Job
The Afghanistan Development and Welfare Services Organization (ADWSO) is a national, non-governmental, non-profit organization headquartered in Mazar- i -Sharif, with offices in Kabul and Herat. ADWSO works as an implementing partner of UN agencies and international donors, including UNICEF, UNDP, UNODC, WFP and the European Union, delivering programmes in livelihoods and vocational training, child protection, gender-based violence prevention and response, mental health and psychosocial support, education and community development across Afghanistan. Important: This recruitment is conducted in advance of the proposal submission. Education (mandatory) Advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in agronomy, horticulture, agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, environmental science or a related field. Experience (mandatory) Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in high-value crops, nursery establishment, reforestation and climate-resilient agriculture. Strong experience in field training, demonstration sites and technical supervision. Languages Fluency in Dari; Pashto is an advantage. Apply only through the online application form: https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/ngAc0x85 Each application form is for one position only. To apply for more than one position, submit a separate form for each position. Complete every section accurately, and upload your updated CV and your highest degree/certificate.
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The Afghanistan Development and Welfare Services Organization (ADWSO) is a national, non-governmental, non-profit organization headquartered in Mazar-i-Sharif, with offices in Kabul and Herat. ADWSO works as an implementing partner of UN agencies and international donors, including UNICEF, UNDP, UNODC, WFP and the European Union, delivering programmes in livelihoods and vocational training, child protection, gender-based violence prevention and response, mental health and psychosocial support, education and community development across Afghanistan.
Important: This recruitment is conducted in advance of the proposal submission. Appointment is strictly contingent upon UNDP's award of the grant to ADWSO. CVs of selected candidates will be submitted to UNDP in UNDP's CV format as part of the proposal; by applying, candidates consent to this.
JOB SUMMARY
The Agronomist will lead all technical agricultural aspects of the project: crop suitability assessment, input specifications and quality control, Farmer Field School training, demonstration plots and crop-cycle technical follow-up for 325 saffron farmers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical assessment and planning
Lead the rapid technical suitability assessment of beneficiary plots (soil, water availability, land condition, agro-climatic suitability and planting season) before procurement.
Where saffron is unsuitable for a location, prepare the technical justification and an alternative high-value crop package for UNDP approval.
Prepare technical specifications and BoQs for the saffron package, demonstration plots and training materials.
Input quality assurance
Inspect saffron corms (weight, health, maturity, disease and pest status), fertilizers (grade, labelling, shelf life) and tools before acceptance.
Validate the final DAP/Urea nutrient combination and maintain inspection records.
Farmer Field School and demonstration
Develop and deliver the 11-day/44-hour FFS curriculum, adapted to low literacy, with practical demonstrations and pictorial materials.
Provide training of trainers to FFS Facilitators and integrate climate resilience, peaceful masculinities, social cohesion and Do No Harm messages into sessions.
Establish and manage two demonstration plots (one each in Injil and Guzara), after explosive ordnance screening.
Conduct pre- and post-training assessments.
Technical extension and follow-up
Ensure at least three documented technical follow-up visits per farmer per season, covering planting, irrigation scheduling, fertilizer use, weed, pest and disease management, harvesting and drying.
Document technical problems, corrective actions and follow-up, and provide refresher coaching at critical stages.
Promote water-efficient irrigation and soil health management.
Monitor crop condition, yields and losses, and prepare agronomist reports.
Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the project.
Advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in agronomy, horticulture, agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, environmental science or a related field.
Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in high-value crops, nursery establishment, reforestation and climate-resilient agriculture.
Strong experience in field training, demonstration sites and technical supervision.
Fluency in Dari; Pashto is an advantage.
Good written and spoken English.
Experience in dryland agriculture or western Afghanistan.
Hands-on experience with saffron production.
Experience delivering Farmer Field Schools.
Cultural, gender, religious, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Good communication skills, including the ability to write concise and analytical reports in English.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Flexibility and responsiveness to changes and unexpected demands.
Ability to work with people from different backgrounds to deliver quality results within short timeframes.
Client-oriented and open to feedback.
Commitment to humanitarian principles, Do No Harm, Leave No One Behind and accountability to affected populations.
ADWSO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), fraud, corruption and any form of child abuse.
The selected candidate will be required to sign and comply with ADWSO's Code of Conduct and PSEA, safeguarding and anti-fraud policies, and to complete mandatory PSEA orientation.
All staff in contact with communities must complete orientation on gender-sensitive facilitation, peaceful masculinities, social cohesion and Do No Harm before engaging with beneficiaries.
Selection is subject to satisfactory reference checks, verification of qualifications and screening in line with UNDP anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.
Each application form is for one position only. To apply for more than one position, submit a separate form for each position.
Complete every section accurately, and upload your updated CV and your highest degree/certificate. Experience letters are recommended.
Applications by email, hard copy or any other channel will not be accepted.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to sign their CV in UNDP's format and provide copies of their identification documents.
ADWSO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Closing date: 21 October 2026, 11:59 PM (Kabul time). Late applications will not be considered.
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