Agriculture and Livelihood Officer

Position: Agriculture and Livelihood Officer

Location: Rural Project Area (Field-based), Sundarbans, West Bengal

Salary: 25,000 per month (Consolidated)

Employment Type: Full-time | Project-based

Reporting To: Programme Manager

About Rupantaran Foundation

Rupantaran Foundation is a non-governmental organisation working since 2009 to strengthen the lives and livelihoods of women, children, and young people in the climate-vulnerable Sundarbans. Through community-led approaches, we work on gender equality, child protection, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and youth leadership.

We are looking for a dedicated and technically skilled Agriculture and Livelihood Officer to support the implementation of climate-resilient and women-centred livelihood initiatives. The ideal candidate should have practical knowledge of sustainable agriculture, integrated farming systems, pond-based farming, livestock management, and strong experience working directly with rural women and community institutions.

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Role Overview

The Agriculture and Livelihood Officer will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring agriculture and livelihood interventions with women farmers and producer groups. The role requires regular field engagement, technical guidance, community mobilisation, and capacity building to promote climate-resilient farming practices and strengthen household livelihoods.

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Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate and support the implementation of sustainable agriculture and livelihood activities across project villages.
• Provide technical guidance on integrated farming systems, including crop cultivation, horticulture, pond-based farming, fish culture, duck rearing, poultry, goat rearing, and other climate-resilient livelihood models.
• Conduct regular field visits to mentor women farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and community collectives on improved farming practices.
• Organise and facilitate training sessions, demonstrations, exposure visits, and farmer learning meetings.
• Promote organic and low-input farming practices, soil health management, composting, seed preservation, and water-efficient agriculture.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of nutrition gardens, integrated farm models, and community demonstration plots.
• Work closely with women's groups to strengthen leadership, decision-making, and livelihood planning.
• Facilitate convergence with relevant government departments and schemes related to agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, livestock, and rural livelihoods.
• Assist in developing market linkages and value addition opportunities for agricultural and livestock products.
• Collect field data, maintain project records, document success stories, and contribute to monthly and quarterly reports.
• Coordinate with project staff and local stakeholders to ensure timely implementation of project activities.

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Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 2-4 years of relevant field experience in agriculture and rural livelihood programmes.
• Demonstrated practical knowledge of:

o Sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture

o Integrated farming systems

o Pond-based farming and aquaculture

o Livestock and small animal rearing (goat, poultry, duck, etc.)

o Organic farming and nutrition gardens

• Experience working with women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs), farmers' collectives, or community institutions.
• Knowledge of government livelihood programmes such as NRLM, Agriculture Department, Fisheries, Animal Resources Development, or related schemes will be an advantage.
• Experience in facilitating community trainings and participatory learning processes.

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Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical understanding of agriculture and rural livelihoods.
• Excellent facilitation and training skills with rural communities.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with women farmers and vulnerable households.
• Good communication skills in Bengali (spoken and written); knowledge of local dialects is desirable.
• Basic documentation, reporting, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to travel extensively within remote rural and island communities.
• Problem-solving mindset with a willingness to work in challenging field conditions.

What We Are Looking For

We seek someone who is passionate about improving rural livelihoods, believes in community-led development, enjoys working closely with women farmers, and is committed to promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in the Sundarbans.