Crop Technician

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, ensuring effective operations aligned with international standards of accountability. They advocate for policies, provide technical assistance, and mobilize resources to support agrifood systems transformation, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better production, nutrition, environment, and life.

Job Overview:
The Crop Technician position involves assisting in the planning and execution of field operations related to crop management. This includes implementing practices to optimize growth conditions through fertilization, irrigation, and pest control. The technician will work closely with producer groups, facilitating training and support for crop-related interventions. The role requires regular field inspections and data collection to monitor crop productivity and ensure the successful implementation of project activities. The technician will also be responsible for preparing reports and work plans, coordinating with project teams, and supporting the mobilization of resources for crop productivity improvement. The position is crucial for enhancing agricultural practices and ensuring sustainable development in the targeted rural municipalities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Crop Technician will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Forming and identifying producer groups for project interventions.
• Conducting orientation meetings to sensitize groups on project activities.
• Mobilizing crop Farmer Field School (FFS) groups for training.
• Identifying lead farmers and facilitating their participation in refresher training.
• Supporting the registration process of producer groups in rural municipalities.
• Assisting groups in developing proposals for matching grant support.
• Mobilizing groups for demonstrations and training on crop productivity.
• Preparing and submitting trimester and monthly work plans and progress reports.
• Identifying demonstration sites and coordinating input distribution. 1
• Assisting in seed multiplication and data collection activities. 1
• Providing technical services to producer groups on crop production. 1
• Monitoring interventions and preparing monthly progress reports. 1
• Collecting field data for project management information systems. 1
• Supporting multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms for market linkages. 1
• Monitoring environmental and social compliance of activities. 1
• Implementing awareness-raising activities on environmental issues. 1
• Undertaking other project-related tasks as assigned by the project chief and team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or Technical Diploma in Agriculture relevant to Junior Technical Assistant (JTA) level. They should have at least two years of experience in field operations, crop management, pest and disease management, irrigation, and post-harvest handling. Additionally, candidates should have a working knowledge of English and Nepali, with knowledge of local languages being an advantage. Nationality as a citizen of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma or Technical Diploma in Agriculture, which is equivalent to SLC/TSLC. This educational qualification is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary foundational knowledge and skills relevant to agricultural practices and crop management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant working experience in agriculture, specifically in assisting with field operations and crop management. Experience in pest and disease management, irrigation, and post-harvest handling is also essential. Candidates should have practical experience in agriculture development projects, which will be critical for the successful execution of the responsibilities associated with this role.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and Nepali. Knowledge of local languages is considered an advantage, as it can facilitate better communication with local producer groups and enhance the effectiveness of training and support provided.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, and processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position may involve working in multiple locations, specifically in Dolakha, Dhanusha, and Sindhupalchowk districts.