Agricultural Engineer(Conservation)
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Contract
This is a LICA Specialist-8 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-8 contracts.
Background Information - Myanmar
UNOPS’ mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UNOPS vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness. By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.
UNOPS Myanmar
UNOPS Myanmar is one of UNOPS’ leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Access to Health Fund, the Livelihood and Food Security Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund in Myanmar and for the Global Fund’s regional artemisinin-resistance initiative towards elimination of Malaria, which works to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in the greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organisations in the country, including the Government of Myanmar, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS Myanmar has been selected by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI) to provide “Project Management and Technical Assistance” for the implementation of Eastern States Agri-business Project (ESAP) which is financed by IFAD and implemented by IWUMD. The project’s goal is to improve the economic status of poor rural women and men in selected areas of Kayin and Shan states. Its objective is to increase the incomes of smallholder and agroforestry households in these areas in an environmentally sustainable manner. It will promote commercial smallholder agriculture linked to agribusiness, improve living standards of the rural communities, and reverse the environmental degradation. Economic benefits will be generated for 62,400 households consisting of 315,000 people of Karen, Shan, Pa-oh, Inn and Mon ethnic groups.
The Project components are (1) Strategic Investment (2) Enabling Investment and (3) Project Management. Under the Strategic Investment Component, there are two sub components namely Land Development and Agro-forestry. Under the Enabling Investment Component, there are two sub components namely Investment in Knowledge and Micro Finance Services. The lead project implementing agency is the Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department (IWUMD) of the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Irrigation (MOALI) Myanmar. The Project Implementation cooperating agencies are the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Department of Rural Development (DRD), Department of Agriculture Land Management and Statistic (DALMS), Department of Agricultural Mechanization (DAM), Department of the Agriculture Research (DAR) under the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Irrigation. ESAP Project Management Unit (PMU) is located in Naypyitaw while the Project Implementation Offices (PIOs) are located in Taunggyi (Shan State) and Pha-an (Kayin State).
The total project cost is USD 65.2 million over a six-year implementation period.
Agricultural Engineer (Conservation) along with the soil and water conservation and climate smart agriculture are urgently needed in the Project areas where the beneficiaries have been facing impacts of the climate changes in the recent years, such as frequent and chronic floods in Kayin State, less rainfall and draught in Shan state with scarcity of drinking water, etc. The farmers are practicing the traditional agriculture without knowing or limited adoption of the Climate smart agriculture, Good agricultural practices, Soil and water conservation practices due to the limited technical assistance and agricultural extension supports.
More than half of the project investment is for the improvement of the irrigation systems which will direct increase cropping areas and the crop production. To secure the water inflow to the irrigation system directly link to the protection of the water shed areas and water resources. The agriculture practices in the watershed areas need to be improved by introducing GAP and CSA along with the soil and water conservation practices to secure the source of water and reduce the sedimentation of the dams and irrigation canals.
The Conservation Agriculture Specialists (CAS) will be assigned to the Project Management Unit with the duty station in Shan State Project Implementation Office. From there s/he will visit to Kayin State and Naypyitaw Project Management Unit as required. Under the guidance of the Project management advisor, S/he is responsible to make sure that the project Agricultural development activities are planned and implemented by addressing fully to the Conservation Agriculture Concepts, Soil and water conservation and Climate resilient practices.
Background Information - Job-specific
Agricultural Engineer(Conservation) reports to the UNOPS Project Management Advisor. Agricultural Engineer(Conservation) is responsible to ensure that the project introduced agricultural development technologies are environmentally acceptable harmony with the project locations and indigenous experiences of the local population while achieving the food security of the target beneficiaries. Agricultural Engineer(Conservation) will lead in introduction and extension of the Conservation Agriculture along with Climate Smart Agriculture and Good Agricultural Practices.
The details of the duties and responsibilities are;
The duties and responsibilities of the Agricultural Engineer (Conservation) but not limited to are;
- Identify the Agricultural technologies
Contractor will provide analystical support in in identifying the Agricultural technologies (Crops, Practices) to be recommended for the project farmers of both upland and lowland for sustainable agricultural production in harmony with environment (CSA, GAP, SALT) based on the results of conducting Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) and SWOT (to understand the status of the agriculture production capacity constraints and indigenous experience), Myanmar Climate Smart Agricultural Strategy (2015), Myanmar Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) 2017 and relevant technologies and best practices recommended by (Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) CGIARs such as World Agroforestry (ICRAF), International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Bioversity International (BioVERSITY), etc. and Prominent international financial institutions (IFIs) such as IFAD, WB, ADB. The consultant will study the value chain study reports and other relevant reports produced by the organizations and projects active in the ESAP project areas and the National Policies such as Poverty Alleviation & Rural Development Action Plan (PARDAP) (2011), Myanmar's National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) to climate change (Dec, 2012), Myanmar Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (MCCSAP) 2016-2030.
The contractor will apply the precision agricultural technologies as much as possible to address the location specific agricultural technologies for different agro-ecological zones of the project areas. Consultation with the Department of Agriculture (DOA Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) is required to finalize the identified agricultural technologies.
- Produce technical protocol for trial and demonstration
Agricultural Engineer will provide basic support in in producing the technical protocols and implementation plan of the Trial and demonstrations of the identified agricultural technologies. The KC managers, Village Agricultural Agents, Agricultural Extension Service Provider will participate in drawing the implementation plan.
- Land use planning
Agricultural Engineer will seek the collaboration of Department of Agricultural Land Management and Statistics (DALMS) and Participatory Land use Planning Team (PLUP) in producing land use planning in accordance with the identified crops and agricultural technologies.
- Annual work plan and budget plan
Agricultural Engineer jointly with Agricultural Extension Service Provider, KC mangers, Township Project Implementation Specialists will produce the budget plan for Trial and Demonstration and the capacity building plan implementation which are part of the Project Annual Work Plan and Budget Plan.
- Implementation of the Trial and Demonstration
Trial and demonstration will be implemented by the Agricultural Extension Service Provider at the grass root level through KC Managers and the Village Agricultural Agents. CAS will have regular monitoring and technical backstopping.
- Replication and Extension of the approved Technologies/agricultural Practices
Agricultural Engineer will plan the extension and replication of the approved Technologies/agricultural Practices by consultation with the KC Managers, Local authorities and the Rural finance entities for access to the investment/capital.
- FPIC and PRA
Agricultural Engineer will make sure that all planning and plan implementation will have sufficient public/stakeholder consultation through applying Free Prior Inform and Consent (FPIC) approach and PRA Tools as almost entire beneficiaries of the project belong to the indigenous ethnic groups.
- Training need assessment capacity building planning Training and study tour workshop
The Agricultural Engineer will provide support related to the training need assessment for the field staffs and the village agricultural extension agents in the Conservation Agriculture, GAP, SALT, CSA subjects and plan for capacity building. CAS he himself will be the training resource person in GAP, SALT and CSA. CSA will also identify the training resources and establish contacts, plan the training and study tours for capacity building.
- Cooperating Agencies/ Coordination
The Agricultural Engineer will actively cooperate and coordinate with the related organizations and projects in Conservation Agriculture, GAP, SALT and CSA such as Department of Agricultural Land Management and Statistic DALMS, Department of Rural Development DRD, Department of Agriculture DOA, Agricultural Mechanization Department (AMD), Agricultural Stations, Department of Agricultural Research (DAR), Local authorities/Administration) in addressing the project impacts.
- Reporting
The Agricultural Engineer will produce the inception report in the initial month of the assignment and followed by monthly progress report, quarterly progress report and other reports data and information as required by the Project Management.
- Other
Other duties as required by the Project Management
Scope
Agricultural Engineer will mainly focus the watershed areas (Upland Watershed areas) of the irrigation schemes.
The Project activities are located in total Eight townships (four in Kayin State and four in Shan State), Hopong, Hsihseng, Kyawktalonegyi, Taunggyi townships of southern Shan state and Pha-an, Hlaing Bwe, Kawkareik, Thandaunggyi for Kayin State. Project is investing in the renovation of six irrigation schemes in Shan state with total command areas of 25,000 acres. In Kayin state project is investing in improving of the pump irrigation schemes, solar pump and excavation of the drainages and construction of the sluice gates covering the command areas of total 30,000 acres. Project is also providing the community facilities to the upland farmers who are adopting project introduced conservation agricultural practices. The community facilities are Access roads, Rural Water supply schemes, Mini hydro powers, Tube wells, Solar pumps and Harnessed streams.
Project plan to establish 43 Agricultural Knowledge Centers (KCs) for dissemination of the agriculture technologies, to accommodate farmer meetings, workshops and training.
- The Agricultural Engineer will coordinate and collaborate with Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department (IWUMD) Investigation Branch, Department of Agriculture (DOA), Department of Agricultural Research (DAR), Department of Rural Development (DRD), Department of Agricultural Land Management and Statistic (DALMS), Agricultural Stations, Department of Agricultural Research (DAR), Local authorities/Administration) to perform duties and responsibilities assigned to her/him efficiently.
Procedures: 1. Study the project documents, meeting with the project authorities, project assigned specialists and consultants. 2. Form the team for RRA and SWOT. Identify the study areas, conduct the study. 3. Analyse the results jointly with Value chain specialist, DOA, DAR and identify the technologies for trial and demonstration. 4. Produce the technical protocols for trial and demonstrations. 5. Train the field staffs the technical protocols for trial and demonstration. 6. The Agricultural extension service provider, KCs and Local authorities assist in implementing the trial and demonstration. 7. Provide support in producing the report on the trial and demonstration findings jointly with DOA and DAR. 8. Provide support in producing the plan for Extension Plan for approved conservation agricultural technologies. 9. Conduct the training need assessment in GAP, SALT, CSA. 10. Produce the capacity building plan for Conservation Agriculture (Training, Study tour plans) 11. Produce the training materials and conduct the training on GAP, SALT, CSA for the local staffs. 12. Procure the assignment completion report.
Knowledge Management: - Actively interact with other Project personals and groups to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice on the Knowledge Management System. - Provide feedback to Practice Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies - Complete lessons learned as per reporting format - Consultant applies the UNPOS communication system tools efficiently for efficient information flows. - Data and information, Reports Produced are stored in online storage provided by UNOPS and shared with other relevant sectors and officials within UNOPS.
Type of Assignment and Duration
- The assignment for 11 person months spread over the period of May 2020 to November 2021.
Core Values and Principles: - Understand and respect UNOPS sustainability principles
Look for ways to embed UNOPS sustainability principles.
Seek opportunities to champion gender equality at work place.
- Understand and Respect National ownership and capacity
Understand the principles of the Paris Declaration on aid effectiveness and mainstream them into the project plans
Look for ways to build capacity of local counterparts
Partnerships and Coordination
- Understand the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and UNOPS, the project’s place in the UN system
- Strive to build strong partnerships and effective coordination among relevant project actors (e.g. United Nations, governments, and non-governmental organizations or other relevant partners)
Accountability for results and the use of resources
- Service agreements, contracting, procurement of the works are in line with the role and regulation of the donor and transparent. To report to the project management in case of any doubt arising.
Excellence
- Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of sustainability and quality.
Expected Results 1. Inception Report (in the first initial month of assignment) 2. Report RRA and SWOT study on the Conservation Agriculture GAP, SALT, and CSA. 3. Trail and Demonstration Plan for Conservation Agriculture, GAP, SALT, CSA (Including the technical protocol) 4. Report the Results of the Trial and Demonstrations. 5. Extension plan for the Conservation Agriculture, GAP, SALT, CSA. 6. Capacity Building Plan for GAP, SALT, CSA 7. Completion Report (Within one month after the completion of the assignment)
Education/Experience/Language requirements
a. Education - Bachelor Degree in Conservation Agriculture, Agricultural Science or Equivalent is required.
b. Work Experience - Minimum 2 years working experience one of the following areas in Conservation Agriculture, GAP, CSA, GAP, SALT is required. - Working experience in Shan and Kayin States is preferred. - Working experience in Project Management is desirable. - Previous working experience in INGO, NGO and government sector is preferable.
c. Language Requirement - Proficient in English and Fluency in Myanmar Language is required. - Language skills of the ethnic groups of the project target areas will be a good asset.
Competencies
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type - Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level- LICA 8 Contract duration - 9 months (extension subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance)
THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION. ONLY MYANMAR NATIONALS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. ALL OTHER APPLICANTS WILL BE REJECTED.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Considerations
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
- Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
Added 3 years ago
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Updated 3 years ago
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Source:
jobs.unops.org
