ThaiNGO

POSITION TITLE:     Consultant –Chi River No-Burn Project

LOCATION:              Northeastern region (Thailand)

PROJECT:                USDA Thailand Regional Agriculture Innovation Network (RAIN)

REPORTS TO:         Chief of Party

Background:

Winrock International (Winrock) is a non-profit organization that works around the world to increase economic opportunity, sustain natural resources, and protect the environment. The USDA-funded Thailand Regional Agriculture Innovation Network (RAIN) project is a five-year, $16 million project implemented by Winrock. Winrock implements RAIN in 11 provinces in Thailand and supports smallholder farmers and many other agricultural actors in Thailand’s public and private sectors. RAIN identifies emerging climate smart innovations (CSi), promotes CSi to farmers, and ensures sustainability by facilitating market access to CSi in 6 agriculture value chains. To facilitate market access to CSi, RAIN is developing business models for 30 CSi to scale to a total of 30,000 farmers.

Rice straw burning is a common practice in many agricultural regions, resulting in the combustion of the carbon in the straw and loss into the atmosphere, associated with the production of greenhouse gases such as NOx, CO, and CO2, as well as fine dust particles such as PM2.5 and PM10. Soil carbon sequestration has been suggested as a strategy for climate change mitigation. Returning crop residues to the soil is a recommended practice that increases organic carbon accumulation in the soil. It is estimated that 15% of crop residue can be stored in soil and using compost can increase microbial activity and reduce the methane (CH₄) intensity. 

One CSI under consideration is Soil Digest: Novel microbial consortium rich in lignocellulolytic microbes boost up the decomposition process within 10 - 15 days. Lignocellulolytic microbes produce enzymes to degrade celluloses and hemicelluloses contained in the rice straw. Consortium lignocellulolytic microbes also degrade others agricultural biomass. Incorporating rice straw with microorganisms can convert crop straw into organic fertilizer, an effective way to utilize straw resources. It has the advantages of a long fertilizer effect and good stability. Ultimately, environmentally friendly products, humus, are generated.  

RAIN has piloted Soil Digest with rice farmers in Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen with satisfying results. Farmers are happy with the alternative (Note: other microbial products are available.) The use of microbial products with non-chemical usage as a requisite has visible results – stubbles decompose well in only 15 days and the presence of small animals in rice fields including fish, frogs, and earthworms. Local authorities have stated that farmers who burn agricultural waste will not be eligible for relevant government support, and Soil Digest therefore benefits beyond how they manage their farms.  

To support government policy; no-burn and provide farmers with appropriate options to reduce burning in agricultural areas and reduce PM2.5 problems. This project RAIN will support some of the budget for purchasing microorganism’s product, coordinate and facilitate private sector and local government agency for co-funding as a discount coupon for farmer.

Position: Consultant –Chi River no burn project

RAIN seeks a consultant to implement NE no-burn project using microbial product. The project area covers Roiet, Khon Kaen, Mahasarakam and Kalasin in irrigated paddy field along the Chi River (801,361 rai). The target project area is over 100,000 rai.

This position is open for Thai Nationals only.
 

Scope of Work:

1. Project Planning and Development
   1. Strategic Planning: Develop a strategic workplan, timeline, and resources required for the project.
   2. Stakeholder Engagement: Identify and engage key stakeholders, including local government agencies, community leaders, environmental organizations, and residents.
2. Community Education and Outreach
   1. Stakeholder Meetings: Organize initial meetings with local government officials, community leaders, and relevant organizations to discuss project goals and collaboration.
   2. Workshops and Training: Organize and conduct workshops and training sessions for community members, farmers, and local businesses on alternatives to burning.
   3. Press conference:
      • Develop press conference guideline and planning
      • Held a press conference to launch the project
3. Implementation
   1. Incentive Programs: Develop and implement incentive programs to encourage the community to adopt no-burn practices, such as subsidies for microbial products or rewards for community clean-up efforts.
   2. Monitoring and Evaluation
4. Monitoring Systems:
   1. Set up systems to monitor the incidence of open burning and the adoption of microbial products.
   2. Use tools like surveys, air quality monitors, and regular inspections to collect data.
5. Data Analysis:
   1. Regularly analyze data collected from monitoring activities to track progress and identify any issues.
   2. Adjust strategies and activities based on findings to improve project outcomes.
6. Impact Assessment:
   1. Conduct periodic impact assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the no-burn project on reducing open burning, improving air quality, and enhancing public health.
   2. Prepare and present progress reports to stakeholders and funders.
7. Progress Reports:
   1. Prepare regular progress reports detailing project activities, achievements, challenges, and next steps.
   2. Share reports with stakeholders, funders, and community members.
8. Final Report:
   1. Compile a comprehensive final report summarizing all project activities, outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future action.
   2. Present the final report at a concluding stakeholder meeting or public forum.

Deliverables & Timeline:

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience, preferably in the agriculture sector.
• Proven experience in community development network, particularly in agricultural extension.
• Proven experience in managing projects related to agriculture, agritech, or rural development.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Experience in stakeholder management and working with diverse groups, including farmers, agribusinesses, government agencies, and NGOs.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize qualitative data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills in both Thai and English.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes, and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law. Our project is at Kasetsart University, Bangkok. We are working in a hybrid between office and home.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit:

1. CV highlighting relevant experiences.
2. A cover letter explaining their approach to this project and why they are a suitable candidate.
3. Draft project proposal with approaches, activities, and methodologies.
4. Estimated breakdown budget
5. Samples of previous work related to user interviews or qualitative research (if available).

Interested candidates are invited to submit their documents to rain.consultant@winrock.org by 26 July 2024. Please include “Consultant –Chi River No-Burn Project” in the email's subject line. Winrock would like to thank all applicants for their interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.