International Protected Cultivation Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. Its mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO aims to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and works closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement innovative solutions to nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition challenges.

Job Overview:
The International Protected Cultivation Expert will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by the Pacific region in terms of food production and import dependence. This position involves working closely with national agriculture ministries in Federated States of Micronesia, Cook Islands, and Solomon Islands to implement innovative farming technologies that require less soil, water, and space while still producing nutritious food. The expert will be responsible for coordinating activities under the TCP/SAP/3908 project, which aims to establish protected cultivation demonstration sites and build the capacity of government staff and farmers. The role requires a deep understanding of the project's objectives and the ability to effectively manage and implement activities to ensure successful outcomes. The expert will also be tasked with educating communities on the importance of consuming locally grown vegetables to stimulate demand and reduce reliance on imports. This position is critical for the sustainability of the interventions and the overall success of the project, which is set to conclude in November 2025.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the International Protected Cultivation Expert include:

• Understanding the objectives and current status of the ongoing project to effectively plan and complete activities and achieve all project deliverables.
• Providing hands-on support to national consultants and key stakeholders to ensure the successful establishment and utilization of the protected cultivation demonstration sites, including training management staff on how to operate these facilities.
• Developing and refining training materials focused on protected cultivation methodologies and seedling production, ensuring they are business-oriented.
• Identifying potential partners and strategies to foster collaborations with domestic youth, NGOs, and other agencies to sustain the initiative beyond the project's duration.
• Documenting success stories and lessons learned from the pilot program, including farmer and stakeholder experiences, to be included in a comprehensive final report that outlines the project's progress and recommendations for maintaining protected cultivation as a viable production method.
• Ensuring the proper utilization of project funds to meet the original objectives.
• Completing the Terminal Report for the TCP with guidance from ministry and FAO colleagues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A university degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, or related fields.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in agricultural production and innovative protective farming technologies, including at least 2 years of experience in agriculture project management, particularly in capacity building for trainers and farmers.
• A working knowledge of English is essential for effective communication and collaboration.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering, or related fields. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of agricultural production systems and the innovative technologies that can be applied to improve food security and reduce import dependence.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7 years in agriculture production and innovative protective farming technologies. Out of this, at least 2 years must be dedicated to agriculture project management, which includes experience in capacity building for trainers and farmers. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the candidate can effectively manage the project and provide the necessary technical support to stakeholders.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication with various stakeholders and partners involved in the project. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Pacific region may be considered an asset, although not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a project that is set to conclude in November 202

• The role is expected to be full-time and may involve travel to the Federated States of Micronesia, Cook Islands, and Solomon Islands for site visits and training sessions. Candidates will be assessed based on their qualifications, experience, and alignment with FAO's core competencies, which include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.