Departmentally Embedded PMU Staff – Horticulture

About UsCelebrating over fifteen years of innovative and collaborative work, Athena Infonomics has established itself as a data-driven global consultancy that leverages social science research, data science, and technology to provide user-centric, context-specific solutions and advice to decision makers.Our multidisciplinary and multi-cultural team of 75+ professionals spread across Asia, Africa, US and Europeexemplify extensive experience in designing and applying research methods to co-design and co-produce useful research that is inclusive and relevant.Our team of data scientists apply agile programming and ICT tools in order to deliver responsive and practical data and digital solutions—making for an innovative, technology-oriented business model that sets us apart in the international development space.The international business community is taking notice of this unique approach: in 2021 alone, Athena Infonomics was recognized onThe Financial Times, Nikkei Asia, and Statista's High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2021 and 2022 ranking and was selected as one ofThe Economic Timesand Statista's 2021, 2022 and 2023 India Growth Champions.Position OverviewThe Embedded PMU Staff – Horticulture will anchor program delivery within the Department of Horticulture, Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP). The role bridges horticulture policy, digital service delivery, and RSK operations, ensuring effective integration of departmental priorities with the GoAP Project Management Unit (PMU) framework.Reports to:PMU LeadLocation:Department of Horticulture HQ (Vijayawada/Amaravati) with field travelTenure:2 years, renewable based on performanceKey Roles & ResponsibilitiesProgram Integration:Align horticulture schemes (area expansion, high-density planting, protected cultivation, IPM, post-harvest management, market infrastructure) with real-time data from RSKs and field systems.Data & Advisory Management:Validate crop area, production estimates, and pest/disease data; ensure field alerts translate into timely interventions through digital dashboards.Seasonal Coordination:Work with District Implementation Cells (DICs) to manage planting, flowering, harvesting, pest campaigns, and market operations.Digital Advisory:Develop Telugu advisories (WhatsApp/IVR/SMS) on nursery management, fertigation, pest control, harvesting, and price updates.Policy Convergence:Harmonize state and central schemes (Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises, National Horticulture Board, crop insurance) for impact and alignment with AP Horticulture Mission and value chain programs.Strategic Collaboration:Support data interoperability, coordinate with M&E teams to track outcomes (income, value addition, women's participation), and channel ground insights into policy and planning.Essential CapabilitiesStrong knowledge of AP's horticulture systems (fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, plantation crops).Familiarity with departmental infrastructure—nurseries, tissue culture labs, pack houses, cold storages.Experience with data systems (plantation census, protected cultivation registry, market price tracking).Technical grounding in production practices, pest/disease management, irrigation, and post-harvest handling.Ability to coordinate between field functionaries, FPOs, and market actors.Proficiency in Telugu (essential) and English (documentation).Desired CapabilitiesExposure to digital horticulture tools (AI-based advisories, remote sensing, IoT fertigation systems).Understanding of value chains, traceability, organic and GAP certification systems.Experience managing multi-stakeholder convergence projects involving government, FPOs, and private partners.Analytical and data visualization skills for policy communication.Familiarity with sustainable and climate-smart horticulture practices.Skills RequiredTechnical:Knowledge of fruit and vegetable crop systems, varietal selection, phenology, and pest control.Digital:Experience with horticulture MIS, GIS mapping, and dashboards (Power BI/Tableau).Project Management:Ability to prioritize, coordinate across schemes, and manage reporting deliverables.Interpersonal:Facilitation, negotiation, and stakeholder management with farmers, FPOs, and processors.Analytical:Interpret field and market data for program insights and decisions.Capacity Building:Design and deliver training for field staff on digital literacy and evidence-based advisories.Preferred Profile & QualificationsEducation:M.Sc. (Horticulture/Agriculture) with specialization in Pomology, Olericulture, Floriculture, Post-Harvest Technology, Plant Protection, or Agribusiness.Experience:6–10 years in horticulture development, extension, FPO promotion, value chains, or rural livelihoods.Attributes:Technically sound, digitally fluent, field-oriented, and collaborative professional passionate about improving farmer livelihoods.Additional BenefitsField travel and communication allowanceProfessional development (exposure visits, certifications, sector events)Performance-linked incentives based on productivity, data accuracy, and service deliveryOther DetailsCross-sectoral Role: Support integration with agriculture, water, and rural livelihoods programs.Data Governance: Maintain confidentiality and adhere to GoAP's data protection standards.Additional RequirementsThis position requires successful completion of a reference check and employment verification.The successful candidate must not be subject to employment restrictions from a former employer (such as a non-compete) that would prevent the candidate from performing the job responsibilities as described.Only candidates who have India work authorization will be considered.Athena Infonomics is an Equal Opportunities EmployerAthena Infonomics is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.