Nature Of Arrangement: Short-Term Consultancy
Project Title: The Vertical University Project
Project Location: Yangshila VDC, Eastern Region of Nepal
Duration: 6 months

Pilot Site: Yangshila

Situated in the eastern Siwalik hills, Yangshila (180-1,950 m) is an ethnically diverse community of 7,500 farmers. As the first pilot site of the Vertical University, 25 Learning Grounds were created in Yangshila over the last 3 years, containing over 600 plant species including many rare and endemic medicinal plants. Two of these Learning Grounds will be developed into working permaculture farms in the next year, to employ local farmers and host international volunteers. The position is for implementing the initial the phase of those farms.

Position Description:

The experienced consultant will be responsible for working with the KTK-BELT and Learning Grounds principals to help set up 2 permaculture farms in the next 5 months to meet the vision and need of these plots and develop a strong, detailed plan for future years. A strong working knowledge of permaculture demonstrated work experience in horticulture, and a high technical capacity in specific skills (as outlined below) are sought for this role.

Scope of Work:

 Permaculture Farm Design:

In collaboration with the KTK-BELT co-founders and Learning Grounds team members, develop a comprehensive and strategic framework for two permaculture farms, one in the tropical setting and another in the sub-tropical setting The farm plan/design should include a thorough detailing of all aspects of the farm beyond a cursory or general outline, including highly detailed step-by-step planning The design must reflect previously established priorities already carried out with stakeholders, based on past research and planning activities

Detailed Planning, Work Calendar, and Budget:

• Detailed week-by-week plan for the implementation of the farm designs
  
• Recommendations for financial and personnel resources for implementation
  
• Recommendations for a suitable management and coordination mechanism for the implementation phase
  

Implementation:

• Work with local builders and agriculture team to implement the main elements of the farm design
  
• Build raised beds and complete pre-monsoon plantations
  
• Help set up kiwi trellises, shitake mushroom system, berry gardens, coffee plantation, avocado groves, citrus

Qualification:

• Has extensive international, and/or regional experience in permaculture design (7+ years’ substantial experience)
  
• Has strong technical skills in key aspects of permaculture: soil, water, waste, sustainable energy, food and plant systems, and animals and wildlife
  
• Knowledge of tropical and subtropical conditions/plants a must
  
• Has relevant education and training in agroforestry, permaculture, horticulture, and related skills
  
• Knowledge of cutting, grafting, and pruning of fruit and nut trees
  
• Skill in mushroom cultivation, citrus agriculture, coffee farming, raised bed farming of vegetables, drip irrigation, tunnel farming, all a major plus
  
• Experience in setting up nurseries