Agricultural Engineer (Mechanization systems)

Overview

Lead sustainable agricultural mechanization projects and policy development

You have:

• University degree in agricultural engineering, agricultural machinery design, postharvest and agro-processing engineering or a related field with specialization in sustainable mechanization systems
• At least one year of relevant experience in sustainable mechanization in developing countries
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) for Consultants, or working knowledge of English for PSAs

Organizational Setting

The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) enables the transition to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable plant production and protection through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices in order to increase production in a sustainable manner in order to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.

The post is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the Rural and Urban Crop and Mechanization Systems team (NSPLD), one of six teams in the division. NSPLD provides technical advice, support and guidance to Member countries and projects on how to sustainably increase crop production as a key contributor to food and nutritional security, improved livelihoods while protecting the environment in rural, urban and peri-urban contexts.

Reporting Lines

The Agriculture Engineering (Mechanization systems) reports to the Lead Agricultural Engineer of the Rural and Urban Crop and Mechanization Systems and works in close collaboration with other Agricultural Engineers.

Technical Focus

Sustainable intensification and diversification of crop production in smallholder and emerging farming systems including sustainable mechanization strategies and related enterprise development

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead or provide technical support to the development of sustainable mechanization policies and strategies and frameworks both at national and regional levels • Promote sustainable mechanization related to sustainable crop intensification including climate smart agriculture • Develop guidelines and standards for sustainable agricultural mechanization within integrated crop production systems • Liaise with research and development institutions, private sector organizations NGOs in linking the particular needs of small holders relevant to sustainable mechanization, related capacity building and training. • Support the work on private – public partnerships in the context of sustainable mechanization systems along the food value chain • Contribute to the development of concept notes related to sustainable agricultural mechanization projects • Support technical clearance procedures with respect to procurement of agricultural sector-related machinery and equipment • Contribute to programmes and projects on conservation agriculture and sustainable agricultural mechanization including through support for enterprise development • Look out, improve and promote business models for agricultural machinery hire services including digital agriculture solutions • Oversee product innovations in agricultural machinery automation including use of ICT, agri-robotics and autonomous machinery • Consider and address the socio-economic and gender specific issues that may occur in agricultural engineering interventions • Support organization and conducting of national, regional or international events to promote sustainable agricultural mechanization along the food value chain • Assist in developing communication products • Carry out other tasks as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agricultural engineering, agricultural machinery design, postharvest and agro-processing engineering or a related field with academic or professional specialization in sustainable mechanization systems • At least one year of relevant experience in sustainable mechanization in the context of sustainable agricultural production with focus on developing countries • For Consultants, working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). For PSAs, working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of knowledge of sustainable mechanization • Knowledge and extent of experience with integrated farming systems and sustainability in the context of smallholder production systems • Extent and relevance of experience in developing and implementing programmes or projects on crop production intensification and diversification in the context of climate change adaptation and/or mitigation in both smallholder and mechanized systems • Extent and relevance of experience of agriculture policy and/or mechanization strategy issues • Ability to analyze sustainable crop production issues from a technical, economic, social and environmental perspective • Work experience in more than one location or area of work • Exposure in working in or in collaboration with the private sector agricultural machinery supplies and services • Knowledge of machineries for seed processing, precision planting, seed coating and calibration would be considered an asset

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org