Project Duration: 24 Months

Position Summary:

The Agricultural Specialist will play a vital role in supporting the Gilgit-Baltistan Local Area Development Programme by overseeing the implementation of innovative agricultural practices and contributing to ecosystem management, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy access. This role involves working closely with local communities, promoting smart agriculture, and providing technical expertise on land restoration, water conservation, and ecosystem friendly agricultural methods. The Agricultural Specialist will collaborate with the project team to achieve sustainable development goals and ensure that all activities are aligned with organization’s standards and environmental guidelines.

Key Responsibilities:

Smart Agriculture and Innovation:

• Oversee the establishment of kitchen gardens, tunnel farming infrastructures, and training in fruit drying technologies.
• Provide technical training on innovative agricultural practices such as seed cultivation, kitchen gardening, and entrepreneurship in agriculture.
• Develop and implement strategies for value chain development and market linkage for locally produced goods.

Land Restoration and Conservation:

• Lead land restoration initiatives, including rotational grazing, planting of trees, and the introduction of sustainable land use practices.
• Conduct community awareness sessions on the importance of land restoration and conservation practices.
• Guide the community on the integration of ecosystem friendly agricultural practices to support biodiversity and local ecosystems.

Water and Habitat Management:

• Support the installation and maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems, drip irrigation systems, and wetland conservation initiatives.
• Deliver training sessions focused on water conservation, habitat protection, and the sustainable management of local water resources.

Renewable Energy Promotion:

• Assist in implementing renewable energy initiatives, including the installation of solar-powered water pumps and biomass-to-energy projects.
• Educate communities on the benefits of renewable energy solutions and support the integration of these technologies within agricultural practices.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Conduct training sessions on water management, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture, focusing on women and youth engagement.
• Lead workshops and training on climate smart agriculture and ecosystem management, equipping communities with knowledge and skills.

Ecosystem Management and Governance:

• Contribute to the development of ecosystem management plans and assist with ecosystem assessment surveys and cost benefit analyses.
• Work closely with the project team to ensure ecosystem services and economic incentives align with local agricultural practices.
• Participate in inter-sectoral coordination meetings, workshops, and strategy sessions to foster collaboration across government, community, and private sectors.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor the progress of agricultural interventions and track outcomes to measure the effectiveness of practices introduced.
• Document success stories and project milestones for internal and external communication.
• Prepare detailed reports on agricultural activities, progress, and challenges for submission to the project management team.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience: 4-5 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, ecosystem management, or community development.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Knowledge of climate smart agriculture, renewable energy in agriculture, and ecosystem based approaches.
  • Familiarity with local agricultural practices, value chain development, and water conservation.
  • Proficiency in data collection, reporting, and analysis.
• Interpersonal Skills:
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage communities effectively.
  • Proficiency in local languages and familiarity with Gilgit Baltistan’s cultural context.
• Organizational Skills:
  • Excellent organizational abilities to manage multiple activities, workshops, and community engagements.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.