National Horticulturist cum GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, making agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its goals. The FAO Country Office in Bangladesh focuses on providing technical support to the government in implementing agricultural and horticultural projects, contributing to the overall mission of sustainable development and food security.

Job Overview:
The National Horticulturist cum GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Specialist will be responsible for providing technical guidance and support in the implementation of horticulture-related projects in Bangladesh. This role involves liaising with various stakeholders, including government departments, research organizations, and farmers, to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance the horticulture sector's development. The specialist will be expected to design and implement project activities, facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, and ensure the adoption of climate-smart horticultural practices. The position requires a strong understanding of horticultural systems and the ability to provide capacity-building support to farmers and extension workers, ultimately contributing to improved food security and nutrition in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Horticulturist cum GAP Specialist include:

• Providing technical expertise on horticultural crops, focusing on sustainable production, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling.
• Supporting the development and implementation of horticulture-focused projects that align with national priorities and FAO strategies.
• Conducting assessments, surveys, and field visits to identify constraints and opportunities in horticultural production and value chains.
• Offering training and capacity-building support to farmers and extension workers on good horticultural practices and climate-smart techniques.
• Preparing technical reports, manuals, and training materials related to horticulture development.
• Supporting the monitoring and evaluation of project activities, ensuring accurate data collection and reporting.
• Advising on regulatory matters related to horticultural production and market development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 9 years of progressively responsible research experience with a strong understanding of horticulture cropping systems. Skills in field experimentation, experimental design, and statistics are essential. A working knowledge of English at level C is required, and candidates must be nationals of Bangladesh.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, or a closely related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of horticultural practices and the scientific principles underlying sustainable agriculture.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 9 years of progressively responsible experience in research related to horticulture. Candidates should have a good understanding of horticulture cropping systems, including skills in field experimentation and experimental design. This level of experience is necessary to effectively contribute to the development and implementation of horticulture-focused projects and interventions.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Bengali or other local languages may be advantageous, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and farmers.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a SC10 role within the FAO structure. The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and will collaborate closely with various government agencies and stakeholders. The role is full-time and focuses on national priorities in the agricultural sector. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards, and the organization is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in its workforce.