Fertilizer Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Fertilizer Specialist (re-advertised)

LOCATION: Nepalgunj, Banke with frequent travel to working areas in Nepal

UNIT: Agriculture, Resilience & Water

The Feed the Future Nepal USAID Agricultural Inputs (“USAID Agricultural Inputs”) is a new five-year USAID-funded Feed the Future (FTF) activity that aims to increase the availability, accessibility, and use of agricultural inputs and technology to improve Nepal’s agricultural productivity. The activity is implemented by Winrock International in collaboration with five local and international partners.

USAID Agricultural Inputs will enable lead firms, agrovets, input suppliers, local machinery service providers, and Government of Nepal (GON) change agents and farmers to increase productivity, input supply chain efficiency, market system competitiveness, and strengthen the enabling environment in a way that equitably addresses the needs of women, youth, and members of marginalized groups. USAID Agricultural Inputs will benefit 200,000 farmers in the USAID FTF zone of influence.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

This position will lead activities related to improving soil fertility and increasing access to fertilizers to farmers in close coordination with the private sector, public fertilizer companies, and three tiers of government. The position will report to the Regional Agribusiness Director and will closely coordinate with the Senior Enabling Environment Director on fertilizer policy and governance issues.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Technical 

• Analyze fertilizer use, fertilizer distribution system, and systemic constraints/bottlenecks, especially as related to distribution.
• Stay abreast of fertilizer-related best practices, emerging products and other development activities focused on soil improvements and agricultural productivity.
• Provide technical feedback on grant applications related to fertilizer.
• Liaise with partners and grantees to provide technical guidance on activity implementation (including fertilizer trials, demos, fertilizer traceability, and voucher-related activities).

2. Fertilizer policy support to government promoting private sector

• Provide technical support to fertilizer related policy agenda which may include: i) formulating municipal, provincial and federal policy; ii) supporting efforts to verify and update as well as promote use of digital soil mapping data sets; and iii) promoting production and use of blended fertilizer. 

3. Promote private sector engagement

• Identify potential private sector and technologies to promote alternative soil amendment products to increase farmers’ resilience to supply shocks.
• Promote private sector actors - including agrovets, firms and cooperatives - to scale up their role in fertilizer distribution; and to increase investment in the fertilizer business. 

4. Coordinate and collaborate with fertilizer related public and private sector

• Collaborate with relevant government agencies including Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP), Agriculture Knowledge Centers (AKCs), Agriculture Inputs Company Ltd (AICL), Salt Trading Corporation (STC) as well as other development partners including the USAID’s Nepal Seed and Fertilizer (NSAF) and private sector entities, such as Fertilizer Association of Nepal (FAN), Pathway Technologies and Services, agrovets, and cooperatives to increase farmer access to fertilizers.
• Coordinate with key public and private sector actors in: i) implementation of subsidized fertilizer distribution management directives; ii) dissemination of new fertilizer use recommendations; iii) leveraging resources for soil fertility improvements; iv) conducting demonstrations and trials, and other efforts that promote balanced and judicious use of fertilizers; and v) facilitating farmer adoption of improved soil management practices.

5. Strengthen capacity within public and private sector

• Support municipalities in planning, effective implementation of subsidized fertilizer distribution management, improvement of data management, and application of innovative digital tools for traceability and vouchers for increased access to fertilizer supply.
• Strengthen the technical capacity of municipalities, agrovets, cooperatives and the Activity’s technical staff in improving soil fertility management.
• Strengthen district-level agrovet networks to advocate for and promote fertilizer best practices with a focus on integrated inputs packages.

6. Other

• Coordinate with Activity team, such as Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Director, Senior Partnerships and Grants Manager, Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Director, and others for necessary support. 
• Participate in and contribute to project GESI and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives.
• Contribute to a safe and equitable workplace, create opportunities, and offer support to women and those from disadvantaged groups.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Master’s degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or Agriculture.

Required Experience & Skills:

• At least seven years of experience working in Crop science, Soil Science, agribusiness or agricultural development, with demonstrated experience in soil fertility management and subsidized fertilizer distribution systems.
• Proven ability to foster and maintain partnerships, particularly with private sector actors and government agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in strengthening fertilizer business and fertilizer use efficiency particularly for rice, maize, lentil, and other high-value commodities.
• Strong communication skills.
• Solid understanding of Nepali agricultural market systems.

Language:

• Fluent Nepali and advanced English (spoken and written) required.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates can post their cover letter and CV to Jobs.AgInputs@winrock.org. Applications will be received on a rolling basis until December 15, 2023. Applicants should reference “Fertilizer Specialist” in the subject line. Applicants who applied in earlier announcement need not reapply.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY (DEIA): 

Winrock International seeks to cultivate an environment where all candidates relish equal employment opportunities devoid of discrimination, misconduct, fraud, and abuse. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) and Localization guides our practices not just in hiring, but also in staff retention, growth, and policy implementation. This commitment signifies that we value diversity in all its forms including age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, and cultural background. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, recognizing the rich tapestry of the communities in which we live and work.

DISCLAIMER: Winrock does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (resume submission, interview, processing).