BACKGROUND

Agro National Corporation Ltd (AgroNat) is a subsidiary company of the state-owned Maldives Fund Management Company (MFMC) established on 21^st April 2020 with an overall mandate of developing agriculture as an economically rewarding industry in the Maldives. 

As such, AgroNat is focused on improving institutional and technical capacities and capabilities related to agriculture and support the development of agriculture as a viable economic activity for those interested in farming and agriculture.

The Sustainable Economic Empowerment and Development for SMEs (SEEDS) project, with financial support of the Government of Japan, aims to provide economic rehabilitation in order to mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in the Maldives. The project has the objective of increasing agriculture production and promoting food security through an approach of building entrepreneurship amongst farmers and creating a new generation of agri-businesses that are innovative, productive and practices environment-friendly agriculture. The project will also provide technical support and capacity to the Government of Maldives to conduct support services for MSMEs to adapt to the “new normal”.

The project will be implemented through partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Maldives, the Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture (MoFMRA), Agro National Corporation (AgroNat), Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC), the Business Center Corporation (BCC) and Housing Development Corporation (HDC).

In order to achieve the business objectives AgroNat is seeking an individual consultant to work with the company in its current and future projects. The consultant will be required to provide specific guidance on inputs or linkages that should be made to foster the overall objectives of the company and may include:

(a)    Guidance on new technologies and methods to increase production outputs.

(b)    Guidance on crop selection, rotation, production, harvesting and marketing.

(c)     Best practices to allow for economies of scale and meet economic targets.

The consultant will be required to ensure that the above work is undertaken in consultation with relevant national stakeholders including the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture and the Ministry of Economic Development and with the consultation and complementarity for the activities of the Implementing Partners of the SEEDS project.

SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT

• Develop detailed work-plan on production practices for the crops targeted by projects that are undertaken by AgroNat. And contribute to the development of work plans, which identify priorities and sequence the activities required for successful delivery of objectives.
• Propose suitable cropping patterns taking into account the soil quality, climatic conditions and crop water requirements and prepare a cropping calendar.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of production in project implementation sites. Participate in monitoring, and supervision of farms and other facilities of AgroNat.
• Develop localized sensitization, awareness and training materials for targeted crop production.
• Liaise on a regular basis with the stakeholders and  institutions. This includes liaising with partners and line ministries of the SEEDS project and participating and providing technical input to Working Group meetings and Project Steering Committee meetings.
• Review key Government policy, law, and regulations including but not limited to the SAP and agriculture strategies to ensure alignment of national priorities.
• Identify options for alternative technologies and practices to assist farmers to effectively and efficiently implement CSA, including technology transfer through national and international sources;
• Systemic review of farming practices to ensure that AgroNat and associated farms have comparatively reduced carbon footprint, is more energy, water and resource efficient and includes elements of circular economy. Based on this review develop localised and practical guideline/handbook for climate smart – low carbon farming in Maldives in urban, semi urban and industrial scale farming.
• Review selected value chains (fruit and vegetables) on their key features and structures, in particular documenting climate smart technologies and practices.
• Provide specific technical inputs to developing viable agro- entrepreneurs. Provide support in reviewing business plans submitted to AgroNat. Also provide input towards building monitoring and performance measurement systems for agrobusinesses .  The use of mobile application(s) and digital technology must be featured and prioritized in all interventions.
• Provide technical guidance on all aspects of business planning and implementation including but not limited to business plan preparation, business model appraisal, business planning and implementation process (ensuring full integration, use and update of the business plans by rural FG/groups), rural FG linkages, business and market services.

LOCATION

The consultant will be required to work in Agro National Corporation, Malé with travel to project islands.

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

Initially the assignment would be for 1 year, on full time basis which may be extended, subject to satisfactory performance and mutual consent.

REPORT TO

The consultant will be working with all the departments of the company and will be reporting to the Managing Director

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in agronomy or agriculture or a related field with 5 years of experience. Applicants with a master’s degree in a relevant field with relevant experience is preferred.
• At least 5 years of working experience, additional qualifications/certification and background on farm production practices and related activities.
• Demonstrated experience in farmer training and training materials development
• Fluent written and oral communication in English and Dhivehi
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Well-developed organizational and managerial skills
• Good interpersonal skills and able to work individually and with teams to meet tight deadlines

 REMUNERATION

A fixed monthly remuneration will be given for the duration of the term.

Selection will be done based on the qualification and experience in related jobs.

 DELIVERABLES

The following output is required to be delivered

• Submission of monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports
• Field/Exposure visit report
• Training and capacity building plan/module for implementation of agriculture strategy. Technical leaflets, booklets, Report in collaboration with AgroNat team.
• Documentation of best practices for agriculture adaptation including developing localised and practical guideline/handbook for climate smart – low carbon farming in Maldives in urban, semi urban and industrial scale farming
• The use of mobile application(s) and digital technology must be featured and prioritized in all interventions.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Individual consultants are invited to submit applications to the email address [email protected] with the following.

1. Submit CV indicating past experiences from similar projects with attested document copies
2. Submit a cover letter stating why the individual is suitable for the assignment
3. Two (2) professional reference

The deadline for submission of application is 1600hrs, 5^th September 2020. Incomplete applications and any application received after the deadline will not be considered.

Interested candidate may contact AgroNat to obtain further clarification and understanding of the scope of work and responsibility prior to the submission of the application. Please send all queries related to this to [email protected]