ThaiNGO

Consultant – Alternative livelihood or crop-diversification Specialist (Contract)

Rapid Asia is an independent management consulting firm based in Bangkok specializing in evaluations for programs, projects, social marketing campaigns, and other social development initiatives. We carry out program evaluations across a number of thematic areas including human trafficking, migration, gender, health, climate change, education, etc. Our clients include major donors, UN agencies, and international aid and development organizations. We take a regional approach to evaluations and have developed tools and indicators that can be used across borders for the purpose of evaluating program impact. Rapid Asia has conducted evaluations in 40 countries across Asia, Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and South America.

Due to our projects, we are looking for an energetic person to join our dynamic team. We are specifically looking for someone who can add value to our projects and clients. As the Alternative livelihood or crop-diversification Specialist, you will take on a key position within the team and for the right candidate, the role will offer the potential for growth. We work closely with several high-profile clients in Thailand and overseas.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Research tools review
   1. Review and provide feedback on the design of research tools to ensure they are robust and capable of collecting data that can be used for meaningful analysis.
   2. Ensure that the research tools capture comprehensive data on the socio-economic conditions, agricultural practices, and preferences of cash crop farmers.
   3. Verify that the data collected through these tools can be accurately analyzed to inform policy recommendations and alternative livelihood strategies.
2. Analysis
   1. Analyze collected data on cash crop farmers in Lao PDR, focusing on the socio-economic conditions, habits, and preferences.
   2. Identify potential alternative crops that could replace cash crops, considering factors such as market demand, climate suitability, and economic viability.
   3. Assess the current agricultural practices and resources available to farmers, including land use, water availability, and access to markets.
   4. Evaluate the economic and social impacts of transitioning to alternative crops on farming households.
3. Report writing
   1. Collaborating with the project team to validate findings through stakeholder consultations.
   2. Include recommendations for policy changes and interventions that could support farmers in transitioning to alternative crops.
   3. Develop actionable plans for implementing crop diversification strategies, including training programs, financial support mechanisms, and market access initiatives.
   4. Incorporating feedback from consultations into the final report to ensure that they reflect local realities and stakeholder perspectives.

Requirements:

• Ph.D. or Master's degree relevant to agricultural development, crop diversification, or rural livelihoods improvement.
• Strong understanding of the socio-economic and cultural contexts of Laos PDR.
• Sound understanding of the cultural and political sensitivities of working in Asia and an ability to sensitively engage and write about such sensitivities.
• Previous consulting experience in similar projects in Asia using different languages is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to write clear, concise, and engaging reports suitable for non-specialist audiences.
• Excellent English language skills (written and verbal).
• Understanding consulting work.
• Ability to work with flexibility.

Please submit your full CV and Cover letter. All applications will be treated confidentially.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Please send applications to reply@rapid-asia.com, with the subject "Apply – Consultant – Alternative livelihood or crop-diversification Specialist".

www.rapid-asia.com

Contact: reply@rapid-asia.com