Agriculture 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's mission is 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 for Sustainable Development. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, ensuring effective operations and resource mobilization to enhance food security and agricultural productivity.

Job Overview:
The Agriculture Technician position involves assisting in the planning and execution of agricultural field operations, including planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. The technician will implement crop management practices to optimize growth conditions, such as fertilization, irrigation, and pest control, through regular field inspections and data collection. The role requires close coordination with local stakeholders, including Agriculture Knowledge Centres and municipalities, to ensure the successful implementation of climate-resilient agriculture and disaster preparedness activities. The technician will also play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable groups, including women and landless households, by ensuring their inclusion in project activities and providing technical guidance to farmers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agriculture Technician will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: supporting coordination with Agriculture Knowledge Centres and relevant government offices; assisting in the identification and verification of beneficiary households; supporting the formation and mobilization of farmers' groups; organizing community orientation meetings; distributing seasonal vegetable and cereal seeds and home garden kits; monitoring post-distribution adoption; facilitating training on climate-smart agriculture; organizing disaster preparedness training; disseminating agro-advisory information; maintaining beneficiary records; preparing monthly field progress updates; providing logistical support during stakeholder meetings; and performing other project-related duties as assigned by the Project Coordinator or FAO technical team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or Technical Diploma in Agriculture relevant to JTA. They should have at least two years of working experience in field operations and crop management, including pest and disease management, irrigation, and post-harvest handling. A working knowledge of English and Nepali is required, and candidates must be nationals of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a High School Diploma or Technical Diploma in Agriculture, which is equivalent to SLC/TSLC. Candidates should have a strong foundation in agricultural practices and principles relevant to the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience in agriculture development projects, specifically in assisting with field operations and crop management. Experience in pest and disease management, irrigation, and post-harvest handling is essential. Additionally, experience working with farmer groups and community mobilization is highly desirable.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English and Nepali is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and documentation within the role.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must ensure that their higher educational qualifications are obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.