration in Barwaha block, Khargone district, the project aims to establish an incentivization mechanism that can continue to support the forest and farm communities around Narmada to maintain sustainable landscape practices that will positively impact the water quality and quantity in Narmada tributaries. The project activities are linked to supply of water to Indore Municipality from Jalud and therefore requires strong working relationship with Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) and Government of Madhya Pradesh. NLRP activities will be implemented in two distinct zones, one dominated by forest and the other by agriculture landscape, and field-level execution will be carried out with support from selected local organizations. GGGI seeks to hire a Project Assistant (Agriculture) as part of the Project Management Unit (PMU) to support NLRP’s agriculture landscape interventions in south bank of Narmada river in Barwaha block, Khargone district, in coordination with executing agencies. The detailed interventions will be designed after a baseline study of the region and will include interventions related to watershed management, livelihood diversification and capacity building over an area of 5000 hectares. Under the close guidance of Senior officer (Chief of Party), s/he will be responsible for the following tasks and duties: planning, design, delivery, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of entire set of activities and will require deep engagement in delivery and monitoring of activities related to agricultural interventions in the project area. This is a field-based position with major portion of the work anticipated in selected villages near Khargone Thermal Power Plant of NTPC Ltd. This position reports to the Chief of Party (CoP). GGGI is looking for a 3-year staff engagement for this position. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

PURPOSE The Project Assistant (Agriculture) will support GGGI’s work towards sustainable agriculture landscape practices in the project area. S/he will ensure high-quality and timely delivery of actions and outputs within budget and aligned with the priorities determined by the PMU. The Project Assistant shall be responsible for the following tasks and duties:

Support implementation of catchment treatment in the project area with the executing agencies.
Support the executing agencies in carrying out watershed and capacity building activities as laid out in the project implementation plan.
Assist in the data collection of land use information and water quality assessments to identify existing and potential sources of non-point source pollution in the project area.
Support the PMU with FPO formation, registration and organic certification processes.
Support in development of schemes to achieve restoration and protection goals based on water quality in the selected streams, land use, and inputs from the baseline assessment and GIS survey.
Assist in carrying out water and soil sampling analysis for the points identified in south bank region using monitoring equipment.
Assist in backchecking, monitoring, evaluation and reporting as described in the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework.
Support the PMU in orientation and awareness of important stakeholders through workshops, meetings, media conclave, wall writings, competitions, merchandize, field visits and other media products.
Assist in reporting to Project Appraisal and Project Steering Committee (PSC).

These responsibilities will be carried out through development of baseline assessment database and report, project implementation plan consisting of catchment water management plan and MEL framework.

ENGAGEMENT

Maintain good coordination with resource partners: USAID & NTPC Ltd. and implementing agency IIFM.
Assist to maintain deep engagement with local communities, collectives, community leaders, JFMC members, local public representatives, and Forest Dept. officials.
Maintain close and frequent contact with local stakeholders and collectives including through outreach activities for greater buy in on the project objectives.
Support and maintain deep engagement with local communities, collectives, FPO members, farmers, community leaders, local public representatives, and Agricultural Dept. officials.
Provide support to different technical resources and recruited project agencies for smooth delivery of outputs within stipulate timelines through proper communication and coordination.
Coordinate with GGGI colleagues in PMU and HQ on project related matters to enable delivery of high quality products in accordance with GGGI standards.
Support the PMU in orientation and awareness of important stakeholders through workshops, meetings, media conclave, wall writings, competitions, merchandize, field visits and other media products.

DELIVERY

Organize relevant meetings, focus group discussions, workshops, and trainings with key stakeholders.
Collect and organize reports with executing entities to acquire reports as per the project’s physical and financial needs.
Prepare monthly and quarterly reports related to activities in the south bank for different project committees and engagement with stakeholders.
Coordinate with field enumerators for data collection and backchecking in baseline and endline evaluations.
Prepare communication material in collaboration with communication agencies for wider dissemination.
Ensure adequate sampling and monitoring of field activities as per the MEL framework.
Attend meetings, workshops, and other events and activities, both at national and subnational levels, to:
Support in identifying relevant information related to policy-driven issues, synthesis of best practices and lessons-learned directly linked to program goals.
Support in GGGI’s knowledge base, project and activity portfolio, best practices and lessons-learned to promote adoption, replication and upscalling.
Assist in carrying out water and soil sampling analysis for the points identified in north bank region using monitoring equipment.
Assist in backchecking, monitoring, evaluation and reporting as described in the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework.

REQUIREMENTS QUALIFICATIONS

Preferably a post graduate qualification in agriculture or agriculture/watershed/rural management/environment management or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience;
Minimum 2 years of experience in agriculture, natural resources management and/or watershed related activities involving farmers, women, collectives and/or civil society organizations;
Sound English language capability (written and spoken), and fluency in Hindi is required;
Familiarity with inclusive and community based development and experience of working with grassroot level organizations will be advantageous.
Previous experience of working with USAID/USAID funded projects will be advantageous

FUNCTIONAL

Willingness and ability to travel frequently to project identified locations in remote villages near Khargone Power Plant of NTPC Ltd.
Good communication and presentation skills required to convey messages that are easy to understand about the importance of agriculture landscape practices and its impact on water resources;
Ability to work independently with limited supervision and to operate effectively in a team environment;
Familiarity with farm and rural government schemes on watersheds, NRM infrastructure, SHG/FPO formation and functioning, organic certifications, government regulatory and policy frameworks would be an advantage.

CORPORATE

Able to maintain up-to-date knowledge on trends, concepts and practices related to the area of work;
Able to deliver proactive and effective, customized services and products to clients;
Able to uphold GGGI’s reputation by exemplifying the highest standards of honesty and integrity in professional and personal conduct.

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Tags: Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)