Livelihoods & Agronomy Specialist

Position Summary:

The Livelihoods & Agronomy Specialist will provide technical guidance and support for the planning, implementation and monitoring of agricultural, livestock and alternative livelihood activities. The specialist will ensure that project interventions are technically sound, climate-resilient, market-oriented and responsive to the needs of farmers, women and vulnerable households.
The position will also support agricultural production, orchard development, livestock-based livelihoods, value-chain development, agribusiness opportunities and the adoption of improved farming and livestock management practices to enhance household income and community resilience.

Tasks/ Responsibilities:

• Provide technical guidance and support for the planning and implementation of agricultural, livestock and alternative livelihood activities across the target districts.
• Conduct needs assessments, feasibility studies and value-chain assessments to identify suitable and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
• Support orchard establishment and high-value crop production, including crop selection, land preparation, planting, irrigation, soil management and orchard maintenance.
• Promote improved and climate-resilient agricultural practices, including agroforestry, efficient water management, integrated pest management and sustainable land management.
• Provide technical guidance on livestock selection, procurement specifications, feeding, animal health, vaccination, housing and disease prevention, particularly for small ruminants.
• Develop and deliver practical training sessions for farmers and livelihood beneficiaries on agricultural production, orchard management, livestock rearing and improved livelihood practices.
• Conduct regular field visits and provide extension and advisory services to farmers and beneficiaries to improve production, productivity and income.
• Support the implementation of alternative livelihood packages, particularly for women, vulnerable households and women-led enterprises.
• Monitor the quality and technical suitability of agricultural inputs, fruit tree saplings, livestock and other livelihood package items before and after distribution.
• Coordinate and oversee livestock vaccination activities, ensuring that animals receive appropriate vaccinations against common local diseases in collaboration with qualified veterinary professionals, and maintain proper vaccination records.
• Identify and facilitate market linkages among farmers, livestock beneficiaries, producer groups, traders, MSMEs and private sector actors.
• Monitor the technical progress and quality of livelihood activities, identify implementation challenges and recommend corrective measures.
• Ensure that livelihood interventions promote gender equality, women's economic participation, community empowerment and inclusion of vulnerable groups.
• Prepare technical assessments, training reports, field monitoring reports and recommendations, and contribute to project progress and donor reporting.
• Coordinate with relevant government departments, agricultural and veterinary service providers and private sector actors.
  Perform other relevant technical duties assigned by the Project Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s or higher degree in Agriculture, Livestock,
  Agribusiness, Livelihoods, rural development.
• At least 4 years in agricultural livelihoods, value chain development or agribusiness industry in Afghanistan relevant to the assignment.
• Multidisciplinary development sector experience across livelihoods, private sector development, gender, water management, Community Empowerment, rural development, and agriculture in Afghanistan or similar settings.
• Fluency in Pashto and Dari is essential.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

All candidates are kindly requested to carefully and accurately fill in their relevant information using the link provided in the submission email.
Additionally, please make sure to attach and send your updated CV along with your submission.
Completing all required fields and submitting your CV will help ensure your application is processed successfully.

Thank you for your cooperation.