Technical Specialist Component 2: Building a Vibrant Sector for Soil Inputs - TRANSFORM

About IFDC

IFDC is a public international organization active in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, and America. IFDC uniquely approaches the global issues of food security and poverty by bridging the gap between research and impact, combining science-based innovations, holistic market systems development, an enabling policy environment, and strategic partnerships to assist farmers and countries to identify and scale sustainable agricultural solutions, including improved nutrient use efficiency. These approaches are needed to boost soil health and crop productivity while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use. IFDC translates research into action by using locally driven, environmentally sound, and impact-oriented solutions. With our partners, we seek to close the yield gap, eradicate global hunger, safeguard the soil on which our lives depend, and generate economic resilience for farming households and the countries in which they live.  

Position Summary

The Technical Specialist for TRANSFORM Program Component 2 will implement and monitor on-the-ground activities to Building a Vibrant Sector for Soil Inputs. This involves supporting the development and promotion of various soil inputs by improving technical advice from distributors and retailers. The specialist will work closely with public and private stakeholders to facilitate local production, strengthen distribution, and build capacity for the promotion and use of appropriate soil inputs among small-scale producers. The specialist will also guide and facilitate improving customized extension services working with Regional Bureau of Agriculture (RBoA) from zone, woreda to kebele levels to empower farmers and to adopt participatory bottom-up soil health and fertility and contributing to private sector lead extension efforts.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the development of a vibrant soil input sector in the TRANSFORM Program;
• Provide technical and business development support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including business case development, marketing strategies, and navigating regulatory processes, while also promoting nutrient recycling initiatives;
• Strengthen and expand the soil input distribution network by establishing linkages between manufacturers and existing public and private channels to improve access for small-scale producers in kebeles;
• Facilitate connections between local input producers and financial institutions, explore co-financing options, and provide technical support to entrepreneurs in addressing regulatory challenges;
• Facilitate and provide Training of Trainers (ToT) for woreda experts, Development Agents (DAs), agro-dealers, primary cooperatives, and watershed associations, collaborating with the component lead and consortium partners to advise and train small-scale producers on the appropriate use of soil inputs;
• Organize and facilitate demonstrations, field days, and training events at Farmer Training Centers (FTCs) to promote the effective use of soil inputs;
• Work closely with Component 2 lead to develop and implement work plans and activities;
• Collaborate with other Technical Specialists within the TRANSFORM program to ensure integrated approaches;
• Monitor and evaluate field activities to ensure objectives are met and provide technical advice to field staff as necessary;
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and share insights with stakeholders to inform future programming and policy development;
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for effective communication;
• Promote and oversee the implementation of the Participatory Integrated Planning (PIP) approach to enhance community engagement, ownership, and co-learning;
• Promote increased involvement of small-scale producers in action research;
• Implement necessary tasks for the program success and additional assignments from the immediate supervisor;
• Facilitate long-term, community-driven changes in soil health, and natural resources management contributing to the broader goals of the TRANSFORM program by empowering stakeholders at all levels to embrace sustainable agricultural practices.