Agriculture Expert (Agribusiness) (NIM/NPSA9) – UNDP India

Apply Before 11/03/2022, 11:59 PM

UNDP has worked in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development, from democratic governance to poverty eradication, to sustainable energy and environmental management. UNDP’s programmes are aligned with national priorities and are reviewed and adjusted annually.

Background

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.
With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

UNDP India’s current Country Programme, 2018-2022, is in its final year of implementation. Our new Country Programme (2023-2027), which comes into effect in 2023, builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:

• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability
• South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.

You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.

The livelihood of a large proportion of India’s population—as the largest private enterprise with ~138 million farm families with an 18% contribution to national GDP—is at risk. Any shock on agricultural production already has social and financial repercussions for both the population and the country as a whole; it impacts rural income levels, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and, in the worst years, poverty rates.

The Government of Odisha (GoO) is focused on doubling farmers income and farmers’ well-being by addressing the constraints, optimal usage of available natural resources and using technology to ensure a growth that is environmentally, economically, and technologically inclusive, scalable, and sustainable. The GoO, to enhance and diversify agricultural production, enhance climate resilience, and improve water productivity in partnership with the Government of India is implementing the World Bank assisted project “Odisha Integrated Irrigation will go a long way in ensuring livelihood security and poverty alleviation through sustainable and community-based management of forests contributing to Sustainable Development Goals. IPCC has also acknowledged that tenurial security over community resources and land can play a significant role towards achieving climate justice.

Project Description

Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture (OIIPCRA): The project OIIPCRA is multi sectoral in nature and will be jointly implemented by three line-departments, i.e.,

(1) Department of Water Resources, Government of Odisha,

(2) Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Government of Odisha, and

(3) Department of Fishery and Animal Resource Development, Government of Odisha, with clearly defined role and responsibilities.

Project Objective:  The objective of the current project is to provide technical support the government in its effort to improve economic resilience of farm households to climate risks and natural disasters through intensification and diversification of agricultural production, enhanced climate resilience, and improved water productivity in selected districts of Odisha. It is expected that the Technical Support Unit will support the implementation of the OIIPCRA by developing implementation modalities

Duties and Responsibilities

The individual shall have the administrative reporting to the Director, Agriculture, Govt. of Odisha and overall reporting to the Head of Office, UNDP-Odisha.

The services of an Agriculture Expert are required to work under the overall leadership and guidance of Director, Agriculture for marketing and planning of agri-business as well as promotion of project supported commodities. He / she will be accountable for liaising with market players, ABSO and other entities, periodic assessment of agribusiness and market linkage activities, facilitating training/ orientation of stakeholders & business planning and credit linkage, periodic discussion with FPOs/ AEs. He/she will provide support in MIS development on agri-business, selling of farmer produce and guiding ABSO.

Under the administrative reporting to the Director Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment, Government of Odisha, Odisha and the overall reporting to the Head of State Office, Odisha, the incumbent shall be undertaking the following:

Provide substantive support to the project:

• Marketing and sales support to the farmers.
• Planning for agri-business and promotion of project supported commodities.
• Liaising with market players, ABSO and other entities.
• Support and guide ABSO in agribusiness promotion, monitoring, and supervision of agribusiness promotion activities.
• Periodic assessment of agribusiness and market linkage activities.
• Facilitate training/ orientation of stakeholders on agribusiness.
• Facilitating business planning and credit linkage of FPOs/ AEs.
• Periodic discussion with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Agricultural Entrepreneurs (AEs)and extension of support.
• Support in MIS development on agribusiness activities and market linkage and monitor the marketing of the crops.

Ensuring the planning and implementation of Agri-Business activities, focusing on achievement of the following result:

• Effective planning for agri-business activities.
• Promotion of commodities supported by the project.
• Liaising with market players and other entities.
• Efficient facilitation of business planning and credit linkage of FPOs and AEs.
• Successful orientation of stakeholders.
• Marketing support and promotion of Agri-business activities, focusing on achievement of the following result:
• Deal with marketing support to the farmers:
• Liaising with market players and other entities for promotion of agri-business activities.
• Support and guide ABSO in monitoring and supervision of agri-business activities.
• Facilitating training /orientation of stake holders.
• Regular assessment of Agri business and market linkage activities.
• Support in MIS development in Agri business activities.
• Any other duty assigned by the supervisor

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Direction and Strategy

Strategic Thinking: Identify the project activity need and provides appropriate solutions. Ability to identify issues, and an effective response to the subject matter. Able to facilitate timely assessment, analysis and reporting related to Agri-business. Promotion of commodities related to the project. Promotes the vision, mission, and goals of OIIPCRA.

Business Development

Knowledge Generation: ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need. Capable of providing support and guidance related to the activities. Strong analytical reporting and writing skill.

Business Management

Monitoring: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results. Efficient in planning, monitoring, supervising for achieving results. Exhibits interest in two-way communication
Business Management

Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, priorities and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals

Required Skills and Experience

Education: A degree in M.Sc. Agriculture (Agri-Business) or MBA in Agri-business Management or MBA in Rural Management.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of post-qualification experience.
• Significant working experience in Government or relevant multilateral institutions.
• Ability to establish, build, and sustain effective relationships, partnerships, and alliances, advocate effectively, and communicate sensitively
• Identifies problems and proposes solutions
• Works as a team member
• Proven experience in leading comprehensive capacity building programmes, design, and delivery
• Efficient skills for facilitation of business planning and credit linkage of FPOs and AEs
• Knowledge of and experience in gender mainstreaming in agriculture is an asset.
• Ability to bring visibility and sensitizes decision makers to relevant emerging issues.
• Ability to use information and communication technology as a tool and resource.
• The incumbent would be required to undertake travel within the State of Odisha, as and when required

Language Requirement:

• Fluency in English and Odia is required
• Excellent Oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical reporting and writing skill.

NOTE: This position is open for India nationals only

Remuneration is INR 60,078/- (Monthly inclusive of 8.33% pension amount)

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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