Agronomist (High-Value Crops)

The Agronomist will lead all technical agricultural aspects of the project: crop suitability assessment, input specifications and quality control, Farmer Field School training, demonstration plots and crop-cycle technical follow-up for 325 saffron farmers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical assessment and planning

• Lead the rapid technical suitability assessment of beneficiary plots (soil, water availability, land condition, agro-climatic suitability and planting season) before procurement.

• Where saffron is unsuitable for a location, prepare the technical justification and an alternative high-value crop package for UNDP approval.

• Prepare technical specifications and BoQs for the saffron package, demonstration plots and training materials.

Input quality assurance

• Inspect saffron corms (weight, health, maturity, disease and pest status), fertilizers (grade, labelling, shelf life) and tools before acceptance.

• Validate the final DAP/Urea nutrient combination and maintain inspection records.

Farmer Field School and demonstration

• Develop and deliver the 11-day/44-hour FFS curriculum, adapted to low literacy, with practical demonstrations and pictorial materials.

• Provide training of trainers to FFS Facilitators and integrate climate resilience, peaceful masculinities, social cohesion and Do No Harm messages into sessions.

• Establish and manage two demonstration plots (one each in Injil and Guzara), after explosive ordnance screening.

• Conduct pre- and post-training assessments.

Technical extension and follow-up

• Ensure at least three documented technical follow-up visits per farmer per season, covering planting, irrigation scheduling, fertilizer use, weed, pest and disease management, harvesting and drying.

• Document technical problems, corrective actions and follow-up, and provide refresher coaching at critical stages.

• Promote water-efficient irrigation and soil health management.

• Monitor crop condition, yields and losses, and prepare agronomist reports.

• Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the supervisor within the scope of the project.

Education (mandatory)

• Advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in agronomy, horticulture, agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, environmental science or a related field.

Experience (mandatory)

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in high-value crops, nursery establishment, reforestation and climate-resilient agriculture.

• Strong experience in field training, demonstration sites and technical supervision.

Languages

• Fluency in Dari; Pashto is an advantage.

• Good written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Experience in dryland agriculture or western Afghanistan.

• Hands-on experience with saffron production.

• Experience delivering Farmer Field Schools.

COMPETENCIES

• Cultural, gender, religious, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

• Good communication skills, including the ability to write concise and analytical reports in English.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Flexibility and responsiveness to changes and unexpected demands.

• Ability to work with people from different backgrounds to deliver quality results within short timeframes.

• Client-oriented and open to feedback.

• Commitment to humanitarian principles, Do No Harm, Leave No One Behind and accountability to affected populations.

SAFEGUARDING AND CODE OF CONDUCT

• ADWSO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), fraud, corruption and any form of child abuse.

• The selected candidate will be required to sign and comply with ADWSO's Code of Conduct and PSEA, safeguarding and anti-fraud policies, and to complete mandatory PSEA orientation.

• All staff in contact with communities must complete orientation on gender-sensitive facilitation, peaceful masculinities, social cohesion and Do No Harm before engaging with beneficiaries.

• Selection is subject to satisfactory reference checks, verification of qualifications and screening in line with UNDP anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Apply only through the online application form: https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/ngAc0x85

• Each application form is for one position only. To apply for more than one position, submit a separate form for each position.

• Complete every section accurately, and upload your updated CV and your highest degree/certificate. Experience letters are recommended.

• Applications by email, hard copy or any other channel will not be accepted.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to sign their CV in UNDP's format and provide copies of their identification documents.

• ADWSO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

• Qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Closing date: 21 October 2026, 11:59 PM (Kabul time). Late applications will not be considered.

https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/ngAc0x85