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Consultant – Economic Analysis of Soil Digest

: Winrock International

: Nonprofits / องค์กรไม่แสวงหาผลกำไร

: 527

: 8 July 2024

25 July 2024

POSITION TITLE:   Consultant – Economic Analysis of Soil Digest

LOCATION:             Bangkok

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 – Economic Analysis of Soil Digest

RAIN seeks a consultant to implement NE no-burn project using microbial product (Soil Digest). 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. Needs Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments to identify social and economic needs within the target area.
   2. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, and beneficiaries to gather input and build support.
   3. Strategic Planning: Develop strategic plans that outline the objectives, methodologies, timelines, and resources required for the project.
   4. Proposal Writing: Prepare detailed project proposals, including budgets, for funding and approval.
2. Research and Analysis
   1. Data Collection: Gather quantitative and qualitative data on social and economic indicators.
   2. Baseline Studies: Conduct baseline studies to establish a reference point for measuring progress.
   3. Market Analysis: Analyze market trends, labor markets, and economic conditions relevant to the project.
   4. Social Impact Assessment: Evaluate the potential social impacts of proposed projects, including risks and mitigation strategies.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation
   1. Monitoring Systems: Establish robust monitoring systems to track project activities and outcomes.
   2. Evaluation Frameworks: Develop evaluation frameworks to assess the impact and effectiveness of project
   3. Data Analysis: Analyze monitoring and evaluation data to identify trends, successes, and areas for improvement.
   4. Reporting: Prepare detailed reports on project performance, including recommendations for future actions.

 

Deliverables & Timeline:

Milestones	Due date	Payment (% of total contracted amount)
Ex Ante Plan: Ex Ante plan with detailed budget	September 15, 2024	25%
Ex Ante Report: Analysis of intended economic impact from use of Soil Digest	September 30, 2024
Ex Post Plan: Ex Post plan with detailed budget	November 30, 2024	25%
Ex Post Baseline: Collect and report on baseline information for control and treatment groups	January 31, 2025	25%
Ex Post Report: Ex Post report on economic impact of Soil Digest	April 30, 2025	25%

 

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 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.

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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 25 July 2024. Please include “Consultant – Economic Analysis of Soil Digest” in the email's subject line. Winrock would like to thank all applicants for their interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Contact : rain.consultant@winrock.org

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ที่ปรึกษา / Consultant