MTR Specialist - Agronomy

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, which supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO India is currently implementing the 'Promotion of Sustainable Food Systems in India through Transforming Rice-Wheat Systems' Project under the GEF-7 cycle, focusing on environmental sustainability and improving the livelihoods of farmers in four states: Punjab, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

Job Overview:
The MTR Specialist - Agronomy will play a crucial role in conducting the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the GEF-7 Project, which aims to assess the progress made towards achieving project objectives and results. This position requires a thorough evaluation of the sustainability, effectiveness, and impact of project interventions in rice-wheat systems. The MTR Specialist will work closely with the Lead MTR Consultant and other team members to ensure that the review process adheres to FAO-GEF evaluation standards. The incumbent will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data, providing technical inputs on agronomic and environmental aspects, and contributing to the preparation of the MTR report. This role is essential for identifying any necessary changes to keep the project on track and achieve its desired outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MTR Specialist - Agronomy will have a variety of responsibilities, including assisting the Lead MTR Consultant in developing field visit plans, reviewing relevant background documentation, and contributing to the preparation of data-collection tools. The specialist will actively participate in the collection of primary data during field visits, conduct interviews with key stakeholders, and consolidate evidence collected during the MTR process. Additionally, the MTR Specialist will analyze and discuss findings with the MTR team, provide technical inputs for key deliverables, and support the integration of stakeholder feedback into reports. The role also involves conducting analyses related to environmental sustainability, project contributions to land degradation neutrality, and the effectiveness of strategies promoting sustainable food systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in fields such as Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Agribusiness, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Agroecology, Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Adaptation, Rural Development, or Water Resources Management. A minimum of five years of experience in planning and managing agriculture, rural development, or natural resources management projects in India is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge of English and Hindi, and must be either nationals of India or residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields that pertain to sustainable food systems and environmental resilience. This could encompass a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, and related areas that contribute to the understanding and management of agronomic and environmental challenges.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of experience in the planning and management of agriculture, rural development, or natural resources management projects specifically within India. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the complexities involved in sustainable food systems and environmental resilience, particularly in the context of the rice-wheat systems being evaluated in this project.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of both English and Hindi is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for conducting interviews during the MTR process. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in New Delhi, India, and candidates must be independent of any organizations involved in the project being evaluated. This ensures objectivity and impartiality in the MTR process. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in field visits and data collection as part of their responsibilities. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards and will be discussed during the recruitment process.