Job Opportunity for Programme Specialist – Livelihood at Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) in Saran District, Bihar, India

**Job Title:** Programme Specialist – Livelihood

**Organization:** Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) (AKRSP(I)), a programme of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), working in over 30 countries globally.  AKRSP(I) focuses on agriculture and climate resilience, work and enterprise, and rural governance in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra.

**Job Location:** Saran District, Bihar, India

**Experience Required:** 2-3 years in the development sector, with experience in working with livelihood projects.

**Job Description:**

The Programme Specialist will contribute to increasing household incomes and food availability through diversified crop production, particularly benefiting women.  Key responsibilities include:

* Establishing and managing farmer field schools demonstrating best practices.

* Promoting organic manure production to reduce fertilizer costs.

* Facilitating soil testing and advising farmers.

* Establishing solar-based irrigation models.

* Promoting natural farming through a Bio-Resource Centre.

* Developing vegetable clusters in project villages.

* Organizing farmer training on Natural Pest Management (NPM) practices.

* Understanding program projects, areas, issues, and challenges.

* Coordinating implementation with the team.

* Sharing best practices with government departments.

* Engaging with government officials in program events.

* Facilitating the integration of government schemes into the program.

* Maintaining relationships with stakeholders and government line departments.

* Performing other tasks as assigned by AKRSP(I) management.

**Skills & Competencies:**

* Strong knowledge of agricultural extension work.

* In-depth understanding of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, particularly within the context of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).

* Excellent training and facilitation skills.

* Strong liaison skills.

* Community-centric approach and team handling experience.

* Experience in marketing, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and capacity building.

* Fluency in written and spoken English and Hindi.

**Benefits:**

* Opportunity to work with an internationally renowned NGO.

* On-site and off-site training.

* 5-day work week with flexible hours.

* Medical insurance for employees, spouses, and children.

* Maternity and paternity leave.

* 15 general leaves, 16.5 earned leaves (encashable), 10 declared holidays, and 3 optional holidays annually.

* 5-day Diwali break.

* Women employees can avail 2 days of work from home per month during menstruation if needed.

**Education:** Master of Science in Agriculture/Agribusiness or a postgraduate diploma in Rural Management.