Horticulture Specialist

ANURDO is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organization whose primary purpose is to encourage the repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons and the re-establishment of Afghan society and economy by engaging in infrastructure rehabilitation, sustainable development, and local community capacity-building activities. ANURDO is registered under registration number 4216 with the Ministry of Economy, Afghanistan Government.

The primary objective arising from this mission is to encourage repatriation by rehabilitating and constructing rural infrastructure as well as enhancing agricultural production and food availability in the target areas.

The complementary objective is to build capacity for locally directed community development by encouraging the establishment of social structures capable of identifying, evaluating, planning, and implementing solutions to perceived concerns.

Position Summary:

The Horticulture Specialist will provide technical expertise and field-level support for planning, establishing and managing high-value fruit orchards in the project target areas. The specialist will lead technical assessments, support the selection of suitable tree species and planting sites, oversee orchard establishment activities, and provide regular extension and advisory services to farmers.

The position will also support the adoption of improved and climate-resilient horticultural practices, monitor tree survival and growth, and build farmers' capacities in orchard management to improve agricultural productivity, household income and the sustainability of project interventions.

Tasks/ Responsibilities:

• Conduct horticultural needs assessments and identify suitable locations, farmers and land for orchard establishment in the target districts.
• Assess and recommend appropriate high-value and climate-resilient fruit tree species based on local environmental conditions, water availability, soil suitability, adaptability and expected survival rates.
• Support the planning and implementation of orchard establishment activities, including land preparation, sapling procurement, distribution, planting and irrigation arrangements.
• Ensure the technical quality and suitability of fruit tree saplings procured from local nurseries, prioritizing locally adapted and healthy planting materials.
• Conduct regular field visits and provide extension and advisory services to farmers on orchard establishment, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, soil management, pest and disease control, and general orchard maintenance.
• Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices, including efficient water management, drip irrigation, integrated pest management and sustainable soil fertility management.
• Develop and deliver practical, participatory training sessions for farmers and community groups on orchard establishment, management and improved horticultural practices.
• Provide technical guidance on land rehabilitation and agroforestry practices, including the integration of suitable cereals and vegetables under planted trees.
• Provide technical recommendations on fruit tree species and varieties, including pomegranate, jujube, olive and other suitable crops, according to local conditions.
• Monitor planted trees to assess survival rates, growth and overall orchard performance, identify challenges and recommend corrective measures to improve tree survival and productivity.
• Provide follow-up technical support to farmers to ensure the proper maintenance and sustainability of established orchards.
• Support coordination with local nurseries, relevant government departments, agricultural service providers and other stakeholders involved in orchard development.
• Coordinate with community mobilizers and project field teams to support beneficiary participation and ensure that farmers receive relevant technical guidance.
• Document orchard establishment activities, advisory visits, farmer training, tree survival rates and progress through field reports, photographs and other supporting evidence.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, human-interest stories and project documentation highlighting improvements in agricultural production and farmers' livelihoods.
  Perform other relevant technical duties assigned by the Project Manager.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or higher degree in Agriculture, Livestock, Agribusiness, Livelihoods, Rural Development or a related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in horticulture, orchard development, and high-value crop production (e.g., pomegranate, olive, jujube), including site selection, planting, and crop management.
• Proven experience in planning and implementing orchard establishment programmes, including sapling distribution, land preparation, irrigation, and survival rate management.
• Strong experience in providing extension and advisory services, including regular field visits to support farmers on pruning, pest control, soil management, and productivity improvement.
• Experience in training farmers and community groups using practical, lowliteracy approaches, ensuring adoption of improved practices and increased income outcomes.
• Fluency in Pashto and Dari is essential.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

All candidates are kindly requested to carefully and accurately fill in their relevant information using the link provided in the submission email.
Additionally, please make sure to attach and send your updated CV along with your submission.
Completing all required fields and submitting your CV will help ensure your application is processed successfully.

Thank you for your cooperation.