National Consultant - Agricultural Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities worldwide, with a focus on inclusivity and diversity.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant - Agricultural Advisor will play a crucial role in advancing UNICEF's school meal provision project in the Solomon Islands. This position involves providing technical, hands-on support to schools and communities to enhance agricultural production and ensure a reliable supply of nutritious foods for school meals. The consultant will lead assessments of existing agricultural practices, develop comprehensive master plans for school farms, and promote sustainable agricultural practices that are climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive. The role requires collaboration with provincial agriculture teams and community stakeholders to strengthen local food production systems and improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for children.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead assessments of agricultural practices in nine schools, quantifying the necessary agricultural produce for sustainable meal provision.
• Map existing school farms and gardens, identify areas for expansion, and estimate expected yields.
• Develop site-specific master plans for each school, integrating ecological design principles.
• Provide technical support to develop model school gardens and farms.
• Promote agroforestry systems to enhance biodiversity and resilience.
• Strengthen the capacity of agricultural teams and community stakeholders in sustainable practices.
• Organize and strengthen community farmer groups to complement school-based production.
• Develop recommendations for integrating agriculture into school meal planning.
• Provide guidance for mapping local agricultural production and identifying priority crops. 1
• Facilitate agreements between schools and local farmer groups for food supply. 1
• Develop training modules for farmers and school committees on climate-smart farming techniques. 1
• Advise on procurement and maintenance of agricultural equipment. 1
• Coordinate with implementing partners to monitor agricultural plans and ensure stakeholder engagement. 1
• Develop quality assurance tools to track agricultural production and food supplies. 1
• Provide monthly progress updates and a final consultancy report.

Required Qualifications:

• A university degree in an agricultural-related field is required; an advanced degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in agriculture and food systems, particularly in the Pacific.
• Demonstrated expertise in climate-smart agriculture and community-based organization of farmers.
• Strong facilitation, training, and coordination skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Excellent analytical and conceptual skills, along with advanced computer literacy.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in an agricultural-related field is required, with a Master's degree in a related discipline considered an added advantage. Relevant years of experience may be considered in lieu of a higher degree, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge and skills in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in agriculture and food systems, particularly within the Pacific region or similar contexts. Experience in climate-smart agriculture, permaculture, and community-based organization of farmers is essential. Familiarity with working through government ministries and schools is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of Solomon Islands Pidgin is considered an advantage, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is open only to nationals of the Solomon Islands. The role involves a full-time commitment with specific deliverables outlined in the Terms of Reference. Candidates are required to submit a financial proposal alongside their application, detailing daily fees and other costs associated with the project. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background. The organization adheres to strict child safeguarding policies and requires background checks for selected candidates.