The Role
Plans, implements, and monitors agriculture and horticulture livelihood programs for rural farmers. Promotes sustainable, climate-resilient farming, irrigation, soil and water conservation, crop diversification, and improved agronomic practices. Strengthens SHGs, producer groups, and FPOs through mobilization, training, governance, value-chain development, and market linkages. Leads field teams, manages budgets, coordinates with government and development partners, maintains program data, and prepares reports, case studies, proposals, and donor documentation.
Summary Generated by Built In
JOB DESCRIPTION: Programme Specialist – Agriculture
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India (AKRSP India) is a non-denominational, non-political, non-government organization. AKRSP India was established in 1983, and it seeks to contribute to rural poverty reduction through community involvement and empowerment that leads to efficient management and an improved environment.
For more details please visit: https://www.akrspindia.org.in
Job location: Sayla – Surendranagar (Gujarat State).
Position Summary: The Agriculture Programme Specialist will be responsible for overall planning, execution, and monitoring of agriculture-Horticulture based livelihood interventions in the project region. The role includes promoting sustainable farming practices, crop diversification, mobilization and capacity building of farmers, strengthening FPOs, facilitating key activities under irrigation systems, soil and water conservation, ensuring convergence with government programmes for long-term livelihood enhancement of small and marginal farmers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agriculture, extensive field experience, and a passion for sustainable development practices.
Key Responsibilities
1. Programme Planning & Implementation
- Develop long-term, block- and season-specific agricultural and horticultural development plans (Kharif, Rabi, Summer) and ensure effective on-ground implementation.
- Coordinate with internal project teams for integrated and collaborative programme delivery.
- Ensure timely availability and quality of agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers, bio-inputs) through SHGs/FPOs.
- Promote improved agronomic practices, soil fertility, and efficient irrigation methods such as solar, drip, and sprinkler systems.
- Lead, supervise, and monitor field teams to ensure achievement of project targets and outputs.
- Plan, monitor, and manage project budgets in line with organizational and donor guidelines.
- Prepare and share timely progress reports, documentation, and field evidence as per AKRSP(I) and donor requirements.
2. Sustainable Agriculture & Climate Resilience
- Promote sustainable and climate-resilient practices including agroforestry, intercropping, crop rotation, and integrated farming systems.
- Facilitate adoption of organic/natural farming, IPM, INM, System of Crop Intensification, and conservation agriculture.
- Build awareness and capacity on climate-smart agriculture, soil health, and water-use efficiency.
- Document farmer adoption and impact on productivity, income, and resource sustainability.
3. Community Mobilization & Institution Building
- Mobilize and strengthen farmer collectives such as Producer Groups, SHGs, and FPOs for crop planning, procurement, and collective marketing.
- Facilitate participatory planning using PRA tools, crop calendars, and Farmer Field Schools (FFS).
- Support the development of governance, business planning, and leadership capacities within farmer institutions.
4. Training & Capacity Building
- Design and deliver training modules on improved crop practices, pest/disease management, and soil & water conservation.
- Conduct demonstrations, Farmer Field Schools, and exposure visits to promote learning-by-doing.
- Build capacity of para-extension workers, field facilitators, and community resource persons.
- Develop programme manuals, SoPs, unit cost norms, and training strategies for staff and communities.
5. Value Chain Development & Market Linkages
- Facilitate value chain development for key crops (pulses, millets, vegetables, etc.) through aggregation, processing, and collective marketing.
- Strengthen FPOs and federations to enhance market access and price realization for farmers.
- Build partnerships with Agri-tech firms, input suppliers, and market actors to ensure sustainable market linkages.
6. Monitoring, Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain updated village-level data on crop coverage, irrigation, inputs, yields, and adoption rates.
- Track and analyze programme outcomes related to productivity, income enhancement, and sustainability.
- Prepare reports, case studies, and success stories for donors, internal learning, and external communication.
- Support proposal development and documentation of best practices for knowledge sharing.
7. Coordination, Administration & Financial Management
- Liaise with government departments (Agriculture, KVKs, ATMA, Universities) and ensure convergence with relevant schemes and policies.
- Represent AKRSP(I) in agriculture and livelihood forums at block and district levels.
- Coordinate and manage field implementation teams and administrative functions at the cluster level.
- Ensure compliance with organizational norms, discipline, and reporting procedures.
- Handle finance-related tasks, including fund utilization, budget analysis, and coordination with donors for fund disbursement.
- Conduct regular budget and programme reviews and share updates with the Area Office.
- Undertake any additional responsibilities assigned by AKRSP(I) management.
Qualifications:
Essential:
- Master’s in agriculture / Agricultural Engineering / Rural Development / NRM.
- 5-6 years of experience in agriculture/livelihood projects in rural areas.
- Knowledge of crop management, irrigation technologies, soil & water conservation, and FPO strengthening.
- Experience in working with SHGs, FPOs, and women federation farming systems.
- Proficiency in local language and MS Office/Excel.
Preferred Attributes:
- Strong facilitation and community mobilization skills.
- Technical expertise in sustainable agriculture and irrigation systems.
- Value chain development and market linkage understanding.
- Good planning, monitoring, and reporting skills.
Key Benefits:
- Opportunity to work with a renowned NGO.
- On-site and off-site training opportunities.
- 5-day work week.
- Comprehensive medical insurance for employee, spouse, and children.
- Maternity and paternity leave as per organizational policy.
- 15 General Leaves and 16.5 earned leaves annually (earned leaves can be encashed if not utilized).
- 10 declared public holidays and 3 optional holidays.
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We strongly encourage women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and specially abled candidates to apply
Apply Now: Please submit your application at the earliest through our website –‘Get involved’ section - careers page.
Please note that we will begin the search immediately, and if a suitable candidate is found, we will close the application process!
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Rural Development, or Natural Resource Management
- 5–6 years of experience in agriculture or livelihood projects in rural areas
- Knowledge of crop management, irrigation technologies, soil and water conservation, and FPO strengthening
- Experience working with SHGs, FPOs, and women federation farming systems
- Proficiency in the local language
- Proficiency in MS Office and Excel
- Strong facilitation and community mobilization skills
- Technical expertise in sustainable agriculture and irrigation systems
- Understanding of value-chain development and market linkages
- Good planning, monitoring, and reporting skills
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The Company
What We Do
Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) (AKRSP(I)) is a non-denominational, non-government development organization and a programme of the Aga Khan Development Network. It works as a catalyst for rural development, empowering marginalized communities and women through agriculture, climate resilience, livelihoods and enterprise, financial inclusion, natural-resource management, and community institutions across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra, while strengthening local governance and environmental stewardship.
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