Duty Station: Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
No. of Positions: 01
Contract Type: Fixed-Term (National Position)
Contract Duration: Initial one (01) year (July–June), renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds, up to the project duration.
Remuneration: Competitive salary in Pakistani Rupees (PKR), commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with employment benefits in accordance with SRSO Human Resource Policies.

Position Summary

The Sustainable Agriculture Specialist (Rice) will serve as the lead technical resource on sustainable and climate-resilient rice production systems under the project. The incumbent will support the design, implementation, and scaling of sustainable, low-carbon, and nature-positive rice cultivation practices at national and international levels.

The specialist will promote resource-use efficiency, climate adaptation, and environmental sustainability within rice-based farming systems, ensuring alignment with international sustainability frameworks and donor requirements.

Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities

A. Sustainable Rice Production Systems

• Provide technical guidance on sustainable, low-emission, and climate-smart rice production practices.

• Promote integrated soil fertility management, water-use efficiency, and sustainable nutrient management approaches.

• Support adoption of improved seed varieties and sustainable agronomic practices.

B. Climate and Environmental Sustainability

• Integrate climate-resilient and low-carbon strategies into rice farming systems.

• Promote Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and ecosystem-based approaches in rice-growing landscapes.

• Support greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation efforts and the reduction of environmental footprint in rice production.

C. Sustainability Assessment and Tools

• Utilize FAO and internationally recognized sustainability assessment tools to measure environmental and socio-economic indicators.

• Conduct sustainability assessments and develop improvement roadmaps for targeted rice production areas.

• Strengthen monitoring frameworks for sustainability and climate indicators.

D. Capacity Development and Training

• Design and deliver training modules for farmers, extension agents, and project staff on sustainable rice cultivation practices.

• Build capacities of beneficiaries to integrate evidence-based approaches into farm-level decision-making.

• Develop practical guidance materials and technical manuals.

E. Partnerships and Knowledge Management

• Support the establishment of national and international technical partnerships related to sustainable rice systems.

• Contribute to the development of policy recommendations promoting sustainable rice landscapes.

• Document best practices, research findings, and lessons learned for dissemination.

F. Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance

• Contribute technical inputs to quarterly and annual progress reports.

• Support integration of sustainability indicators into the project’s results framework.

• Ensure compliance with donor environmental and social safeguards.

Deliverables

The Sustainable Agriculture Specialist (Rice) shall deliver:

1. Sustainable Rice Production Technical Framework

2. Climate-Resilient Rice Cultivation Guidelines

3. Sustainability Assessment Reports and Indicator Tracking Tools

4. Capacity Development and Training Materials

5. Documentation of Nature-based Solutions and Best Practices included in project

6. Technical inputs to quarterly and annual project reports

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MS/MSc) in Agriculture, Agronomy, Soil Science, or a closely related discipline with specialization in Rice Production from an HEC-recognized institution.

• Minimum five (05) years of progressively responsible professional experience in sustainable agriculture programming, particularly in rice-based farming systems under donor-funded projects.

• Demonstrated expertise in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable intensification, and environmental sustainability.

• Experience utilizing internationally recognized sustainability assessment tools.

• Proven experience in capacity development, technical advisory services, and multi-stakeholder coordination.

Competencies (Core Competencies)

• Results Focus

• Technical Expertise in Sustainable Rice Systems

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

• Strategic Thinking

• Planning and Organizing

• Accountability