Consultant (Agriculture)
Implement potato development project in South-West Haryana.
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Overview
Implement potato development project in South-West Haryana.
You have:
- Master’s degree in agriculture sciences / Agronomy / Horticulture or related fields.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience of potato cultivation and value chains.
- The candidate must be fluent in Hindi to conversate with farmers.
- Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.
- Field experience in working directly with farmers on potato related activities.
- Strong skills in planning, monitoring, and reporting.
- Good communication and people skills to work with farmers and officials.
- Ability to collect, manage, and report field data.
- Willing to travel extensively within the project area.
The International Potato Center (CIP) is a global, non-profit research organization that works to improve food security, nutrition, and incomes in developing countries through research and innovation in root and tuber crops—primarily potatoes and sweet potatoes.
CIP’s focus areas encompass a range of strategic priorities aimed at improving agricultural systems and livelihoods. These include crop improvement through the development of climate-resilient, high-yielding, and disease-resistant varieties of potatoes and sweet potatoes; sustainable farming by promoting environmentally friendly and resource-efficient agricultural practices; and nutrition and food systems, particularly through the use of biofortified crops. CIP also works to strengthen value chains and market access by supporting smallholder farmers in building inclusive and profitable value chains, while enhancing climate resilience by helping farming systems adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a motivated, hands-on agricultural professional to help implement a potato development project in South-West Haryana. The Consultant will work closely with farmers, government departments, and project team to introduce, demonstrate, and promote table and processing potato varieties and provides training to extension staff of Department of Horticulture and farmers on best potato production practices including post-harvest management. This is a field-based role involving farmer engagement, supervision of demonstration plots, and ensuring the smooth rollout of project activities across project districts. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful agricultural research and development aimed at improving food security and livelihoods in the region. The consultant will be based in Sirsa, Haryana.
Language: The candidate must be fluent in Hindi to conversate with farmers, with advanced written and oral communication skills in English.
Requirements
- Identify and mobilize farmers and create awareness about the project.
- Implementation of project initiatives
- Develop potato production clusters in selected districts.
- Work closely with the Department of Horticulture (DoH) and Haryana Agriculture University /KVK teams.
- Set up, monitor, and manage demonstration plots for table and processing potatoes.
- Provide training to farmers on best agronomic practices, pest and disease control, and efficient resource utilization such as fertilizers and water.
- Organize and support farmer and trainer workshops on potato production, pest management, post-harvest handling, packaging, and value addition for processing.
- Prepare training materials and learning resources.
- Support Project team in writing annual technical report.
- Coordinate with all stakeholders to ensure timely and effective project delivery.
INCUMBENT PROFILE
Education:
· Master’s degree in agriculture sciences / Agronomy / Horticulture or related fields.
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience of potato cultivation and value chains.
<pre style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:"Calibri", sans-serif"> </span><br></br>
Language:
<pre style="margin-left:36pt; text-indent:-18pt; background:white"><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:Symbol"><span style="">·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><span style="font-size:11pt; font-family:"Calibri", sans-serif; color:black">The candidate must be fluent in Hindi to conversate with farmers, with advanced written and oral communication skills in English.</span><br></br>
Specialization:
- Field experience in working directly with farmers on potato related activities. .
- Strong skills in planning, monitoring, and reporting.
- Good communication and people skills to work with farmers and officials.
- Ability to collect, manage, and report field data.
- Willing to travel extensively within the project area.
Benefits
The initial contractual appointment for this role will be till March 2026, The mentioned Haryana project is approved till 2029, hence there is high possibility of contract renewal based on project requirements and individual performance.
CIP is coming up with South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) in Agra in upcoming months and it is poised to become a key hub for advanced agricultural research, focusing on sustainable potato and root crop production. This state-of-the-art facility will support innovative research in crop breeding, biotechnology, and climate-resilient farming practices. The center will also facilitate collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and farmers to enhance food security and agricultural resilience.
Your involvement and contribution in this mission of the CIP will be deeply appreciated and regarded as a valuable contribution toward our shared goals.
How to apply?
Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C V in English with at least three (3) professional references. Screening of applications will begin as soon as we start getting applications and position will remain open until filled. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.
CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience working with farmers in potato cultivation? | The interviewer wants to understand your practical experience in the field. | Provide specific examples of your interactions and how you supported farmers. |
| What strategies do you use to engage farmers and promote new agricultural practices? | The interviewer is assessing your ability to influence and motivate others. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you monitor and evaluate the success of demonstration plots? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Could you provide an example of a challenge you faced in your previous projects and how you overcame it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What techniques do you implement for pest and disease management in potato farming? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you coordinate effectively with government departments and stakeholders? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What is your approach to preparing training materials for farmers? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your familiarity with climate-resilient agricultural practices. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Added 11 months ago
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Updated 8 months ago
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Source:
cgiar.org
