Senior Technical Officer- Soil Heath and Extension

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, known by its Spanish acronym, CIMMYT®, is a not-for-profit agricultural research and training organization with partners in over 100 countries. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is seeking an experienced professional to support Nepal Seed and Fertilizer (NSAF) project funded by USAID. The project promotes the use of improved seeds and Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) technologies approved and registered by the Government of Nepal. The Project will specifically increase availability of technologies to improve productivity in maize, rice, lentils, and high value vegetable farming. The project also works to improve capacity of both the public and private sectors in their respective roles for technology development and its in-country dissemination. Details of position, location and TOR for the position is below and can be found at www.jobsnepal.com.

Duty Station: Kathmandu

The Senior Technical Officer – Soil Health and Extension will be responsible for leading the soil testing and extension services of the NSAF project in collaboration with public and private sectors, will support the development of soil fertility management messages using the digital soil map, lead the preparation and implementation of a soil health card scheme and train and develop capacities of stakeholders for improving soil health.

Major duties and responsibilities: 

Developing & promoting soil fertility information & recommendations

• Use digital soil map (DSM) to obtain soil fertility information at the Palika level and disseminate soil fertility management information to extension agents, cooperatives, agrovets and farmers.
• Support the collection of soil data in collaboration with the consortium of stakeholders from local, provincial, federal governments and Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC).
• Develop and lead the preparation of soil health cards in targeted Palikas.
• Work with digital service providers to disseminate extension messages on integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies to farmers and related stakeholders.
• Promote green manuring and N-fixing crops and other proven ISFM technologies to maintain soil health and increase productivity at local farm household level.
• Support to soil fertility management in the maize commercialization model (MCM) activities across the working districts in collaboration with public organizations (AKC, IALDO, PMAMP) and private (agrovets) sectors.

Training

• Train farmers, cooperative and Palikas to interpret soil health cards i.e., to provide information about soil fertility status and fertilizer recommendation at farmers field for project mandated crops and vegetables.
• Facilitate farmers field days (FFD) and training events on soil fertility management and crop best management practices (BMPs) at local level.

Monitoring & reporting

• Ensure timely planning and efficient coordination with field staff for smooth implementation of project activities.
• Conduct regular monitoring and supervision of field activities and provide technical and practical assistance to the farmers, cooperatives, agrovets and Palika about soil fertility management and crop production.
• Prepare and manage database of the project activities and undertake data analysis using statistical software such as R.

Writing & communication

• Participate in the publication of activity results through annual reports, presentations, and publications.
• Compile field report of all subordinate staff and submit to the supervisor meeting the deadlines.
• Prepare and share success stories related to project outcomes.
• Perform any other activity as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Skills: 

• MSc degree in soil science or agronomy.
• At least five years of experience in the field of soil management research and development.
• Demonstrated experience in standard soil sampling techniques. Experience in performing soil analysis will be an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in community mobilization and ability to work with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting field trials, demonstrations, soil sample collection, farmers field days and training on soil fertility management.
• Sound theoretical and practical knowledge about soil science discipline, balanced fertilization, 4Rs nutrient stewardship, integrated plant nutrient management (IPNM) practices and best management practices (BMPs).
• Demonstrated ability in data entry, database management, data analysis and preparation of project reports and publications.
• Excellent work ethic and demonstrated potential to work independently with minimal supervision and to work in inter-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to undertake multiple tasks and work under strict deadlines.
• Valid motorcycle driving license, preferred.

Candidates must go through the link below and submit the application with detailed information no later than January 4th, 2023.

https://cimmytrecruitment.wufoo.com/forms/n22236-senior-technical-officer-soil-health-ext/

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.