Agronomist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by FAO Representative is to assist governments to develop policies, programs and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The mission of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is to work to eradicate hunger and promote global food security together with balanced and complete nutrition. Our mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy.

Our three main goals are: the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty and the driving forward of economic and social progress for all; and, the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, including land, water, air, climate and genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

The key mission of the FAO Representation in Ethiopia, which is led by a FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programmes aimed at accelerating the implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the area of FAO’s global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO’s response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Ethiopia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, nutrition, value chain, marketing, agri-business and land administration. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building and development interventions, with the support of its six sub-national offices and in partnership with government offices/institutions and Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs).

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Ethiopia and direct supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative and the Crop and Natural Resources Unit Head and working closely with the FAO Ethiopia Emergency Unit (EU).

Technical Focus

The Agronomist will provide support to enhancement of crop production and productivity through promotion of improved technologies and best practices and sustainable management of natural resources (Better Environment).

Tasks and responsibilities

• Prepare operational plans, coordinate the implementation of the crop production component of the FAO Programme in Ethiopia, and provide technical guidance on capacity development to counterparts to achieve project outputs; • Assist in the designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating of emergency crop interventions; • Develop standard crop production input kits that are adopted to each agro-ecology and season in the regions of intervention in consultation with the government and other technical stakeholders; • Facilitate implementation of project activities through consolidating crop-based inputs, develop procurement and inputs distribution plans; • Developing technical specifications seeking all necessary internal clearances and continuous engagement with FAO Technical units at sub regional and HQ, and the procurement unit to ensure timely delivery; • Provide technical advice on agricultural interventions related to crop interventions including reviewing partner project proposals; • Collect information on farmers’ seed needs, seed availability and accessibility, compile information on formal and informal seed sector suppliers and develop a seed supplier database in collaboration with the Procurement Unit; • In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and other partners contribute to the analysis of the food and seed security situation of the country; • Strengthen the seed multiplication component of the program in collaboration with relevant stakeholders; • Review existing crop and seed production policies, strategies, existing challenges and opportunities of the sector; • Undertake regular field visits to project locations (regions, zones and woredas) to monitor and evaluate project implementation quality; • Ensure projects are completed within the planned budget and timeframe, prepare necessary narrative and financial reports and assist implementing partners on the same; • Provide backstopping services and guidance to regional FAO focal persons, field monitors, and project implementing partners on the duties assigned to them; • Participate in DRM-ATF (Disaster Risk Management -Agriculture Task-Force) coordination meetings when required and assigned; • Introduce innovations for overall improvement of programme delivery; • Prepare technical briefs in relation to crop sector interventions for management and key stakeholders including donors; • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Plant science, Plant protection, Seed Technology, Agricultural science or a related field. • At least 8 years of experience in crop production and protection, seed systems of which at least 5 years’ experience in a senior position. • Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of the local language (s) used at the duty station is required. • Candidate should be national of Ethiopia.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Relevant experience in providing support to crop production and protection in Ethiopia; • Good understanding of national policies, strategies, programmes, and challenges and opportunities; • Significant experience in crop production and protection projects designing and implementation; • Knowledge of technologies and best practices related to crop production and protection; • Organization and planning skills; • Training delivery and presentation skills; and • Technical report writing skill.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• 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 additional employment opportunities 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.