Junior Technical Assistant (Agriculture)

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Junior Technical Assistant (JTA)

Position: Junior Technical Assistant (Agriculture)

Project: GN IMPACT Program 2026 – Resilient Livelihood through Climate-Smart Agriculture and Functional Market Systems for Smallholder Farmers (CSA Nepal)

Project Location: Nuwakot

Application Deadline: 19th March, 2026

Starting Date: 25th March, 2026 (Tentative)

Duration of Contract: Fixed term until December 2026 (with the possibility of extension)

Gross Salary: NPR 464110 per annum

1. Job Purpose

The Junior Technical Assistant (JTA) – Agriculture will provide hands-on technical support to vegetable farmers, cooperatives, and income generation groups at the field level. The position focuses on the planning and implementation of eco-friendly agricultural practices, farmer training, regular field follow-ups, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and documentation of project interventions.

The JTA will also support the strengthening of market systems by promoting climate-smart and safe food products, facilitating market linkages, and enhancing consumer demand for locally produced agricultural products.

Working closely with farmers, Local Resource Persons (LRPs), cooperatives, and project staff, the JTA will contribute to improving sustainable agricultural production and strengthening market linkages to enhance livelihoods.

2. Key Roles and Responsibilities

A. Needs Assessment and Planning

• Identify production clusters and facilitate the formation of farmer groups within the community.
• Prepare detailed monthly field activity plans.
• Support baseline assessments to identify training and technical support needs.
• Coordinate with farmer groups and local stakeholders for planning agricultural activities.
• Assist in organizing field demonstrations and seasonal crop planning activities.
• Prepare training schedules and mobilize participants in coordination with local leaders.

B. Training and Capacity Building

Deliver practical, field-based training to farmers on the following topics:

• Nursery establishment and seedling management
• Seed selection and seed treatment
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Pest and disease identification and management
• Irrigation management (drip, sprinkler, and basic irrigation practices)
• Top dressing, staking, pruning, and mulching techniques
• Post-harvest handling and grading
• Basic market linkage and collective marketing practices
• Additional responsibilities:
• Provide coaching and mentoring support to LRPs and lead farmers.
• Develop simple training materials in Nepali for farmers when necessary.

C. Field-Level Implementation

• Facilitate the establishment of demonstration farms.
• Support the distribution and proper utilization of agricultural inputs and tools.
• Promote eco-friendly and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
• Encourage crop diversification and seasonal vegetable production planning.
• Assist farmers in adopting improved agricultural technologies suitable for local conditions.
• Support the establishment and operation of tool libraries as part of agricultural service markets.
• Promote local procurement and linkages with school feeding programs.

D. Technical Guidance at Field Level

• Conduct regular farm visits to provide on-site technical advice.
• Diagnose pest and disease problems and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Support soil fertility management including soil pH testing and nutrient management.
• Provide technical guidance to improve crop productivity and quality.
• Assist farmers in addressing climate-related agricultural challenges.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) and other quality assurance mechanisms.

E. Market Systems Strengthening

• Strengthen the capacity of cooperatives/groups in vegetables business service delivery, marketing services.
• Facilitate linkages between farmers, cooperatives/groups, insurance providers, and business service providers.
• Establishment or upgrading of cooperative/group-led collection centers and storage facilities based on market viability.
• Promote direct marketing channels such as Hatbazars, cooperative outlets, and buyer–seller meetings.
• Support local retailers and youth-led outlets in marketing safe and climate-smart food products.
• Facilitate linkages between cooperatives/groups, traders, processors, and institutional buyers.
• Coordinate with technical teams to ensure market-oriented production planning among farmer clusters.
• Encourage integration of kitchen gardens and school meal programs with local markets.
• Promote safe food production practices through market incentives and branding initiatives.

F. Follow-Up and Supervision

• Conduct regular follow-up visits to ensure the proper adoption of recommended agricultural practices.
• Monitor progress of supported farmers and income generation groups.
• Track adoption rates of eco-friendly farming techniques.
• Provide corrective recommendations based on field observations.

G. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Collect field-level data including:

• Crop and vegetable production data
• Soil test results (pH and fertility indicators)
• Pest and disease incidence records
• Yield comparison data
• Farmer income tracking
• Maintain updated beneficiary profiles and farmers records.
• Compile and enter data in prescribed digital or manual formats.
• Support baseline, midline, and endline surveys.
• Assist in documenting success stories and case studies.
• Submit weekly and monthly progress reports to the supervisor.

H. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of field visits and farmer interactions.
• Prepare monthly activity reports highlighting progress, achievements, and challenges.
• Document lessons learned and best practices from project implementation.
• Provide recommendations for improving project effectiveness.

3. Qualifications and Required Skills

• Minimum TSLC (Technical SLC) or an 18-month Diploma in Agriculture having three years of relevant experience /Intermediate in Agriculture level with at least two years of experience.
• Practical experience in farmer group mobilization, cooperatives, and cooperative business development, market strengthening.
• Strong community mobilization and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, Nepali, and local languages.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and field-based conditions.
• Good computer skills, particularly in MS Word and MS Excel.
• Preferably possess a valid two-wheeler driving license.

4. Behavioral Expectations

(Aligned with the organization’s values and mission)

• Demonstrates humility, respect, and integrity in all professional engagements.
• Shows a strong commitment to the rights and protection of children, women, and youth.
• Promotes inclusive, evidence-based, and context-sensitive program implementation.

Note:

The Junior Technical Assistant may also perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor or required by the organization.

Application Instruction:

The interested applicants may apply via jobsnepal.com or send application (Cover)  letter along with updated CVs in our official mail id: rudecnepal.vacancy@gmail.com or submit to RUDEC Nepal Office, Barhabise, Tadi-2, Nuwakot before 5:00 p.m., 19th March, 2026.