MTR Specialist - Agricultural Extension & Institutions

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 - Agricultural Extension & Institutions will play a crucial role in conducting the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the GEF-7 Project, which aims to assess the progress made in achieving project objectives and results. This position requires the specialist to provide technical inputs on extension systems, institutional engagement, and social and gender inclusion. The incumbent will work closely with the Lead MTR Consultant and other stakeholders to evaluate outreach and capacity-building efforts, ensuring that the project remains on track to achieve its desired outcomes. The MTR Specialist will be responsible for developing data-collection tools, participating in field visits, and analyzing evidence collected during the review process. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of agricultural extension and institutions, as well as the ability to assess the integration of gender equality and social inclusion principles in project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MTR Specialist - Agricultural Extension & Institutions will have a range of responsibilities, including: assisting the Lead MTR Consultant in developing field visit plans; reviewing relevant background documentation; contributing to the preparation of data-collection tools; participating in primary data collection through interviews and focus group discussions; consolidating evidence collected during the MTR process; analyzing and discussing findings with the MTR team; delivering inputs on specific areas of assessment for all deliverables; supporting the Lead MTR Consultant in finalizing the report; and conducting analyses in areas such as gender equality, institutional engagement, and training approaches. The specialist will also evaluate the capacity of implementing partners and extension systems to deliver inclusive training and outreach, and participate in synthesis workshops to formulate recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in fields such as Science, Agriculture, Social Work, Sociology, Human Resources, Psychology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Rural Development, Agribusiness, Rural Management, Gender Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, Human Rights, Education, Community Development, Home Science, or related disciplines relevant to social inclusion and sustainable development. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience in planning and managing agriculture, rural development, or natural resources management projects in India, with a focus on extension and institution development. A working knowledge of English and Hindi is required, and candidates must be 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 such as Science, Agriculture, Social Work, Sociology, Human Resources, Psychology, Anthropology, Development Studies, Rural Development, Agribusiness, Rural Management, Gender Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, Human Rights, Education, Community Development, Home Science, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of social inclusion and sustainable development in the context of agricultural extension and institutions.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in the planning and management of agriculture, rural development, or natural resources management projects in India. This experience should include a focus on extension and institution development, demonstrating the ability to engage with various stakeholders and assess the effectiveness of outreach efforts. Experience in evaluating donor-funded projects is considered an advantage, as is familiarity with FAO and GEF work/procedures, development organizations, and other UN agencies or multilateral organizations.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of English and Hindi is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for conducting interviews and focus group discussions during the MTR process. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they facilitate engagement with diverse communities and stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in New Delhi, India, and candidates must be independent of any organizations involved in the project being evaluated in the MTR. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, project partners, and local communities. The MTR Specialist will work under the administrative supervision of the FAO Representative in India and will closely coordinate with the Lead MTR Consultant and other team members. The selection process will assess candidates against the minimum requirements and selection criteria, including expertise in evaluating gender-responsive programs and social safeguards.