Agricultural Advisor, Bangladesh - EVHAC

Agricultural Advisor in Bangladesh

Employer: Women Job Creation Centre (WJCC)
Location: Satkhira, Bangladesh
Start date: November 2012 or January 2013 
Length: 13 months

An exciting opportunity for EU nationals to work with the WJCC to build the capacity of the local community in responding to the effect of climate change on their agricultural livelihood

Background

The European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps (EVHAC) is an initiative developed by the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) of the European Commission.  Volunteers working under the EVHAC project will be placed directly with VSO's partner organisations in Bangladesh or South Sudan, and will be supported by VSO offices in each of those countries.

VSO is the world's leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries. VSO's high-impact approach involves bringing people together to share skills, build capabilities, promote international understanding and action, and change lives to make the world a fairer place for all. VSO has around 1,500 volunteers working with partners in 36 countries.

What does the role involve?

You will work with WJCC to introduce new climate adaptive models for agriculture and help to create better opportunities to link small-hold farmers with markets.

To do this you will:

• Research the effects of climate change on  livelihoods, especially agriculture
• Develop and introduce an appropriate climate adaptive model and/or technology for agro production and fisheries
• Train staff and relevant stakeholders in implementing and using the new climate adaptive model or technology
• Encourage and support small-holders to form cooperatives and improve their links with markets
• Conduct relevant research, documentation and report writing

Skills, qualifications and experience required

You’ll have experience and excellent knowledge of agricultural production and marketing. This should ideally include skills in designing and implementing climate adaptive models for both agriculture and fisheries. Strong research skills, including  reporting and documentation, are essential. Previous experience of providing training and guidance to others would be ideal for this role. In addition you’ll need to be a flexible, motivated to make a difference  and have  a positive attitude.

And the rest...

This is a voluntary placement. We'll ask you to commit for 13 months to make a sustainable contribution to development goals. In return we'll provide you with invaluable training before your placement, a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation and insurance.

Interested? To apply for this role please go to EVHAC/VSO website or emailevhac@vsoint.org. Please put the following job reference on your application form:B0440/0001/0001.

Please note the EVHAC project is only open to citizens of EU countries. We will be unable to respond to applications from applicants outside the EU. Please visit http://www.vsointernational.org for non-EU volunteering opportunities with VSO.