The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH invites applications from suitable and qualified professionals for the Climate Resilient for Organic Smallholders in Nepal (CROSIN) Project.

CROSIN is a development partnership with aQysta BV, Midsona and GIZ under the develoPPP Programme that aims to increase the climate resilience and income of smallholder farmers in Nepal through the promotion of regenerative organic agriculture, the use of renewable energy in agro-processing and irrigation, and the development of transparent, traceable supply chains for export oriented organic products. The overall objective of the project is to increase climate resiliency of smallholder farmers in the project regions in Nepal.

The project focuses on five key areas:

Organic agriculture with agroforestry: Onboard farmers into organic value chains, build their capacity through tailored training and inputs, and engage farmers to scale knowledge.
Renewable energy powered agro-processing: Upgrade agro-processing facilities by integrating renewable energy powered technologies and improving quality standards.
Renewable energy powered irrigation: Support farmer groups with renewable irrigation systems and promote sustainable water use.
Responsible supply chain, with end-to-end digital traceability and transparency: Stablish a responsible supply chain with digital traceability, helping farmers monitor crops and ensure transparency.
Disseminate and scale up: Promote Nepali organic products locally and in Europe by engaging stakeholders, influencing policies, and onboarding actors in spices and medicinal herbs.

Advisor – Sustainable Agriculture and Certification

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Position: Advisor – Sustainable Agriculture & Certification
No. of vacancies: 1
Duty Station: Kathmandu with frequent field travel in the project locations

Key Responsibilities

Provide technical backstopping to farmer trainings and in-field activities (e.g. FFS, CRA, demo plots)
Develop growing manuals for selected crop varieties including remedies for pests, diseases and stunted growth of plants
Measure soil nutrients in the field and suggest measures for improvements
Customize growing manuals to specific locations to improve yields
Create location-specific cost-benefit analysis for farmers to support take-off agreements
Advice on soil health management, and organic input systems
Assist in developing and field-testing farmer recordkeeping formats in GROWN ERP (software suite of project partner aQysta)
Coordinate with the field team of aQysta and certification agencies (e.g. CERES, Ecocert)
Provide inputs to M&E indicators related to training, certification, and land under climate-resilient practices

Required Qualification, Competencies and Skills

Master’s degree in Agronomy, Organic Agriculture, Sustainable Farming or related field
Minimum 5 years’ experience in capacity development of farmers on Climate Resilient Agriculture or certification with a proven track record of implementing successful interventions
Experience with EU Organic or equivalent certification schemes preferred
Familiarity with digital monitoring tools and farmer data systems is an asset
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Strong technical and analytical skills to provide expert advice and technical backstopping
Fluency in English and Nepali language
Willingness to travel across project clusters

The salary and social benefits will correspond to the rule applicable to GIZ national personnel in Nepal. Especially women and candidates from minority groups and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.