Openings – Timbaktu Collective (Collective)

Apply before 15th December 2023

The Timbaktu Collective (Collective) is a grassroots non-profit organization initiated in 1990, that works
towards the sustainable development of marginalized peoples across 347 villages in 14 mandals of the drought prone Ananthapuramu and Sri Sathya Sai districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The Dharani programme of the Collective promotes sustainable, local, and climate-resilient farming among smallholder farmers who cultivate a variety of crops, including millets, groundnuts and lentils using organic Package of Practices (PoP). Besides, the Collective assists in organic certification, organizes peer-to-peer learning events, and provides trainings for farmers. Under this porgramme, the Collective has promoted the Dharani Farming and Marketing Cooperative (Dharani FaM Coop) which sells organic food products under the brand “Timbaktu Organic”.

Job Description

1. Project Coordinator

Relevant Themes Organic farming, Vegetable production and procurement, Food processing, Community – owned enterprises

Location Chennekothapalli, Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh

About the project:
The project aims to develop an organic vegetable vertical among smallholder farmers it works with. The project’s overarching goal is to positively impact farmer households through comprehensive support in organic vegetable farming including support in production, procurement, sales, and marketing of vegetables.

Roles and Responsibilities:
The Project Coordinator will support the Project Manager in the successful implementation of the organic vegetable cultivation project. This role involves coordination, documentation, and support functions to ensure smooth project operations. The specific responsibilities of the Project Coordinator include:

• Plan, implement and coordinate project activities with the field team working with farmers on ground, aligning with project objectives.
• Collect and maintain data pertaining to crop planning, current crops, yield, and other project-related information. Document success stories, best practices, and learnings from field.
• Coordinate training programs for farmers, including foundation training, and intensive training focusing on organic farming practices, Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) standards etc.
• Collaborate with Dharani in organizing farm-gate procurement of organic vegetables.
• Prepare periodic consolidated progress reports of the project.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager and engage in monthly meetings for reviewing, planning, and ensuring the effective implementation of activities.

Eligibility criteria:

• Bachelor’s/ master’s degree in Agriculture and allied sectors, Rural Development, Development, Social Work, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum one year of applicable work experience in coordinating agricultural projects or a related field is required.
• Aptitude to live and work in a rural setting.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Excellent computer skills including MS Office suite.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Telugu is required.

Remuneration:
The first three months of your employment will be considered a ‘probation period’. During the probationary period, candidates can expect to receive a monthly remuneration of INR 35,000. Following the completion of the probationary period, we offer a starting salary of 4.8 LPA, with the potential for revision based on your work experience, skills, and demonstrated talent.

Application Process:
Interested candidates can apply for the post by sending their detailed resume along with a covering
letter to info@timbaktu.org before 15th December 2023.

2. Project Manager

Relevant Themes Organic farming, Vegetable production and procurement, Community – owned enterprises

Location Chennekothapalli, Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh.

About the project:
The project aims to develop an organic vegetable vertical among smallholder farmers it works with. The project’s overarching goal is to positively impact farmer households through comprehensive support in organic vegetable farming including support in production, procurement, sales, and marketing of vegetables.

Roles and Responsibilities:
The Project Manager will be responsible for the implementation and success of the proposed project. This
includes overseeing the entire project lifecycle, ensuring effective coordination, and achieving project goals within specified timelines. The specific responsibilities of the Project Manager include:

• Monitor the implementation of the project and ensure it is in alignment with project goals and objectives and the financial plan
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the progress and quality of the project activities.
• Work closely with the Project Coordinator, field team and partners to ensure seamless coordination of project activities.
• Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation plan to track project progress and outcomes.
• Conduct baseline assessment and related studies as necessary for the project.
• Prepare regular reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to organic farming practices as per the developed Package of Practices (PoP),
• Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) standards etc.
• Collaborate with Dharani FaM Cooperative to develop and implement strategies for marketing organic vegetables.

Eligibility criteria:

• Bachelors/ master’s degree in agriculture and allied sectors, Rural Development, Development, Social Work, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in project management, demonstrating a successful track record of leading and implementing projects, preferably within the context of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Strong leadership, interpersonal skills and networking ability to engage with external stakeholders.
• Excellent computer skills including MS Office suite.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of Telugu is preferred.
• Aptitude to live and work in a rural setting

Remuneration:
The first three months of your employment will be considered a ‘probation period’. During the probationary period, candidates can expect to receive a monthly remuneration of INR 50,000. Following the completion of the probationary period, we offer a starting salary of 6.6 LPA, with the potential for revision based on your work experience, skills, and demonstrated talent.

Application Process:
Interested candidates can apply for the post by sending their detailed resume along with a covering
letter to info@timbaktu.org before 15th December 2023