Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) Crop Production and Technology Specialist

Organizational Context

The Asia-Pacific region faces significant climate change vulnerability, impacting food security and livelihoods, particularly in agriculture. Indonesia, heavily reliant on monoculture staple crops, experiences declining yields due to altered climate patterns. Scaling up Neglected and Underutilized crop Species (NUS) offers a vital opportunity to enhance food diversification, agrobiodiversity, and farming system resilience, especially in marginal environments. NUS crops are nutrient-dense, low-input, and resistant to pests and diseases, supporting food security and sustainable farming practices.

Job Purpose

This role provides essential technical expertise and operational support for promoting, producing, disseminating, and developing value chains for Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in Indonesia. The focus is on implementing climate-smart crop production techniques, strengthening seed systems, building farmer capacity, conserving agrobiodiversity, adding value to NUS products, establishing market linkages, and managing knowledge. The ultimate goal is to foster resilient and nutritious food systems that benefit local communities and contribute to sustainable agricultural development within the region.

Responsibilities

Lead the identification and data collection for priority NUS, developing country profiles in consultation with government partners, and analyzing production constraints and opportunities. Facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations involving farmers, researchers, NGOs, and the private sector to address bottlenecks in NUS production and value chains. Assist in developing the project work plan and monitoring framework, ensuring gender-equitable and inclusive participation. Support capacity-building activities, training material development on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for NUS, and technology dissemination through extension networks and digital tools. Identify and support the selection of NUS processing and packaging technologies, and assist in developing guidelines for processing, packaging, and marketing NUS products. Coordinate project activities, prepare progress reports, case studies, and lessons learned, and manage project documentation and institutional support.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant experience in crop production projects is necessary, with demonstrated expertise in neglected/underutilized crops, climate-smart/sustainable agriculture, seed systems, market development, value chain economics, product innovation, and/or downstream processing. Hands-on experience in designing and monitoring demonstration plots, seed multiplication, or applied climate-smart technology is essential.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Demonstrated experience in crop production, climate-smart agronomy, and sustainable farming systems is crucial. Proficiency in capacity development, training, knowledge of seed systems, post-harvest management, value chain economics, and market development is required. Experience working with government institutions, research organizations, farmer groups, and the private sector is beneficial. Strong analytical, report writing, and stakeholder facilitation skills are essential. Familiarity with NUS and agrobiodiversity conservation is an asset.

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