Agricultural Engineer (Sustainable Mechanization and Digitalization)

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 Agricultural Engineer (Sustainable Mechanization and Digitalization) reports to the Agricultural Engineer/Task Group Leader for Mechanization and the Senior Agricultural Officer/Team Leader (Rural and Urban Crop and Mechanization Systems Team), NSPL.

Technical Focus The Agricultural Engineer (Sustainable Mechanization and Digitalization) will provide technical support in the planning, delivery and coordination of the work programme on sustainable agricultural mechanization and digitalization.

Key Results Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services.

Key Functions • Researches and analyses technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and statistics and/or related policy issues to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services. • Produces a variety of technical information, data, statistics and reports as well as input for technical documents and web pages. • Provides technical support/analysis to various assessments, studies and initiatives and provides technical backstopping to field projects. • Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes and databases. • Participates in multidisciplinary teams and/or leads working groups/teams; collaborates with other divisions and agencies on work groups and committees and promotes best practices. • Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development activities within Member countries such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events, including preparation of related information, learning materials and on-line tools. • Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations. • Supports resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.

Specific Functions • Participates in developing and promoting methodologies and guidelines for sustainable agricultural mechanization and digitalization with ecosystems focus aimed at improving food security, food safety and farm enterprise competitiveness, while integrating sustainable mechanization and digitalization into sustainable crop production systems. • Provides technical support to FAO Member countries and regional bodies in the preparation of policies, strategies and operationalization plans relevant to sustainable agricultural mechanization and digitalization. • Collaborates with the public and private sectors to promote green and innovative technologies including automation, digitalization and agro-robotics to enhance access, use, timeliness and efficiency of sustainable agricultural mechanization along the food value chain. • Supports FAO's initiatives to enhance the use of sustainable agricultural mechanization and automation in post-production operations for value addition and to reduce food losses. • Supports scoping for innovations in agricultural equipment for crop production and protection and related innovative actions that conform to the new digital agriculture paradigm and advocate for suitable designs for smallholders. • Analyses, assesses and recommends appropriate business models for investing in sustainable mechanization, especially in developing countries. • Promotes opportunities to engage the youth back into agriculture, including through the development of youth targeted hire services as a business enterprise. • Supports the development and maintenance of partnerships and networks with relevant research and development institutions, private sector, farmer's organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), universities and governments to exchange and publish information and transfer sustainable agricultural mechanization technologies adapted to local contexts. • Participates in and supports the technical reviews and clearance procedures concerning quality assurance for the procurement of and investments in agricultural sector-related machinery, equipment and tools, including robotics and drones, and supporting infrastructures. • Performs other related duties as required.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in Agricultural Engineering and/or Agricultural Machinery Design; Biosystems Engineering; Mechanical Engineering or related field. • Five years of relevant experience in in agricultural mechanization and agricultural machinery, related digital innovations and including work experience directly related to developing regions. • Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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

Technical/Functional Skills • Strong knowledge and understanding of agricultural engineering principles, including mechanization, precision agriculture, automation/robotics and technology integration is essential. • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions. • Familiarity with emerging trends and advancements in agricultural technology, including digitalization and data science/analytics is highly desirable. • Experience in research and development related to agricultural engineering, innovation, and technology is valuable. This can involve conducting studies, analyzing data, and identifying innovative solutions for improving agricultural practices and equipment. • Experience in collaborating with diverse partners such as: governments, NGOs, research institutions, and private sector entities, is valuable. The ability to build networks and partnerships to leverage resources and promote innovation is highly beneficial. • Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge of sustainable agricultural mechanization along the value chain. • Extent and relevance of experience in agricultural mechanization and agricultural machinery, including work experience directly related to developing contexts. • Ability to analyse sustainable crop mechanization issues from a technical, socio-economic and environmental point of view. • Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary to effectively communicate technical concepts to a variety of audiences, including policymakers, farmers, and other stakeholders. • Ability to prepare reports, presentations, training and information materials, and technical documents