Dragon Fruit Specialist
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The organization works in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are dedicated to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. FAO's country offices, such as the one in Guyana, play a crucial role in assisting governments to develop policies and programs aimed at achieving food security and reducing malnutrition, while also focusing on sustainable agricultural practices.
Job Overview:
The Dragon Fruit Specialist position is designed to provide technical expertise and guidance for the development of a sustainable dragon fruit industry in Guyana. The specialist will focus on identifying suitable cultivation areas, promoting scientific cultivation methods, building the technical capacity of stakeholders, and developing a comprehensive manual on dragon fruit cultivation tailored to the specific agro-ecological conditions of Guyana. This role is critical in enhancing the agricultural sector's productivity and sustainability, particularly in the context of the ongoing collaboration between FAO and the Government of Guyana. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including local farmers, agricultural experts, and FAO team members, to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Dragon Fruit Specialist will be responsible for several key tasks, including:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. Proven expertise in dragon fruit cultivation is required, with at least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in tropical climates. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory, along with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Horticulture, Agronomy, or Agricultural Sciences. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. The educational qualifications should be from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that the candidate has a solid foundation in agricultural sciences and practices.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in dragon fruit cultivation, particularly in tropical climates. Candidates should have a strong background in conducting agro-ecological assessments and developing cultivation manuals. Experience in capacity building and training, especially in the context of dragon fruit, is also essential. Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and engage with multiple partners is highly valued.
Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with local stakeholders and partners in the agricultural sector.
Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and requires the candidate to be available to work in Georgetown, Guyana. The role may involve travel within the country to attend relevant meetings and facilitate information exchange. Familiarity with FAO or other UN agency policies, administrative and financial procedures is considered a strong asset. The position is part of a collaborative project aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in Guyana.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The organization works in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are dedicated to improving agricultural productivity, enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and promoting sustainable management of natural resources. FAO's country offices, such as the one in Guyana, play a crucial role in assisting governments to develop policies and programs aimed at achieving food security and reducing malnutrition, while also focusing on sustainable agricultural practices.
Job Overview:
The Dragon Fruit Specialist position is designed to provide technical expertise and guidance for the development of a sustainable dragon fruit industry in Guyana. The specialist will focus on identifying suitable cultivation areas, promoting scientific cultivation methods, building the technical capacity of stakeholders, and developing a comprehensive manual on dragon fruit cultivation tailored to the specific agro-ecological conditions of Guyana. This role is critical in enhancing the agricultural sector's productivity and sustainability, particularly in the context of the ongoing collaboration between FAO and the Government of Guyana. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including local farmers, agricultural experts, and FAO team members, to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Dragon Fruit Specialist will be responsible for several key tasks, including:
- Identification of Suitable Cultivation Areas: Conducting a comprehensive agro-ecological assessment to identify optimal areas for large-scale dragon fruit cultivation, focusing on Regions 4 and 1
- This includes analyzing soil types, climate conditions, and water availability, as well as conducting interviews with local farmers to understand current land use and challenges.
- Promotion of Scientific Cultivation Methods: Introducing best practices for dragon fruit cultivation specific to Guyana, advising on the selection of appropriate varieties and planting materials, and developing strategies for pest and disease management.
- Capacity Building and Training: Designing training modules for farmers and agricultural extension officers, organizing training programs, and establishing a cadre of 'Master Trainers' to enhance local expertise.
- Development of Knowledge Resources: Preparing a comprehensive manual on dragon fruit cultivation that covers all aspects of the production cycle.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Developing mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of cultivation methods and training programs, and creating a handover plan for implementation by relevant line departments.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. Proven expertise in dragon fruit cultivation is required, with at least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in tropical climates. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory, along with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Horticulture, Agronomy, or Agricultural Sciences. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. The educational qualifications should be from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, ensuring that the candidate has a solid foundation in agricultural sciences and practices.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in dragon fruit cultivation, particularly in tropical climates. Candidates should have a strong background in conducting agro-ecological assessments and developing cultivation manuals. Experience in capacity building and training, especially in the context of dragon fruit, is also essential. Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and engage with multiple partners is highly valued.
Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with local stakeholders and partners in the agricultural sector.
Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and requires the candidate to be available to work in Georgetown, Guyana. The role may involve travel within the country to attend relevant meetings and facilitate information exchange. Familiarity with FAO or other UN agency policies, administrative and financial procedures is considered a strong asset. The position is part of a collaborative project aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in Guyana.
Info
Job Posting Disclaimer
This job posting is provided for informational purposes only. The accuracy of the job description, qualifications, and other details mentioned is the sole responsibility of the employer or the organization listing the job. We do not guarantee the validity or legitimacy of this job posting. Candidates are advised to conduct their own due diligence and verify the details directly with the employer before applying.
We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.