Engagement of Consultant for Enumeration of Sentinel Sites

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is focused on agricultural research and development, aiming to improve agricultural practices and productivity through evidence-based assessments. It operates in various regions, particularly in India, and collaborates with local agricultural institutions to implement projects that enhance farming outcomes. The organization is committed to generating reliable data that can inform policy and practice in agriculture, thereby contributing to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The position involves the engagement of a consultant to oversee the enumeration of sentinel sites in selected districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The consultant will be responsible for collecting high-quality field-level data on various agricultural indicators, including crop management and resource use. The role requires the consultant to mobilize enumerators, ensure data collection is conducted systematically, and maintain data integrity throughout the project. The consultant will work closely with the project team to ensure that the objectives of the assignment are met effectively and efficiently, utilizing digital tools for data collection and management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with the following duties:

• Mobilizing and training enumerators across the six designated districts.
• Conducting personal interviews with farmers to gather data on agricultural practices.
• Implementing telephonic interviews to collect additional data during specified periods.
• Ensuring the accurate and complete collection of data on agricultural indicators as per the approved survey protocol.
• Utilizing the ODK digital data-collection platform for capturing data, including GPS coordinates where necessary.
• Maintaining consistency in data collection across different survey rounds and ensuring quality control measures are in place.
• Providing regular updates to the project team regarding progress and addressing any data-quality issues that arise.
• Submitting all collected data to the project team in a timely manner and ensuring that data is backed up appropriately.
• Hiring vehicles as needed for the enumeration process and managing logistics effectively.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in conducting field surveys, both in-person and telephonically, particularly in Hindi-speaking regions of India.
• Strong understanding of agricultural practices and data collection methodologies.
• Familiarity with digital data collection tools, specifically ODK or similar platforms.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills to manage enumerators and coordinate with the project team.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards in data collection.

Educational Background:
A degree in agricultural sciences, social sciences, statistics, or a related field is preferred. Additional certifications in data collection methodologies or project management would be advantageous. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis relevant to agricultural studies.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in conducting surveys and data collection in agricultural contexts. Experience working with local communities and understanding the agricultural landscape in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar is essential. Previous involvement in similar projects that required mobilizing teams and managing field data collection will be highly regarded.

Languages:
Fluency in Hindi is mandatory, as the surveys will be conducted in Hindi-speaking areas. Proficiency in English is also desirable for communication with the project team and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of local dialects may be beneficial for better engagement with farmers.

Additional Notes:
The assignment will be conducted on a contract basis, with a lump-sum payment structure covering all associated costs, including enumerator recruitment, training, and travel expenses. The consultant is expected to complete the work within a specified timeline, with the project divided into four phases of data collection. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that all data collected is of high quality and meets the project's requirements.