Openings: Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre (SREC)

Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre (SREC) is a registered not for profit trust with its main office located in the New Delhi. The SREC participates in the network of Solidaridad in Asia and focuses on eliminating poverty in all forms.

It is a major international driver of sustainable, fair production and consumption practices of commodities such as – Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Fruit & Vegetables, Dairy, Soy, Palm Oil, Sugarcane, Leather, Cotton, Textiles, Gold & Industrial Minerals, Castor, Aquaculture etc. It seeks to improve the resilience of vulnerable population to social, environmental and economic shocks. We cover several SDGs in our result chain that all at the end contributes to the SDG-1. The smallholder farmers, workers (with a focus on women) and the consumers are our main beneficiaries. SREC work in 12 Indian states with approx. 250 experts operating from different offices.

For more information visit: http://www.solidaridadnetwork.org http://www.solidaridad.in

1. Program Manager – Cotton Programme (Water) 

Number of Positions: 1

Reporting to:  Assistant General Manager-Cotton Programme

Project Background

Solidaridad is implementing Water Efficiency in Sustainable Cotton Water-based Production Systems project in Maharashtra. The project aims to contribute towards a substantial increase in water availability, water efficiency and reduced water stress in the region along with improving livelihoods of cotton farmers by facilitating the adoption of good agricultural practices that reduce production costs, increase yields and quality of produce. By the end of the project, cotton farmers in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra will benefit from adoption of good agricultural practices, micro-irrigation, water harvesting, and efficient water use. They will become aware about availability and access to financial benefits provided to them via different schemes and subsidies by both private and public institutions. Several identified farmers will also acquire Agri-entrepreneurship skills.

We are seeking applications from qualified candidates for the position of “Project Manager-Cotton Programme (Water)” to join us in the above mentioned programme at SREC. The incumbent will work closely with Asst. General Manager-Cotton SREC, Nagpur and other project staff members.

Key Responsibilities

Effective Project Implementation and Supervision (KRA 1)

• Conduct field visits for supportive supervision of the field team.
• Collaborate with the Project Head to define annual program goals, outcomes, and outputs.
• Ensure successful implementation of the Water Efficiency in Sustainable Cotton-based Production Systems project in the Vidarbha region.

Capacity Building and Training (KRA 2)

• Organize and facilitate farmer training sessions, including women farmers, on water efficiency   practices, micro-irrigation, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), quality seed information, financial literacy, and government schemes.

Assist in establishing female-owned micro-enterprises for farm inputs.

• Support the creation of water user groups that adopt and implement integrated water maintenance plans.

Reporting and Documentation (KRA 3)

• Prepare regular reports on project progress, outcomes, and targets, collaborating closely with the Project Head.
• Collaborate with the technical team in Delhi to meet donor reporting requirements and finalize project deliverables.
• Engage in research and documentation related to the project, including the preparation of case studies and the annual report.

Stakeholder Engagement and Proposal Development (KRA 4)

• Liaise and communicate with local and district administrative levels, as well as other stakeholders, to ensure program support and success.
• Contribute to the development of new project proposals based on gained insights and experiences.

Qualification and Experience

• MBA in Agri Business and PHD will be an advantage
• At least 10 years of experience in similar field

Knowledge & Skills

• A proven track record of implementation of the water program
• Experience in conducting meeting, trainings, and awareness programs
• Experience in working with the water use efficiency work
• Report writing, presentation, data assessment
• Exceptional skill in developing program proposals
• Ability to work independently and self-motivated
• Willingness to work and travel in rural areas as per the program requirements
• Excellent command over English and 3-4 years of exposure in preparing proposals and reports.

SREC offers enriching and enabling work environment; and offers competitive salaries. It will be finalised based on the qualifications, relevant domain experience, and level of overall competency alignment of candidates with that of the requirement in the role.

Interested candidates may send their CV and a suitability note to: careers.india@solidaridadnetwork.org. Please mention ‘Program Manager-Cotton Water’ in the subject line of the e-mail application.

Due to high volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will receive a response from HR-SREC.

Solidaridad is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

2. Certification/Senior Certification Officer

Job Location: Yavatmal, Maharashtra

Number of Positions: 2

Reporting to:  Assistant General Manager-Cotton Programme

Project Background

Solidaridad with its consortium partners has implemented the program of pathway to prosperity(P2P) in the Maharashtra. The objective of the program is a regenerative agriculture initiative aimed at securing the health of the land and the wealth of those who live on it. It supports farms and organisations to transition to holistic farming techniques that increase soil organic matter, encourage biodiversity sequester CO2 and improve water and energy management. Designed for continuous improvement, regenagri offers members a complete solution for measuring and reporting on regenerative progress and monetizing environmentally minded farming.

The technical development of regenagri is supported by a governance team, a group of organisations expert in all aspects of regenerative agriculture

We are seeking applications from qualified candidates for the position of “Junior Certification Officer” to join us in the above mentioned programme at SREC.

Key Responsibilities

Audit and Compliance Management (KRA1)

• Conduct internal audits in accordance with NPOP/NOP/Regenagri standards to ensure adherence to organic certification requirements.
• Perform periodic document reviews to ensure alignment with certification standards and regulatory norms.
• Provide assistance during external audits conducted by third-party certification agencies, facilitating a smooth and successful audit process.

Training and Capacity Building (KRA2)

• Train farmers and grower groups based on internal standards to enhance their understanding of organic farming practices.
• Participate in the planning and organization of training sessions, workshops, and seminars for farmers in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
• Deliver knowledge-sharing sessions that empower farmers with the skills needed for successful organic and sustainable farming practices.

Data Management and Reporting (KRA3)

• Manage the data entry and information of program farmers, ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Organic and Sustainable Certification program.
• Prepare accurate and timely data and reports as needed, contributing to effective program monitoring and evaluation.

Outreach and Coordination (KRA4)

• Undertake extensive travel across the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions to engage with project stakeholders, farmers, and communities.
• Strengthen regional relationships and coordination by actively participating in training, workshops, and awareness events.
• Act as a liaison between the project and the local community, promoting the adoption of organic and sustainable farming practices.

Qualification and Experience

• Graduate in agriculture or related discipline (Agriculture / Agri Business Management)
• Minimum 3 years of experience in certification in organic/ sustainable agriculture with certification agencies

Knowledge & Skills

• Experience and knowledge of sustainable and organic farming/Sustainable certifications
• Good command of English in speech and in writing
• Excellent presentation skills
• Resourceful, fast learner with strong interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Willingness to travel extensively

SREC offers enriching and enabling work environment; and offers competitive salaries. It will be finalised based on the qualifications, relevant domain experience, and level of overall competency alignment of candidates with that of the requirement in the role.

Interested candidates may send their CV and a suitability note to: careers.india@solidaridadnetwork.org. Please mention ‘Certification/Senior Certification Officer-Maharashtra’ in the subject line of the e-mail application.

Due to high volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will receive a response from HR-SREC.

Solidaridad is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.