CROP MODELLING CONSULTANCY

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture(ICBA) is an international, non-profit agricultural research center established in 1999 through the visionary leadership of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD), and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICBA is a unique applied agricultural research center in the world that is focused on marginal areas where an estimated 1.7 billion people live. It identifies, tests and introduces resource-efficient, climate-smart crops and technologies that are best suited to different regions affected by salinity, water scarcity and drought. Through its work, ICBA helps to improve food security and livelihoods for some of the poorest rural communities around the world. ICBA is an equal opportunity employer and appoints qualified staff regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, religion or national origin. We demonstrate our commitment to each member of our team through a competitive benefits package designed to assist our employees to cover their needs and the needs of their immediate family members.

Job Summary

The international Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), a non-for-profit agriculture-based organization, requires the services of consultants to develop crop models that can help in predicting the crop yield and plan for effective crop management practices in several projects ICBA is implementing.

 

Scope of Work:

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

  1. Conduct a literature review to identify the most appropriate crop modeling techniques and software for the project.
  2. Develop crop models based on the available data and information, using DSSAT and other suitable software.
  3. Calibrate and validate the developed crop models using available field data.
  4. Identify gaps in the data and suggest strategies for data collection and improvement.
  5. Provide recommendations on the most effective crop management practices based on the model outputs.
  6. Prepare a final report, detailing the methodology used, the findings, and the recommendations.
Job Responsibilities

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

  1. A comprehensive report detailing the methodology used, the findings, and the recommendations.
  2. A calibrated and validated model using DSSAT 
  3. A detailed description of the crop models developed, including the model inputs, parameters, and outputs.
  4. A user manual for the developed models.
  5. A presentation to the client's team to explain the methodology, findings, and recommendations.
Qualifications and Experience
  1. A degree in agriculture, crop science, or a related field.
  2. A proven track record of developing crop models.
  3. Proficiency in crop modeling software, such as DSSAT, APSIM, AquaCrop or CropSyst.
  4. Good analytical and communication skills.
  5. Experience working with International non-for-profit agriculture-based organizations would be an added advantage.

Timeline:

The task is expected to start on immediately and end on May the latest. The consultant is expected to deliver the final report and presentation within 20 working days.

Reporting:

The consultant will prepare a written report with findings.

Confidentiality:

The consultant will sign a confidentiality agreement with the client and ensure that all data and information collected during the project are kept confidential.

Termination:

The client reserves the right to terminate the contract if the consultant fails to deliver the required outputs or if there is a breach of the terms and conditions of the contract.

Payment:

Payment will be made upon the successful completion of the project, as agreed in the contract.

Post Date
4 April 2023
Status
Closed
Vacancy Type
Consultancy
Closing Date
11 April 2023
Location
TBC
Report To
Program Leader
Job Number
NA
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