Technical Specialist in Family Farming

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which 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. The organization aims 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's mission is 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 employs thousands of professionals across various fields, contributing to its mission in diverse ways.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Specialist in Family Farming is crucial for the implementation of policies and programs aimed at strengthening family farmers in Brazil. The incumbent will be responsible for preparing a technical study that focuses on the experiences of family farmers, particularly those benefiting from agrarian reform in the 'Arc of Deforestation' region. This role involves evaluating innovative practices based on sustainability and agroecology, assessing their replicability, and identifying necessary resources and instruments for broader application across the country. The specialist will work closely with local and national governments, as well as family farmers, to enhance their capacities in areas such as rural extension services, credit programs, land access, and market access. The position requires a deep understanding of the challenges faced by family farmers and the ability to translate these into actionable policies and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: reviewing advanced literature related to family farming and sustainability; preparing diagnoses and technical reports that align with the project's objectives; conducting field visits to territories occupied by family farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries; researching and systematizing data on innovative practices adopted by these farmers; assessing the potential for replicability of successful experiences; mapping local, national, and international reference experiences; and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of policies and programs. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying challenges and opportunities within the family farming sector and contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Agricultural Sciences or Human Sciences, as per the CAPES table of areas of knowledge. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of experience in public policy making, social development, or family farming is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the agricultural landscape in Brazil and have experience working with family farmers and agrarian reform initiatives. Furthermore, candidates must have a working knowledge of both English and Portuguese, as effective communication in these languages is essential for the role. Nationality or residency in Brazil with a valid work permit is also a prerequisite for applicants.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields such as Agricultural Sciences or Human Sciences. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of family farming, public policy, and social development. Candidates should have a solid grasp of agricultural practices, sustainability principles, and the socio-economic factors affecting family farmers in Brazil. The degree should be recognized according to the CAPES table of areas of knowledge, ensuring that candidates have the appropriate academic credentials to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in public policy making, social development, or family farming. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to work with family farmers, understand their challenges, and contribute to the development of effective policies and programs that support their needs. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with stakeholders at various levels, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups. Experience in conducting research, preparing technical reports, and implementing agricultural programs will be highly valued.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of both English and Portuguese. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, conducting research, and preparing reports. While English is important for international collaboration and accessing global resources, Portuguese is crucial for engaging with local communities and understanding the specific context of family farming in Brazil. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The job posting specifies that only curriculum vitae (CV) completed in Portuguese will be accepted for this vacancy. This requirement emphasizes the importance of local language proficiency in the application process. The position may involve fieldwork and travel to various territories occupied by family farmers, which could require flexibility in working hours. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a collaborative environment that fosters teamwork and knowledge sharing. The specific contract duration and seniority level have not been detailed in the job posting.