Agriculture Expert and Lab Specialist (Herat, Afghanistan)

The Agriculture Expert and Lab Specialist will ensure that the most appropriate and relevant methods are used for successful project implementation. S/he is responsible for coordination, reporting and communication with relevant communities and project stakeholders. S/he will work with the Program team of Help in Herat and is mandated to travel to Islam Qala on regular basis. S/he is responsible for planning and overseeing project to ensure project implementation on time and on budget. 

 60 % Major Activities 

Project Implementation

• Assist the external evaluator to conduct a baseline study of the project at the zero point in coordination with DAIL-Herat.
• Visit sites to observe environmental problems, to consult with contractors, and/or to monitor construction activities.
• Develop a manual / curriculum and a plan for conducting consultation sessions for farmers and merchants.
• Organize 9 consultation and mutual sessions on benefits of the center to Afghan farmers and merchants
• Assist in preparation of tender documents for the center and truss building.
• Give advice and consultation to the contractor in development and construction of the green area and the parking lot.
• Prioritize and finalize the list of equipment for the center’s building in consultation with DAIL in Herat.
• Assist the procurement team to provide and install the required equipment in the center
• Organize 2 information sessions on safety, social and environmental issues together with the Safety, Social & Environmental Officer.
• Prioritize and finalize the equipment list for the center’s laboratory in consultation with DAIL – Herat.
•  Assist in provision and installation of equipment, devices and tools for the lab.
• Ensure that the right agricultural machinery components are in place based on the needs of DAIL / MAIL.
• Test agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
• Liaise with DAIL/MAIL to facilitate capacity building training for 5 staff of MAIL/DAIL of Plant Quarantine & Food Products Fumigation Center.
• Oversee implementation of project activities and ensure that project targets and grant objectives are met within the close out time-frame.
• Coordinate closely with the Program Manager, Finance and Procurement Department to ensure timely sourcing, and delivery of budgeted goods/line items.
• Organize the handover ceremony in the presence of local government authorities, MAIL/DAIL authorities and local community elders (refreshment, transportation, stationaries and etc.)

20% Financial Management

• With support from Finance Department, assume primary responsibility for budget reviews and monthly financial reports, highlighting concerns as they arise and providing feedback.
• Ensure contractors and creditors are paid in a timely manner in alignment with PATRIP and Help policies and procedures.
• Review financial projections, monitor monthly burn rates and make adjustments in implementation or budget re-alignments when needed in consultation with the Program Manager.
• As requested, provide detailed variance explanations for any under/overspend.
• Manage projects’ funds and ensure efficient utilization of funds for maximum impact and ensure proper coding and budget availability of all project expenses.
• Submit on time monthly cash requests for project operations.
• Ensure project documents are finalized and filed as part of due diligence process and record retention requirements.

10% M&E and Reporting

• In coordination with the M&E unit, ensure that the M&E system is implemented and adhered to enable evidence of impact data to be captured.
• Ensure that the project ITT is updated on monthly basis.
• Prepare required monthly, quarterly and semi-annual reports by the donor, Afghanistan government and Help National Office.
• Collect all project information, completion documents, takeover documents from government of Afghanistan and etc.
• Document the lessons learned throughout the project.

5% Security

• Ensure that the project team provide on time, weekly movement plan to the Security Department.
•  Coordinate with Security Department and regularly monitor the security environment in project locations.

5% Compliance

• Ensure project activities are in compliance with the donors and the Government of Afghanistan’s rules and regulations.
• Ensure that proper community development practices and “Do No Harm” practices are incorporated and upheld throughout the planning and implementation of the project.
• Adhere to Help’s Child Protection, Code of Conducts and other relevant polices.
• Other tasks assigned by the supervisor

“Help – help for self-help” is a German non-governmental charity-organization duly registered with the courts of law in Germany and in several host countries, such as Afghanistan. Help was founded in 1981 by concerned Members of Parliament of all parties represented in the German Parliament. We started providing humanitarian assistance for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, and soon extended to development-oriented activities. We provide aid and development-support regardless of race, creed or nationality. Priorities are set on the basis of need and upon the request from partners and vulnerable communities to cooperate fairly and transparently. Over the past 38 years, Help has extended to worldwide operations. We are engaged both in emergency- and in development-programs. Whenever possible, we link emergency-aid with assistance for self-help. It is our aim to encourage the efforts of communities affected by disasters and political upheaval, while strengthening their capability to improve their living conditions and long-term perspectives. In Afghanistan, one of the major programs of Help is TVET & Employment Facilitation. Typically, we offer high-standard and long term (6 months) vocational training in marketable skills; provide employment services through the Employment and Entrepreneurship Services Centre / EESC and build up the capacity of communities and relevant staff in sectorial government departments and local NGO/Association partners.

Minimum education, training and experience requirements to qualify for the position:

 Minimum education and skills required for this position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Plant Protection  
• Strong understanding of plant quarantine and food fumigation concepts.
• Strong report writing and monitoring skills
• Strong skills in oral and written English, Dari / Pashto.

Minimum work experience required for this position:

• At least 5 years work experience in the similar field with NGOs
• Interpersonal, management and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office and statistical programs
• Ability to work in a team environment

Educational degrees / certificates and skills preferred for this position:

• Master’s degree in Agriculture.
• Understanding of agriculture laboratory and testing equipment.
• Communication skills and knowledge of local communities.
• Strong capacity building and facilitation skills

Please send your CVs and applications electronically through recruitments@help-org.af   and write title

Of the job and vacancy number on subject line of your emails.

Submission Email
recruitments@help-org.af