Agricultural Specialist Full-time Job

Agricultural Specialist

Chemonics seeks an Agricultural Specialist for the anticipated USAID-funded Climate Resilient Agriculture Activity in Iraq. This activity will accelerate the agriculture sector’s climate resilience and inclusive growth. By working with the private sector, agricultural organizations, and host-country government entities, the activity aims to boost adaptation of the agricultural sector, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and facilitate the creation of inclusive economic opportunities, specifically for women and youth, through increased climate-resilient agricultural production.

The Agricultural Specialist is responsible for leading and contributing to technical tasks related to agricultural production. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities:

Provide technical expertise and guidance on agricultural production and management practices, and climate-resilient agriculture approaches, including but not limited to conservation agriculture, water management, pest and disease control, crop diversification, soil health, and post-harvest management.

Promote innovative, climate-smart, sustainable agricultural practices that enhance climate change adaptation and reduce GHG emissions.

Work collaboratively with private sector actors, including farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural enterprises, to identify opportunities for improved agricultural production and access to markets.

Conduct assessments of agricultural systems, value chains, and market opportunities to inform activity interventions and strategies.

Assist in identifying potential grantees and partners to implement activities related to agricultural production.

Support the design and implementation of pilot projects and other interventions to demonstrate and promote the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.

Coordinate and collaborate with other team members to ensure integrated and synergistic approaches across activity components.

Lead or support the development of training materials, extension services, and other capacity-building initiatives for farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.

Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of agricultural activities, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Coordinate closely with government agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment of activity activities with national and local agricultural development strategies.

Prepare reports and documentation for USAID and Chemonics related to technical activities.

Ensure gender equity and social inclusion considerations are integrated into all agricultural interventions.

Support and lead the design and implementation of interventions that enhance women's and youth’s access to productive resources, services, technologies, and markets

Develop a database of women- and youth-owned or managed businesses that are critical to local climate-resilient value chains for technical assistance, matchmaking, and access to finance.

Contribute to reports on successful activities, lessons learned, and recommendations for future programming in climate-resilient agriculture.

Travel to project implementation sites as needed.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.

Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in agricultural production, preferably with a focus on climate-resilient agriculture, agricultural extension, and/or private sector engagement in agricultural development. Strong knowledge of agricultural systems, value chains, and market dynamics in Iraq.

Proven ability to work effectively with farmers, cooperatives, private sector actors, government agencies, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and spoken, is required.

Iraqi citizenship is required.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit your application through Chemonics’ online portal by April 18, 2025. No telephone inquiries, please. Chemonics will contact finalists.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

Chemonics is an international development consulting firm. For more than 40 years, we have been partnering with local and international organizations to promote social and economic change around the world. Chemonics applies the ingenuity of the private sector and the impact of the development community to deliver results in diverse and challenging environments. Our more than 5,000 specialists worldwide are committed to working side by side with our partners to accelerate positive change. We are always looking for talented and passionate professionals to join our team.