A. ASSIGNMENT
To build the capacity of the high tunnel growers in improved crop management and post-harvest practices of High Value/Offseason vegetables through on-farm demonstrations and hands-on training.
B. SPECIFIC TASKS OF THE CONSULTANT
Under the scope of work, the consultant shall use his experience and knowledge of best practices to accomplish the following:
1. Provide assistance in overall responsibility for planning, implementing, monitoring and coordinating the implementation of the HV/OSV activities in South.
2. Provide assistance in development of linkages and networks required at Value Chain level and identify and implement pro-active measures for continued collaboration
3. Work closely with sector specialists engaged by Project from time to time for undertaking various assignments
4. Assists in extending Good Agricultural Practices and technologies to the high tunnel grantees and farmers.
5. To organize farmer field days on proper crop management, harvesting, IPM, grading/sorting and packing
6. Provide timely data and reports to senior management as per advice of Horticulture Value Chain Specialists.
7. Any other responsibilities assigned by the Value Chain Lead HV/OSV - South.
C. DELIVERABLES
- Conduct farmer field days on the sites of high tunnel grantees on crop management, harvesting and post-harvest practices;
- Extending Good Agricultural Practices and technologies to the high tunnel grantees and farmers in HVOSV - South
- Strengthen the existing vegetables management
- Develop Guidelines on improved crop management, harvest and post-harvest of HV/OSV.
- Monthly planning and progress reports.
- Submission of monthly timesheets which should be approved by his direct supervisor.
D. DURATION, TIMING AND SCHEDULE
The consultant will use his services for a period of 06 months, starting from the beginning of October 2014- March 2015, working five days a week. The consultant will spend the later part of his assignment in promoting management practices and will also develop linkages with service provider and market agents.
E. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 3 years' experience related to the above duties and responsibilities, out of which 2 years' experience should be in a similar role related to development of horticultural value chains.
- Must have been involved in improved vegetables harvest, post-harvest and marketing of fresh produce.
- Ability to work independently; self-motivated with excellent time management and organizational skills
- Knowledge of the local context, culture and languages is required