CARE is a non-governmental, non-political, non-profit, non-partisan and non-sectarian humanitarian organization, extending its relief and development assistance to those in need. CARE, as an International Confederation of 13 member organizations is one of the world's largest private humanitarian organizations working in more than 90 plus, countries committed to helping communities in the developing world achieve lasting victories over poverty.

1. Summary of Key Functions

The Horticultural Specialist will provide technical expertise on horticulture production and pre and post-harvest management to achieve the outputs of the project. The Horticulture Specialist will work collaboratively with horticulture officer, agribusiness specialist and other project experts to ensure best practices are adopted throughout the implementation of the program.

Key relations: 

• Internal: Provincial Manager, Project Manager, project staff and other support staff
• External:  Government relevant departments, projects stakeholders, district authorities, target communities and other key organizations working in same targeted areas. Private Sectors,

2. Duty Locations:

• Balkh province with frequent travels to districts and villages in the province

3. Key Results Expected:

• Provide specialized technical assistance in the implementation of the project activities and supervision/monitoring of horticulture production methods, disease management and harvesting processes for improving high value crops.
• Provide technical support in response to the priority needs of community organizations, producer marketing groups, farmer business schools and other groups established or supported under the project.
• Draft technical specifications for the procurement of agricultural inputs and plan the quantities of inputs to be procured under the project.
• Prepare relevant manuals and information, communication, and education materials for horticulture producers on the best plantation and field management practices.
• Provide hand on assistance during implementation of horticulture producer training program through close collaboration and coordination with the field facilitators.
• Contribute to baseline and end line assessment surveys and analyses of the overall status of the horticulture sector for the areas targeted by the project.
• Develop and suggest measures for better market linkages with market players including exporters, intermediaries in the export markets, and importers of horticulture products in the major markets.
• Plan, promote and implement proper harvest and post-harvest practices as per nature of horticultural products.
• Support in the selection of important varieties of and fruit crops for Agro processing and support the project manager in developing mechanisms for effective linkage among producers and processors.
• Study the nature, scope and progress of organic farming with respect to horticulture and high valued crops and to suggest measures to promote such products in the regional and international market.
• Provide technical support for the establishment orchards and management of High density, medium density and conventional; pruning; preparation and combination of soil for plantation; irrigation management; making compost and vermis-compost exhibitions to enhance soil fertility; mulching; inter cropping; integrated pest management of high value crops (organic farming and control); and drought resistance seeds and crops.
• Collaborate with crop production component to transform Farmer Filed schools into Business Field Schools and transition them into rural micro enterprises.
• Provide support to processing and trade enterprises/cooperatives to the identified beneficiaries in the targeted area.
• Contribute to resource mobilization including development of project concept notes and proposals.
• Coordinate the delivery of assigned projects and ensure effective and efficient management for results and timely reporting.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Uphold CARE’s Safeguarding Policy (https://www.care-international.org/resources/care-international-safeguarding-policy) and Safeguarding Code of Conduct.
• Must read the Safeguarding Policy and either sign the Safeguarding Code of Conduct or sign a Code of Conduct that is consistent with or references this policy and Safeguarding Code of Conduct.

1. Competence:

Enthusiasm for the work, excellent analytical, team management, problem solving and reporting skills, monitoring and giving feedback, willingness to work in tough field conditions; willingness to travel as per the project requirements in every situation, a self-starter and a planner with professional communication and representation skills.

2. Core Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to resolve project priorities.
• Computer skills including, MS Office, e-mail and Internet applications.
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and meeting of deadlines.
• Good reporting skills including report compilation, analysis and presentation.
• Culture sensitive and respect for local norms
• Willingness to travel to field/ project sites on daily bases.
• Stress management
• Problem solving
• Result oriented.

3. Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated understanding of coordination systems including existing assessment and response approach in Afghanistan
• Demonstrated experience working closely with local communities.
• Demonstrated in depth understanding of the local context and ability to work with them to ensure access and safe implementation.

4. Education: 

Master’s degree in agriculture (Horticulture/ plant Science / agronomy)

5. Work Experience:

At least five years postgraduate relevant experience related to the field of horticulture development and extension.

6. Languages Skills:

Fluency in spoken and written Pashtu and/or Dari and English required.

Safeguarding

CARE places human dignity at the center of its relief and development work. At the heart of CARE’s efforts to impact poverty and social justice is its engagement with marginalized communities, and vulnerable adults and children. Vulnerable adults and children are particularly at risk of sexual exploitation and abuse. CARE commits to the protection from sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse and of vulnerable adults and children, involving CARE Employees and Related Personnel. CARE has a zero tolerance toward sexual exploitation and abuse and child abuse. CARE takes seriously all concerns and complaints about sexual exploitation, harassment and abuse and child abuse involving CARE Employees and Related Personnel

CARE Afghanistan  participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we hereby request information from candidate’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the candidate left employment. All CARE Afghanistan’s offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

• Please submit your completed CARE Standard Job application form (ACBAR: Application Form) to afg.vacancies@care.org.
• Applications after the closing date (12:00 AM) and without CARE Application form will not be accepted.
• Please Indicate the position title, Vacancy Number in the Subject Line (Horticulture Specialist CARE-AF-0800 Balkh) otherwise your application will not be considered.
• Please note that there is no telephonic inquiry and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted with and call for Interview.
• The successful applicant will be expected to undergo a Background Check, Bridger check & Reference check and be compliant and sign up to Care Afghanistan’s Code of Conduct, PSHA (Prevention from Sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse) and other Care Afghanistan policies prior to a final offer being made.
• People with Physical Disabilities and Women are highly encourage to apply.
• CARE IS COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING POLICY (Available at: Safeguarding)
• CARE IS COMMITTED TO CODE OF CONDUCT (Available at: CARE Afg Code of Conduct (updated).pdf)