Programme Specialist - Agriculture Horticulture

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme; Surendranagar; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical insurance for employee and family

5-day work week

Maternity and paternity leave

Vacation days and holidays

Job summary

A leading NGO in rural development is seeking an Agriculture Programme Specialist to oversee planning and implementation of agricultural interventions in Gujarat. Responsibilities include promoting sustainable farming, capacity building of farmers, and monitoring project outcomes. The ideal candidate will have a master's degree in agriculture or related fields, with 5-6 years of relevant experience. This position offers a collaborative work environment and a commitment to sustainable rural development.

Qualifications

• 5-6 years of experience in agriculture/livelihood projects in rural areas.
• Strong background in agriculture with extensive field experience.
• Passion for sustainable development practices.

Responsibilities

• Overall planning, execution, and monitoring of agriculture interventions.
• Promoting sustainable farming practices and crop diversification.
• Mobilization and capacity building of farmers.
• Facilitate efficient irrigation practices (solar irrigation, drip/sprinkler systems).
• Ensure timely supply of quality inputs through SHGs/FPOs and provide field guidance.
• Collaborate with donors, government departments, and technical institutions.
• Plan, monitor, and manage budgets; maintain field data and reporting.

Skills

Knowledge of crop management

Irrigation technologies

Soil & water conservation

FPO strengthening

Proficiency in local language

MS Office/Excel

Education

Masters in agriculture / Agricultural Engineering / Rural Development / NRM

Job description

Location: Blocks of Surendranagar District, Gujarat

Education: Masters in agriculture / Agricultural Engineering / Rural Development / NRM

Experience: 5-6 years of experience in agriculture/livelihood projects in rural areas.

Position Summary

The Agriculture Programme Specialist will be responsible for overall planning, execution, and monitoring of agriculture-Horticulture based livelihood interventions in the project region. The role includes promoting sustainable farming practices, crop diversification, mobilization and capacity building of farmers, strengthening FPOs, facilitating key activities under irrigation systems, soil and water conservation, ensuring convergence with government programmes for long-term livelihood enhancement of small and marginal farmers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agriculture, extensive field experience, and a passion for sustainable development practices.

Skills

Knowledge of crop management, irrigation technologies, soil & water conservation, and FPO strengthening.

Experience in working with SHGs, FPOs, and women federation farming systems.

Proficiency in local language and MS Office/Excel.

Preferred Attributes

Strong facilitation and community mobilization skills.

Technical expertise in sustainable agriculture and irrigation systems.

Value chain development and market linkage understanding.

Good planning, monitoring, and reporting skills.

Job Profile

Develop long-term, block- and season-specific agriculture & horticulture development plans (Kharif, Rabi, Summer).

Coordinate with internal project teams and ensure collaborative implementation.

Promote improved agronomic practices, seed systems, and soil fertility management.

Facilitate efficient irrigation practices (solar irrigation, drip/sprinkler systems, land levelling).

Ensure timely supply of quality inputs (seeds, fertilizers, bio-inputs) through SHGs/FPOs.

Provide technical and strategic guidance to field teams.

Liaise with donors, government departments, and technical institutions.

Plan, monitor, and manage agriculture programme budgets.

Ensure timely, well-documented reporting with field data and evidence.

2. Sustainable Agriculture & Climate Resilience

Promote agroforestry, intercropping, and integrated farming systems.

Build awareness on climate-smart agriculture, crop rotation, and water-use efficiency.

Facilitate adoption of organic/natural farming practices and document farmer adoption.

Apply modern techniques such as System of Crop Intensification, IPM, INM, and Conservation Agriculture.

3. Community Mobilization & Institution Building

Mobilize farmers into Producer Groups, SHGs, and FPOs.

Strengthen farmer institutions for crop planning, procurement, and collective marketing.

Facilitate participatory planning through PRA, crop calendars, and Farmer Field Schools.

4. Training & Capacity Building

Design and deliver training modules on crop practices, pest/disease management, and soil health.

Organize Farmer Field Schools (FFS), demonstrations, and exposure visits.

Build capacity of para-extension workers and field cadres.

Develop programme manuals, SoPs, Unit cost of activities and training strategies for staff and communities.

5. Value Chain Development & Market Linkages

Strengthen aggregation, processing, and collective marketing through FPOs/federations.

Build partnerships with Agri-tech firms, input suppliers, and market players.

Support farmers in establishing sustainable market linkages.

6. Monitoring & Reporting

Maintain village-level data on crop coverage, irrigation, inputs, and yield improvements.

Track programme outcomes including income growth, productivity, and sustainability.

Prepare reports, case studies, and success stories for donors and internal use.

Support in proposal development and documentation of best practices.

7. Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

Liaise with government departments (Agriculture, KVKs, ATMA, Universities).

Facilitate convergence with government schemes and policies.

Represent AKRSP(I) in agriculture and livelihood forums at block and district levels.

Opportunity to work with a renowned NGO.

On-site and off-site training opportunities.

5-day work week.

Comprehensive medical insurance for employee, spouse, and children.

Maternity and paternity leave as per organizational policy.

15 General Leaves and 16.5 earned leaves annually (earned leaves can be encashed if not utilized).

10 declared public holidays and 3 optional holidays.

We strongly encourage women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and specially abled candidates to apply

Apply Now: Please submit your application at the earliest through ourwebsite –‘Get involved’ section - careers page.

Please note that we will begin the search immediately, and if a suitable candidate is found, we will close the application process!