Agrometeorologist

Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is a humanitarian organization that works to improve aid for people affected by crises and climate change. It aims to provide expertise and solutions to partners in humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors. NORCAP believes in collaboration as a means to reduce needs, risks, and vulnerabilities over time. The organization is committed to creating opportunities for vulnerable populations and operates globally, partnering with various organizations to enhance the effectiveness of aid.

Job Overview:
The Agrometeorologist position is crucial for enhancing agricultural resilience and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for smallholder farmers in Malawi. This role involves providing technical leadership and capacity strengthening to improve the production, interpretation, communication, and use of agrometeorological information. The successful candidate will work closely with the Malawi Ministry of Agriculture's Department of Agricultural Extension Services (DAES) to disseminate climate-smart advisory services and technologies. The position is full-time and based in Lilongwe, with an initial deployment of 12 months and potential for extension. The Agrometeorologist will contribute to making climate information more accessible and actionable, fostering collaboration between climate and agriculture institutions, and enhancing decision-making processes for extension services and farmers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agrometeorologist will be responsible for developing and disseminating seasonal and weather-based agrometeorological advisories for farmers and extension services. They will strengthen collaboration and information flow between DAES, DCCMS, and other stakeholders. The role includes improving climate information products tailored to agricultural users, building the capacity of agricultural extension officers through training and coaching, and designing farmer-focused dissemination approaches using various media. The Agrometeorologist will also contribute to climate risk monitoring, early warning communication, and facilitate stakeholder consultations to enhance climate services. Additionally, they will provide technical input to climate-smart agriculture initiatives and contribute to documentation and knowledge-sharing related to the ARCS programme and NORCAP support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of agriculture-climate linkages and climate risk management. They should have knowledge of climate services, early warning systems, and agro-advisory development. Familiarity with meteorological data analysis, GIS, remote sensing, and climate information tools is essential. The role requires excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and rural settings.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's level or equivalent) in Agrometeorology, Meteorology, Climatology, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or a related field is required for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in agrometeorology, climate services, or agriculture. Experience in producing and communicating agrometeorological information for agricultural stakeholders, working with agricultural extension services, and supporting climate adaptation initiatives is essential. The ability to facilitate collaboration between technical institutions and end users, including farmers, is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and Chichewa is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with an initial contract duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension. The role involves working closely with the Malawi Ministry of Agriculture and contributing to NORCAP's climate services project activities. Candidates should be prepared for a thorough background check and must provide an approved health certificate prior to contract commencement. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.