Horticulture Specialist (Agronomy) (Call For Cvs, Subject to donor approval)

Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (CHA) is a non-governmental, non-profitable, and non-political Afghan NGO, working since 1987 mainly in agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure sectors in more vulnerable areas of the country. CHA is working through the implementation of Emergency, rehabilitation, and development projects for emergency aid for war, famine, and natural disaster-affected families in the field, to assist with the rehabilitation of rural and urban life, and to work with communities for sustainable development in Afghanistan.

Core Commitments and Expectations from Candidates:

CHA is dedicated to creating an environment where all staff members are committed to our core values and principles. We believe that our employees play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and excellence of our organization. Therefore, we have outlined the following core commitments and expectations that all candidates must adhere to:

1. Adherence to CHA's Policies and Procedures: All candidates must adhere to CHA's policies and procedures, these guidelines are designed to ensure a safe, fair, and efficient working environment. Compliance with these policies is fundamental to maintaining the standards and quality of our operation
2. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA): CHA has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, sexual harassment and abuse. All candidates, employees, associates, and partners must comply with the PSEA policy.
3. Ethical Conduct and Integrity: Candidates are expected to maintain high standards of ethical conduct and integrity in all their professional dealings. This includes avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality, and adhering to anti-fraud and anti-corruption guidelines​​.
4. Commitment to Non-Discrimination and Diversity: CHA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. Candidates must respect and promote diversity and non-discrimination based on race, gender, age, or any other protected characteristic​​.
5. Child Protection: Candidates must adhere to the Child Protection Policy, ensuring the safety and well-being of children in all CHA activities.
6. Environmental and Social Safeguards: Candidate must follow CHA's Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy to minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainable practices in all projects and operations​​.
7. Confidentiality and Data Protection: Candidates are required to maintain the confidentiality of all CHA data and information.

All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. To ensure compliance, candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. These checks will include the verification of academic credentials and employment history. Selected candidates may also be required to provide additional information to facilitate these checks.

By joining CHA, candidates commit to these core values and contribute to our mission of providing humanitarian assistance with the highest level of integrity and professionalism. We look forward to welcoming dedicated individuals who share our commitment to making a positive impact.

• Provide technical expertise and advisory support on horticultural production, particularly apple, grape, pomegranate, and saffron cultivation.

 • Assess existing production practices and identify technical constraints affecting crop productivity, quality, and efficiency.

• Develop and promote improved agronomic practices and appropriate crop management techniques.

• Provide technical assistance to producers, MSMEs, and value chain groups to improve production systems and agricultural productivity. • Design and deliver practical training sessions, demonstrations, and capacity-building activities on improved horticultural production practices.

• Promote climate-smart and resource-efficient agricultural practices, including drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, mulching, and compost application.

 • Provide technical guidance on efficient water management, soil fertility improvement, and sustainable crop production.

• Support producers in adopting appropriate technologies and improved agricultural practices to enhance product quality and production standards. 

• Identify opportunities for improving productivity, reducing production costs, and minimizing post-harvest losses through appropriate agronomic interventions.

• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the adoption and effectiveness of recommended agricultural practices.

• Provide follow-up technical support and practical solutions to production-related challenges identified during field monitoring.

• Assess the technical feasibility and agronomic relevance of proposed investments under the matching grant activities.

• Provide technical inputs for the development and review of matching grant proposals related to horticultural production and quality improvement.

• Coordinate with the Marketing Specialist and Value Chain Group Specialist to ensure that production improvements are aligned with market requirements and value chain development objectives.

• Support the integration of good agricultural practices and relevant production standards into project interventions.

• Ensure that technical recommendations are appropriate to local agroecological conditions, production cycles, and available resources. • Document technical progress, field observations, challenges, lessons learned, and results of horticultural interventions.

• Contribute to project progress reports by providing accurate information on technical assistance, training, adoption of improved practices, and productivity and quality improvements.

• Ensure that field activities and technical recommendations comply with applicable environmental and social safeguards.

• Perform other relevant technical duties assigned by the Project Manager/Team Leader in support of project objectives.

Professional Experience At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in horticulture, agronomy, agricultural production, or related technical fields. Demonstrated experience in horticultural production and crop management, preferably involving apple, grape, pomegranate, and saffron. Proven experience in providing technical assistance, training, and advisory services to farmers, producers, agricultural enterprises, and value chain groups. Practical experience in promoting improved agricultural practices, climate-smart agriculture, and efficient water management. Experience in conducting agricultural assessments, identifying production constraints, and developing practical technical recommendations. Experience in designing and delivering farmer training, field demonstrations, and capacity-building activities. Experience in monitoring agricultural interventions and assessing improvements in production practices, productivity, and product quality. Experience working with NGOs, development organizations, government institutions, private-sector actors, or agricultural value chain development projects in Afghanistan. Experience in donor-funded agricultural or rural development projects will be an advantage. 5. Technical Skills and Competencies Strong technical knowledge of horticultural production systems and agronomic practices. Good understanding of crop management practices for apple, grape, pomegranate, and saffron. Knowledge of climate-smart agriculture, sustainable production, and resource-efficient farming techniques. Understanding of irrigation systems, water management, soil fertility, compost application, and integrated crop management. Ability to identify production-related challenges and develop practical, context-specific solutions. Strong capacity in technical training, facilitation, and farmer advisory services. Ability to assess the technical feasibility and potential impact of agricultural investments. Good report-writing, documentation, and technical presentation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and planning skills. Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary project team. 6. Communication and Interpersonal Skills Excellent communication and coordination skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with farmers, value chain groups, MSMEs, government authorities, and project partners. Strong facilitation and negotiation skills. Ability to communicate technical agricultural information in a clear and practical manner. Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

Interested and qualified candidates should send us their information using the link below.

https://cha-net.org/jobs/application-form/horticulture-specialist-agronomy-call-for-cvs-subject-to-donor-approval-6aeb06e712abe0001492bdf7

for more information please contact to this number: 0729128549