Climate Tech / ICT Expert / Agrometeorological Tech Expert Job at Green Habitat Initiative (GHI)

Green Habitat Initiative (GHI) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation promoting the achievement of SDG 6 (clean water) and SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) in Nigeria. Incorporated in 2016 in Nigeria, GHI has worked in various sectors such as environmental sustainability, urban planning, sustainable urban development, urban agriculture, social urban innovations, architecture, WASH, solid waste management, recycling activities, environmental activism, etc.

GHI has worked with various local and international partners such as VINNOVA Group Sweden, USAID, French Institute Nigeria, Energies 2050, Embassies of Germany, France and Czech, The Water Mechanics, Baze University, One Environment, Stop Don't Drop, etc. to deliver its projects.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Climate Tech / ICT Expert / Agrometeorological Tech Expert

Job Locations: 65% Abuja, 35% Kebbi
Employment Type: Contract, Full Time
Tenure: 17 Months

Background

• Green Habitat Initiative (GHI) is planning to pilot the application of a Radio Internet System to support climate-smart agriculture in a technical assistance project titled RANETA (Radio and Internet for Climate Smart Agriculture) in Kebbi State, 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 more expansive 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, improving food supply and livelihood security.
• As such, Green Habitat Initiative (GHI) is currently seeking to engage a professional ICT Expert on a contract basis to act as the climate engineer for a climate-smart agricultural project.

Job Summary

• Your overall objective is to ensure climate and weather data generated is disseminated via an ICT system like the radio and internet technology (RANET) as a priority optionor other options like a mobile phone, WhatsApp, SMS, etc., that are identified as the better options than RANET.
• You will be responsible for diagnosing all ICT equipment stakeholders use in collecting and disseminating climate and weather data in Nigeria, both hardware and software components, to understand and document how they function and their limitations. Based on this understanding of the current systems in place and identifying gaps, you will lead the design of an IT blueprint that addresses these gaps with other stakeholders.
• As such, you must have working knowledge and education of ICT equipment andthe ability to understand new equipment easily.
• After meeting smallholder farmers to understand the challenges they face when accessing weather information, you will need to tailor the dissemination of technological solutions. You will lead its design according to their needs and ensure its usability for them.

Responsibilities

• The Climate Tech Expert will work closely with the program manager and Technical Leads to ensure that agrometeorological information is disseminated 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.

Minimum Requirements

• You must have a Bachelor's or M.Sc Degree in a Technology / ICT / Engineering related field to qualify for this.
• You must have work or research experience with hardware and software components of ICT systems such as radio and internet technology systems, advanced ICT systems, and weather and climate Systems (such as weather instruments, communication devices, etc.).

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, focusing on agricultural applications in the development sector, 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 RANET or a system you will design for smallholder farmers in a way that is practical and understandable 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 using 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 promptly. Proven critical thinker with strong analytical skills. Ability to explain complex information clearly, concisely, and practically. 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.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• Hybrid working options (4 days in the office, 1 day at home, or similar arrangement).
• Health insurance.
• Flat organisational structure. Everyone has ideas.
• Autonomous working culture (no micromanagement, dynamic culture, etc.)
• Amazing young colleagues to work with.

Application Guidelines

• Kindly upload your CV. It should be 2pages maximum. Name the file as CV_FirstName_LastName and in PDF format.
• We are more interested in learning about your achievements in your previous experiences than your daily tasks. We advise you to focus on 3 to 4 major achievements in your current/past roles.
• 2. Cover letter. 1 page maximum. Name the file as CL_FirstName_LastName in PDF format.
• We will read your CV and learn about your achievements. Therefore, your cover letter should not be a repetition of your CV. Instead, use it to succinctly inform us what unique value you will bring by joining us that is not mentioned anywhere in your CV.
• Any file submissions that violate the submission guidelines will not be considered.
• Ensure your contact details are updated.

Note: GHI is an equal-opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances.