Job Opportunity @ LI-BIRD

Site Officer (3 Positions)

Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development (LI-BIRD) is a non-profit making, nongovernmental organization (NGO) established in October 1995 with its head office in Pokhara. LI-BIRD is committed to capitalizing on local initiatives for sustainable management of renewable natural resources and improving livelihoods of  rural people who are dependent of natural resources. 

Integrating Traditional Crop Genetic Diversity into Technology: Using a Biodiversity Portfolio Approach to Buffer against Unpredictable Environmental Change in the Nepal Himalayas is a UNEP/GEF supported project to be implemented in 4 districts of Nepal by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This 5-year project is being executed jointly on the ground by the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), LI-BIRD, Department of Agriculture and Bioversity International. The project’s objective is to mainstream the conservation and use of agrobiodiversity in the mountain agricultural production landscapes of Nepal to improve ecosystem resilience, ecosystem services and access and benefits sharing capacity in mountain ecosystems. The project’s research and dissemination work will mainly focus on its 8 mandate crops: amaranth, barley, naked barley, buckwheat, finger millet, proso millet, foxtail millet, cold tolerant rice and beans.

Applications are invited from qualified Nepali citizens for the following positions.

Site Officer (Level 6-7) – 1 Each To Be Based In Humla, Jumla, Kaski And Dolakha 

Job Summary

The Site Officer is responsible for ensuring that the project in her/his district contributes to the overall project goal, objectives and outcomes. The Site Officer is responsible for timely planning and quality implementation of the project activities on the ground. The Site Officer is responsible for establishing and maintaining congenial working relationships with DDC, DADO, Regional NARC Stations, local CSO partners and other key stakeholders. The Site Officer directly reports to the Project Leader based at LI-BIRD with regular communication with the National Project Coordinator at NARC.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Project Planning, Implementation and Coordination

• Assist in developing six-monthly work plans working with the site management team and the site coordination committee
• Work in close coordination with DADO and DDC to ensure that the project work plans are mainstreamed in the local development plans
• Ensure Community Organizers are adequately oriented and the work plan is prepared and implemented as per the project document
• Organize timely meetings of the site management team and the site coordination committees maintain detailed records of agendas, discussion and decisions
• Ensure farmers’ feedback is reflected and addressed in the site work plans as well as overall project strategy
• Assist in conducting on-farm trials and demonstrations

2. Monitoring and Quality Control

• Ensure timely and quality implementation of the project activities
• Ensure project’s relevance based on farmers’ and stakeholders’ feedback
• Manage the project’s budget at the site level and ensure expenses are done in a timely manner and charged to the right budget codes
• Monitor the performance of Community Organizers, provide timely feedback and identify appropriate capacity building interventions for them.

3. Data Collection, Synthesis and Report Writing

• Collect and manage site level research data
• Prepare and submit quarterly progress reports and annual summary reports to the Project Leader
• Ensure that lessons learnt are shared among the sites and with national operations
• Document, analyse and synthesize farmers’ knowledge and experiences on the project’s mandate crops

4. Communication, Linkages and Networking

• Build relationship between farmers, local stakeholders, partners and the national teams
• Ensure resolution of potential conflicts in a timely and agreeable manner
• Ensure district level stakeholders are aware, positive and supportive of the project through transparent and timely information sharing
• Ensure that farmers’ interests are addressed by project’s objectives
• Ensure the project’s lessons, outputs, outcomes and impacts are documented, analyzed and shared within and beyond project in the form of reports, web and other popular articles, radio programmes and scientific articles
• Write concise progress reports on the Project’s reporting system

Required Qualifications

A Bachelors Degree in a related field, preferably in plant breeding, plant pathology, agriculture, agronomy, , population biology, botany, anthropology, natural resource management, environmental science, rural development or socio-economics. Candidates with two years of work experience in a rural setting and coursework in plant breeding will have an advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong conceptual, inter-personal, communication, negotiation, facilitation and representation skills
• Knowledge of basic statistical concepts, experimental design, hypothesis testing and data interpretation
• Knowledge of biodiversity indices, population biology and genetics
• Course or field work in plant breeding, landrace enhancement and/or plant pathology will be highly valued
• Knowledge and skills to use participatory and empowerment tools and methods
• Willingness to work closely with the farming community in remote areas of the country
• Self-motivated with ability to learn new skills and research methods
• Can pay attention to details and is able to meet strict deadlines
• Computer literate with proficiency in MS Office or Libre Office. Ability to type in Nepali and experience in managing website will be an added advantage
• Good written and spoken English and Nepali

How To Apply?

Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications along with copies of Curriculum Vitae with two references, citizenship certificate and all the relevant testimonials by 26 March 2014 (12 Chaitra 2070). 

Application can also be sent by email at opportunities@libird.org with the email subject starting as: [VACANCY] or mailed to: Human Resources, LI-BIRD, PO Box 324, Pokhara, Kaski.

Only short listed candidates will be called for the interview. Selected candidate will be required to take responsibility as soon as possible.

LI-BIRD offers competitive remuneration and other benefits as laid out in its Personnel Policies.

Applications from women and members of indigenous and disadvantaged groups are highly encouraged.