Mechanization Consultant
- From
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Published on
09.12.22
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is not-for-profit agricultural research for development organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: http://www.cimmyt.org
CIMMYT is seeking a proactive, innovative, and self-motivated professional Mechanization Consultant. The holder of the consultancy will provide support to the Ukama Ustawi: Diversification for resilient agribusiness ecosystems in East and Southern Africa (ESA) Initiative in Zambia on supporting Mechanization Service providers; train them on operation, repair, and maintenance of machinery, business management, and data collection; and working with the manufacturers/private sector partners to strengthen the supply chain. He will also assist in the establishment of mechanization demonstration trials, data collection, and analysis, fine-tune machinery to suit local conditions; mentor SPs in service provision business, collect business data (income, expenditures, repair, and maintenance), etc.
CIMMYT in collaboration with its partners implements mechanization research activities under Ukama Ustawi: Diversification for resilient agribusiness ecosystems in East and Southern Africa (ESA) Initiative in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The initiative has been promoting mechanized conservation agriculture through a service provider model. The constant is needed work in the project site in Zambia to assist in implementing mechanized CA activities in the initiative areas.
The consultancy will be based in Lusaka, Zambia.
Major tasks and deliverables or milestones to be accomplished are divided into phases:
| Milestone | Deliverables | Payment Date | Payment Amount |
| Provide technical support to the SPs, record their machinery problems & develop 2nd generation engineering solutions to these problems in partnership with the SPs/TSBs/private sector partners | Monthly progress report | Paid monthly within 15 days of submitting an invoice or payment request | USD 2,000 per month |
| Establish On-station and On-farm mechanization trials as per protocols | Crop establishment, soil, and machinery performance data collected and submitted by 20 February 2023 | ||
| Collect harvest data from trials and feedback on machinery from the field and develop 2nd generation engineering solutions to these problems in partnership with private sector partners | All data and a trial report submitted by 15 July 2023 | ||
| Develop training curricula and conduct trainings of SPs/mechanics/extension and TSB officers/partners on two-wheel tractor, planter, trailer, and sheller, thresher, ripper, sprayer, trial protocols, and business management | Training conducted for different machinery and reported in the monthly report | ||
| Collect monthly business data from the SPs (income, expenditure, spares, and repairs needed, challenges faced, etc.) as per a template provided | Monthly report | ||
| Report prepared and submitted to the supervisor | Half-yearly report by 15 January 2023 and Annual report by 10 July 2023 | ||
| Any other related businesses assigned by the supervisor | Included in the half-yearly and annual reports |
Required academic qualifications, skills and attitudes:
- MS in Farm Machinery/Mechanization or related field or BSc in Agricultural Engineering with 3 years of relevant experience.
- Familiar with the Concept of Conservation Agriculture and have experience in the establishment and monitoring of research experiments involving seeders, threshers, shellers, and other smallholder farm machinery.
- Skilled in the design, fabrication, and testing of farm machinery. Hands-on experience in the development, analysis, and simulation of CAD models using SolidWorks® would be an added advantage.
- Have a valid driving license for cars
- The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, and Client Orientation.
The position is for an initial fixed term of one (1) year, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds.
Candidates must apply here for IRS22169_Mechanization Consultant. Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on Monday, January 9th, 2023. Applications must include a CV and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. For further information on the selection process, please contact Yessica Castillo, at y.castillo@cgiar.org
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
These consultancies will remain open until filled.
CIMMYT is an equal-opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.