INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page.

El Salvador’s agricultural sector faces a critical juncture due to the escalating impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increasingly frequent floods and droughts threaten food security and the livelihoods of countless vulnerable farmers. Traditional rain-fed agricultural practices are struggling to adapt to this volatile environment, leaving farmers exposed and unable to optimize their yields.

Compounding these challenges is the restricted access to real-time climate and market information. Existing information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and farmer awareness are insufficient, hindering informed decision-making. Farmers lack crucial data for selecting the most suitable crops, determining optimal planting cycles, and identifying peak harvest windows to maximize yields and market value.

Although Early Warning Systems (EWS) are under development, their effectiveness is limited. These systems, designed to provide alerts about impending droughts, floods, or pest outbreaks, fail to reach all farmers. This leaves many vulnerable, operating without the knowledge necessary to take necessary precautions and mitigate potential losses.

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in collaboration with El Salvador’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), is implementing the “Strengthening Capacities of Women and Youth for the Implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in El Salvador” project. This initiative aims to equip vulnerable farmers, particularly women and youth, with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a changing climate. GGGI will support the government in:

• Expanding access to ICT tools: The project will make Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools, such as early warning systems (EWS), accessible to a wider range of underserved farmers nationwide. These systems will provide real-time climate and market information, allowing farmers to adjust their practices (e.g., fertilization, planting times) to better manage risks and capitalize on market opportunities.
• Nationwide early warning system: Building upon the success of MAG’s Rural Adelante Program EWS application in the Eastern Region, the project will establish a comprehensive, nationwide early warning system for the agricultural sector. This system will leverage commonly used platforms like mobile applications, telephone messaging, and internet access to deliver timely alerts on potential threats like pests, diseases, extreme weather events, and market fluctuations.
• Enhanced monitoring infrastructure: To support the early warning system, the project will upgrade existing meteorological stations and install new agrometeorological stations equipped with specialized sensors to collect crucial agricultural data across the entire country.

The Global Green Growth Institute is seeking a consultant with expertise in analyzing and processing agrometeorological and climate information generated by the MARN, transforming it into understandable language for users in the agricultural, fisheries, and aquaculture sectors, to help them make decisions in implementing actions to prevent or reduce losses and damages in these sectors in the face of extreme weather and climate events.

This consultant will drive efforts to create agrometeorological working groups and climate services throughout the country, in order to promote climate-smart agriculture using crop water modeling or requirements in key areas of interest to the productive sectors of the country.

The consultant will also collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and the MARN to optimize information systems and disseminate meteorological information through various channels, as well as develop user-friendly weather bulletins for farmers. The consultant will lead the expansion of the agrometeorological information system for the benefit of all the country’s agricultural productive sectors.

The consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Collaboration with MARN: Maintain a close working relationship with the Meteorology Department of the General Directorate of Threats and Natural Phenomena (DOA) within the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN).
• Manage Existing Agrometeorological Roundtables: Provide ongoing support and assistance to existing agroclimatic roundtables. Facilitate the understanding of weather and climate information using the agroclimatic information system in alignment with GGGI project objectives.
• Promote New Agrometeorological Services: Spearhead efforts to establish agrometeorological working groups and climate services across the country. Promote climate-smart agriculture utilizing crop water modeling or requirements for staple crops in areas of interest to the national productive sectors, aligned with GGGI project objectives.
• Optimize Information Systems: Attend coordination meetings with the Meteorology Department (GMT) as needed. Collaborate in the improvement of the MAG’s Agroclimatic and Market Information System (SIAM). Integrate market prices for areas covered by the GGGI project.
• Develop User-Friendly Communication Materials: Partner with the GMT to design clear and informative weather and climate bulletins for agricultural and livestock stakeholders. Ensure bulletins are easy to understand and contain relevant information.
• Disseminate Agrometeorological Information: Prepare and disseminate agrometeorological information on current weather conditions, forecasts, and potential threats through various channels, including SMS and social media.
• Beneficiary Registration: Maintain an up-to-date and verifiable record of the number of individuals receiving alert messages and market price information.
• Analyze Extreme Weather Events: Conduct studies to assess the impact of extreme weather events on agricultural production sectors.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze relevant information such as data reports, satellite imagery, maps, graphs, and more.
• Lead System Expansion: Lead, advise, and implement the expansion of the agroclimatic information system to encompass other productive activities at the national level.
• Work Plan: Within 15 days of contract signing, the consultant shall submit a detailed work plan outlining the project activities and a corresponding execution schedule.
• Monthly Reporting: The consultant shall submit a monthly report by the 27th of each month, detailing the execution of activities during the previous month. The report should include supporting documentation such as meeting minutes, attendance sheets, and photographs.
• Periodical Reports: In addition to the monthly reports, the consultant shall submit consolidated periodical reports on the dates specified in the “DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE” section. These reports will summarize the activities carried out during the preceding three months and serve as the basis for corresponding payments from the Meteorology Manager-MARN and GGGI.

The payment method will be established as follows:

Qualifications

• Academic training in agronomy, environmental sciences, or a related field. Training in meteorology or climatology is required.
• Fluency in Spanish and workable English competency.
• Be a national of El Salvador or have a valid work permit in El Salvador.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience.
• 1-2 years of experience in analyzing and processing agrometeorological and climate information.
• Knowledge of the national meteorological network.
• Experience in phenological observations.
• Experience in providing training to producers on topics related to the applicability of climate in agriculture.

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and report writing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Time management and organization skills.
• Basic knowledge of the internet, LAN/WAN networks.
• Light vehicle driver’s license.

To apply for this consultancy position, please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter: A well-written cover letter that clearly demonstrates how your qualifications and experience align with the job requirements. Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences and explain how you can contribute to the success of the project.
• Curriculum vitae (CV): An updated CV that provides a detailed overview of your educational background, work experience, and professional achievements. Ensure your CV is clear, concise, and easy to read.

SELECTION PROCESS

• Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. Pre-selected candidates will be contacted for further evaluation. Please note that GGGI does not reimburse any expenses associated with interviews unless they are pre-authorized.

Date to close is 18:00, 25 July 2024, Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. Cover Letter, and CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.