Climate / System Technology Expert at Green Habitat Initiative (GHI)

Background

• Green Habitat Initiative (GHI) is planning to pilot the application of a Radio Internet System to support climate-smart agriculture in technical assistance titled RANETA (Radio and Internet for Climate Smart Agriculture) in Kebbi State, Northwest Nigeria. RANETA is a unique exploitation of the Radio and Internet to afford rural communities the opportunity to leverage technology and radio, which has widespread use in rural communities to build the resilience of smallholder agricultural practitioners, promote wider use of agrometeorological services to improve data availability, climate forecasting, early warning, adaptation planning, and decision making in the agricultural sector. In the medium and long term, this project aims to reduce climate risks in agricultural production, thereby improving food supply and livelihood security.
• As such, Green Habitat Initiative (GHI) is currently seeking to engage a professional Climate Tech Engineer/Agricultural Climatic Expert on a contract basis to act as the climate engineer for a climate-smart agricultural project.

Responsibilities

• The Climate Tech Expert will work closely with the program manager and Technical Leads to ensure that agrometeorological services are implemented and utilised to enhance data availability, climate forecasting, early warning systems, and informed decision-making within the project design and implementation.
• Develop and implement climate technology solutions to enhance agricultural practices.
• Design, test, and optimise climatic and meteorological forecast systems tailored for agricultural applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate climate tech solutions into existing agricultural systems.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements to contribute to the continuous improvement of our technology solutions.

Qualifications and required experiences:

• At least a Master’s Degree in an IT-related field, Engineering, Agronomy, Meteorology, Climate Science, Environmental Science, or other relevant education is required.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience using climate technology engineering, with a focus on agricultural applications, is desirable.
• Ability to diagnose existing ICT systems and equipment and propose alternative ways of achieving objectives.
• Ability to design an ICT system that supports smallholder farmers in working with climate data. Such a system must be able to collect data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) or other climate data sources and communicate either over RANETA or a system you will design for smallholder farmers in a way that is practical and comprehensible to them.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing meteorological systems is desirable.
• Excellent abilities to interact with local stakeholders, collect and evaluate data, and transform the information into high-quality documentation tangible to the target audience are desired.
• Excellent abilities in research and documentation are required.

Required Personal Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal, consensus-building, and negotiating skills are essential.
• Sustainability Knowledge: Knowledge of the sustainability agenda and its relationship with business. Must possess a strong interest in driving corporate action on sustainable development. Must have an international and innovative outlook and mindset.
• Computer/Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Experience with the use of project management software (e.g., Clickup, Slack, etc) is desirable.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive relationships with key decision makers by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; responds to questions, concerns, and requests from executives; meets timeline for delivery of services to a client.
• Research and Analytical Skills: Exceptional ability to conduct research effectively and assemble this information in a timely manner. Proven critical thinker with strong analytical skills. Ability to explain complex information in a clear, concise, and practical manner. Exceptional attention to detail that demonstrates an ability to evaluate complex information or problems to find a precise and digestible solution.
• Communication and Language Skills: Advanced communication skills, including outstanding written and spoken English skills that enable him/her to communicate professionally and confidently. Ability to interact with a broad set of businesses and present over the phone, virtually, and in person. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others, and responds appropriately. Ability to communicate persuasively in written form to help engage at scale. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Exceptional attention to detail, including tailoring language, tone, and content to match various audiences. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Advanced oral and written communication skills. Advanced knowledge of report writing
• Ability to engage and manage strategic stakeholders, including government, implementing partners, academia, and the private sector.
• Knowledge of the Hausa Language is desirable.