Crop Production Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The main objective of FAO offices, led by an FAO Representative, is to help governments formulate policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and use their environmental/natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The position is located in the FAO Representation based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representation for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname Country Office, and the technical supervision of the FAO SLC Policy and Climate Change Officer.

Technical Focus

Should encompass a deep understanding of soil science, plant physiology, and crop production, with a strong emphasis on optimizing yields and promoting sustainable practices. Up to date on the latest technologies and best practices to ensure the successful achievement of the Programme’s goals.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname (a.i.), supervision of the Lead Technical Officer in the Sub-regional office for the Caribbean in Barbados, in coordination with the Lead Technical Specialist and with the overarching support from the National Designated Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (Ministry of Planning and Development), the Crop Production Specialist will perform the following tasks\:
• Contribute to design and assess the current situation of protected cultivation systems in collaboration with LTO and international consultant expert.
• Define a data collection methodology and strategy as survey instrument to carry out initial assessment.
• Analyze the main indicators of productivity such as typical yield rates, number of cycles per year and main types of crops, cropping systems as well as varieties.
• Document the types of production systems being used under protected cultivation by farmers, categorizing them by greenhouse/net-houses/tunnels (irrigation/ without irrigation, soil, soilless) or any other systems being used.
• Develop farmer’s profile for potential beneficiaries who may be selected to establish pilots including information on demographics, main challenges/risk (production and non-production) and suggestions/recommendations to optimize current farms cultivating various crops.
• Describe areas to be strengthened through capacity building including training to improve efficiency of vegetables value chains.
• Support the project LTO with the initial assessment and implementation of identified activities including those related to optimization of protected cultivation systems among selected beneficiaries.
• Support LTO with the development of a list of materials to be procured for optimization of protected cultivation systems.
• Support the verification process of materials and equipment delivered to beneficiary farmers in keeping with technical specifications.
• Support LTO on developing planting schedules and diversification plan for vegetable crops cultivated under protected structures.
• Coordinate with the FAO technical team on data collection for the cost of production and other relevant data for protected cultivation systems.
• Support the LTO with field visits to beneficiary farms on a weekly basis for the optimization of protected structures and cultivation of selected crops.
• Any related activities assigned that will contribute to the success of the project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Crop Production, Agronomy, Agriculture or related areas of expertise.
• Five (5) years of relevant experience in protected cultivation systems.
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English. Limited knowledge (level B) of Spanish is an advantage.
• National of Trinidad and Tobago or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience interacting with governments and community-based organizations is required.
• Experience working in Caribbean Small Island Development States (SIDS) is an asset.
• Experience working in multilateral organizations is an asset.

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).

• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

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