International Consultants (Sub-tropical Fruits Industry)

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization Organizational Setting The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods. An overall plan and budget is developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. Requirements for international technical expertise of each component have been identified. In order to ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent international technical advisors will be appointed as Component Managers to each of the nine components. Each Component Manager will be supported by a team of international consultants and experts who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities. FAO-Saudi Arabia is seeking for consultants with relevant expertise in the sub-tropical fruits breeding, sub-tropical fruit pests and diseases control, sub-tropical fruits technology, sub-tropical fruits quality and standards, sub-tropical fruits marketing and agribusiness development, and sub-tropical fruits value chain analysis. Tasks and responsibilities: The Consultants of the project component on subtropical fruits value chain development in coordination with the Component Technical Adviser and Component National Manager will:

1. Undertake situation analysis and comprehensive sector review for the subtropical fruits production and industry and assesses comparative and competitive advantages of subtropical fruits production in the targeted areas of Saudi Arabia.
2. Benchmark, identify and promote appropriate best practices in sub-tropical fruit production, processing and trade among the small-scale growers.
3. Identify improved climatically well adapted pest resistant and high yield sub-tropical cultivars/varieties, assess their productivity, input requirements, technological package, economic feasibility and social acceptability as food and cash crop among small-scale producers in the targeted areas.
4. Identify, pilot test and promote good agricultural practices including sound irrigation systems, water harvesting techniques, efficient fertilization, pruning and harvesting practices among sub-tropical fruit growers in selected areas.
5. Develop and implement an IPM programme for the control of the identified sub-tropical fruit diseases, pests and weeds
6. Develop and pilot business and contract farming models and direct marketing strategies for small scale sub-tropical fruit growers in KSA.
7. Establish figs, grapes and Pomegranate demonstration farms and promote adoption of appropriate farm mechanisation and technologies.
8. Establish nurseries and tissue culture units for the production of high-quality subtropical fruit tree seedlings and planting material.
9. Support the establishment and development of local subtropical fruit marketing centres and extension and applied research centres.
10. Undertake subtropical fruits value chain analysis, and assess the need for need for fruit production and processing infrastructure including cold storage, value addition centres and drying facilities.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

• Advanced university degree in agronomy, agriculture, subtropical fruits production, agriculture economics, value chain development, agricultural marketing or related field.
• 12 years of relevant experience in small scale subtropical fruits industry development including at international level.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for Consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS.

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

• Work experience in more than one location and particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of experience in subtropical fruits production, processing and marketing and rural agriculture development.
• Familiarity with project management skills including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting;
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions.
• Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.
• Proficiency in English is essential and familiarity with Arabic language is desirable.

• Work experience with international organizations and in technical cooperation projects supporting countries.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in subtropical fruits industry and related issues.
• Ability to provide technical and advisory services.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency