General

The Agriculturist will report directly to the National Project Manager and shall work closely with the other project staff. He/she would be locally contracted and would be based in the PMU Office.

He/she will facilitate the implementation of the agricultural enterprise development in close coordination with DAR Regional and Provincial Offices, other line agencies, LGUs, ARC organizations and partner organization in promotion preparation and operation of agricultural development project and agri-based enterprises.

Scope of Services

Specifically, he/she would be:

1. Provide technical assistance and advisory services on agricultural and agri-enterprise/development to the DAR counterpart. AED coordinators at the regional and provincial offices, the LGUs and ARC organizations/proponent.
2. Review and validate the AED plan of each ARC in the context of the ARC, municipal and provincial development priorities.
3. Review and make improvements on the draft Manual on Agricultural and Enterprise Development in line with the project design & needs of the ARCs;
4. Evaluate proposals and provide advisory services in formulating the ARC AED subproject for productivity improvement, agri-enterprise development in coordination with the marketing and microfinance specialists, facilitate training needs assessment;
5. Formulate the scope of work for training contracts and organize training which will be procured at the NPLO for the implementation of the AED sub-components.;
6. Coordinate with DA & DTI technical representatives implementing AMAS and IMAP in planning and implementing agribusiness projects in identified sites for agribusiness;
7. Coordinate & facilitate establishment of the Production and Marketing Analysis System (PMAS) and provide technical support in its implementation at the provincial level in coordination with concerned government agencies and partner organization;
8. Assist in monitoring and evaluating the performance of the technical assistance and training contractors in tandem with the PMU M&E Specialist and the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the NPLO;
9. Provide technical advise to ARC & their organization for technology upgrading and agricultural production enterprise management system that would organize and benefit small-holders;
10. In coordination with the marketing and micro-finance specialist, provide technical advise and coaching to ARCs and their organizations in planning & implementing feasible and profitable agri production and marketing systems.
11. Assist in the implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system designed for the AED subcomponents and recommend remedial courses of actions, whenever necessary;
12. Prepare and submit to the National Coordinator the AED component progress and completion report; and
13. Perform other functions as may be assigned by the National Program Coordinator from time to time.

Core Competencies

1. Appropriate technical and working knowledge and skills in demonstrating and teaching agricultural technologies, practices, indigenous and modern techniques for both traditional and diversified crops;
2. Proven experience and expertise in farm planning, agribusiness proposal formulation, preparation of cropping calendars and installation of demo farms;
3. Demonstrated understanding of how to build sustainability in the Operations and Management of farm infrastructures and facilities (i.e. irrigation, PHFs)
4. With ability to understand the integration of agricultural productivity to socio-economic development of the communities in relation to the implementation of agrarian reform;
5. With technical knowledge and expertise in formulating sub-project proposals relating to agricultural productivity/production for microfinancing;
6. With an understanding and capacity to conduct training on agricultural enterprise development and livelihood training;
7. Ability to demonstrate and enhance farmers’ skills on farm operations, management and operations of farm machineries and equipment;
8. Supervisory and advisory capability, innovativeness and effectiveness under varying work assignments, conditions and time pressures; and
9. Excellent communication skills, interpersonal and teamwork abilities, including proven ability to work cohesively with senior officials.

Qualifications, Skills and Professional Experience

1. At least 10 years professional experience as an agriculturist/ agricultural extension work or agricultural enterprise development specialist in similar rural development projects;
2. At least 3 years experience in agribusiness or agri-enterprise development or exposure to similar fields of expertise;
3. Should posses a strong academic background, preferably a master’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, agri-economics or other related fields of study; and
4. Preferably has first-hand knowledge of the agricultural make-up or physical resources of the project sites where AED will be implemented.

Engagement

The Agriculturist would be engaged on full time basis for 30 months within 3 years duration of AED component implementation.