FFS-FBS Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. With a presence in over 130 countries, FAO works with governments and partners to develop policies, programs, and projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. The organization employs thousands of professionals worldwide, focusing on various aspects of food security, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.

Job Overview:
The FFS-FBS Specialist position is crucial for the implementation of the Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Program (RBWRP), funded by the EU. The specialist will be responsible for establishing and maintaining Farmer Field Schools (FFS), Farmer Business Schools (FBS), Farmer Climate Schools (FCS), and Ground Water Management Schools (GWMS) in selected districts of Balochistan. This role requires a strong analytical and quantitative capacity to ensure the timely achievement of project activities and the delivery of high-quality results. The specialist will develop new curricula for these schools, coordinate with partner organizations, and provide technical support to enhance agricultural practices among farmers. The position demands close collaboration with various stakeholders, including local authorities, NGOs, and academia, to promote gender-sensitive approaches and inclusivity in training and implementation processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The FFS-FBS Specialist will supervise the establishment and effective functioning of FFS, FBS, FCS, and GWMS in selected districts of Balochistan. Key responsibilities include developing and delivering training modules on modern farming techniques and business management, coordinating with NGO partners for beneficiary identification, conducting regular assessments to monitor the impact of the established schools, and collaborating with local authorities and relevant partners for successful implementation. The specialist will also provide timely reports on training progress, develop training materials, facilitate exchange visits, and manage field-level interventions for establishing Farmer Field Schools and Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) sites. Additionally, the specialist will document beneficiary information, support data entry in the Kobo database, and assist in the day-to-day monitoring of established schools and sessions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in agriculture, rural development, agricultural economics, livestock management, or a related field. A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in implementing Farmer Field Schools, Farmer Business Schools, or Farmer Climate Schools in similar contexts is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of the English language, as well as Urdu and local languages (Pushto, Balochi, Brahvi) used in the province. Nationality of Pakistan is also a requirement for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to agriculture, rural development, agricultural economics, or livestock management. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the goals of the FAO and the specific project.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in implementing educational programs such as Farmer Field Schools, Farmer Business Schools, or Farmer Climate Schools. This experience should be in contexts similar to those faced in Balochistan, where challenges such as natural disasters and economic instability impact agricultural practices and food security.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of the English language, which is mandatory for communication and reporting purposes. Additionally, proficiency in Urdu and local languages such as Pushto, Balochi, and Brahvi is essential to effectively engage with local communities and stakeholders in Balochistan.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates should note that 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 is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment.