Shri Vivekanand Research & Training Institute

Position: Project Lead – Horticulture Organisation: Shri Vivekanand Research and Training Institute Location: The position is based at Mandvi (Dist: Kutch), Gujarat Organisation Details: Shree Vivekanand Research and Training Institute – Mandvi Kachchh (VRTI), was established in 1975, and was registered in 1980 under Bombay Public Charitable Trust Act, 1950. It has sixty dedicated staff members with programme execution area spanned in 300 odd villages of Kachchh (Gujarat) district. The vision of VRTI hovers around intensification of sustainability in agriculture, animal husbandry and rural art & craft with emphasis on local psycho-socio-economic-and-environmental aspects precisely focused on the welfare of rural community. The Government of Gujarat has bestowed it with “A” grade NGO, which is primarily imputed to its precise and focused execution of the programmes aimed at social and community development in consonance to the local needs based on the principles of motivating, empowering and transferring the responsibilities on participatory approach involving wholesome community. Job Summary VRTI is looking for a dedicated and committed professional to be a part of the programme team as Project Associate (Agriculture). The individual will be responsible for leading the organisation’s Agri / Horti. Portfolio which includes strategies / design / proposal development / convergence / partnerships / implementation / M&E etc. inclusive of R&D on scope for new crops, improvement in existing crops grown in diverse climatic conditions. Key Responsibilities Core technical competencies of the horticulture & agriculture sector, preferably in saline conditions / humid / coastal conditions. Demonstration and promotion of various crops, horticulture crops, vegetables, fodder etc. according to the recommended Package of Practices (POP) and Integrated Pest Management / Integrated Disease Management. Demonstrate the applicability, adoption & upscaling of future technologies / crops / practices and its extension with farmers. Monitoring of field demonstrations and technical analysis of the same. Capacity building of farmers on various aspects related to land remediation, improved agriculture practices, water management, institutional building through on-farm and off-farm trainings etc. Develop cadre of para-professionals from villages to equip them with hands-on skills / knowledge to extend consultation to farmers at village level. Project monitoring and evaluation, report writing, impact assessment, baseline and end line data collection, monitoring mechanism etc. Excellent interpersonal, analytical and writing skills and ability to lead as well as work as a member of a team. Development of Information Education and communication (IEC) material for various crops in term of brochures, display material etc. Coordination and networking with multi stake holders such as Non-Government Organisations, Government departments, Institutes and other resource agencies. Organizing seminars and workshops for implementation partners, conducting meetings, monitor day-to-day project activities, reporting and documentation. Project proposal development for new projects with different stakeholders. Other responsibilities Perform any other task assigned by the Reporting Authority as per organizational requirement. Skills and Competencies Technical knowledge of Horticulture / Agriculture sector. Program and Project Management Basic understanding of issues related to the social, economic and political context of poverty governance and advocacy Good documentation and reporting skills Fluency in Gujarati, English and Hindi (Kutchi preferred) Reporting to Deputy CEO Qualification and Experience Minimum Master’s degree in Horticulture Candidates having 10 years’ experience in similar profile. Excellent computer skills with good knowledge of MS office package Good command over spoken and written English, Gujarati and Hindi. Knowledge of Gujarati / Kutchi would be preferable Compensation: As per experience / last drawn salary. Contact Details Submit your resume at vrtimandvi@gmail.com with subject – Application for the Position of Project Lead – Horticulture on or before 15th Sept’25. Website: https://vrti.org