Project Field Support Specialist (Insect Farm)

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

• 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations is implementing a project for testing the production of Black Soldier Fly production in the Caribbean Region. This project is in alignment with Regional Priority 1 (Efficient, inclusive, and sustainable production), with a particular focus on Regional Initiative 3 (Improving food systems in the Caribbean). The project will be implemented in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. The project field support specialist will be responsible for the production of Black Soldier Fly larvae for animal feed and the management of the BSF model farm in Barbados.

Reporting Lines

Under the technical supervision of the FAO Lead Technical Officer of the project – Insect production as a local source of high-quality protein for poultry and aquaculture in the Caribbean and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, the Project field support specialist – insect production, will manage the BSF model farm in Barbados for the successful implementation of the project. Specific duties will include\:

Technical Focus

The Project Field Support Specialist will test the production of BSF in Barbados and provide a report outlining the methodology and production results. The incumbent will also support the training of farmers and ministry personnel on the BSF production.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead the on-site management of the Insect production facility for FAO and ensure the continuous and timely update of the FAO project team on the progress of the pilot following directions and instructions from the LTO and insect production experts hired by the project lead.
• Manage the insect production facility, ensuring a continuous maintenance, breeding and production of at least 5 cages of adult flies and the related maximum amount of larva.
• Ensure the timely and regular collection of waste material from different sources e.g. markets, farmers, processing facilities, supermarkets, etc. through establishment of agreements with relevant stakeholders/suppliers.
• Provide guidance and management to volunteers and ministry staff supporting the production of insects at the facility.
• Ensure the organized data collection and storage of all costs and expenditures as well as production parameters during the pilot implementation.
• Develop a detailed pilot report for Trinidad and Tobago insect rearing pilot at the end of the project, outlining the production process, production parameters, costs, laboratory test results, and expenditures of the insect production pilot.
• Provide support to the project team to organize and conduct stakeholder engagement seminars and workshops as needed and planned for in the project work plan. Develop a final report on all stakeholder consultations conducted during the consultancy.
• Provide support to the project team to organize and conduct training events on insect production to extension officers, volunteers and farmers throughout the project implementation period. Develop a complete report on all training conducted during the consultancy.
• Provide support to the communications specialist during all activities for development of project communications material.
• Participate in all project team meetings and provide meeting notes.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, livestock production, aquaculture production environmental science or any other related field
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in agricultural production
• Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Computer literacy is required
• Quality of both oral and written communication skills.

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

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

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT