Coffee experts

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Tuesday 27 Sep 2022 at 21:59 UTC

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Organizational Setting

The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.

An overall plan and budget is developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. Requirements for international technical expertise of each component have been identified. In order to ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent international technical advisors will be appointed as Component Managers to each of the nine components. Each Component Manager will be supported by a team of international consultants and experts who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities.

FAO-Saudi Arabia is seeking for high calibre specialists in Coffee’ field of expertise for Coffee breeder, Coffee quality, Coffee Tissue Culture, Coffee Value Addition, Coffee Pest Control.

Reporting Lines

The Coffee experts report to the Technical Adviser – Coffee Breeder under the overall guidance of the FAO Programme Director in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Technical Focus

Capacity development and knowledge management for enhancing Coffee sector in KSA.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Coffee experts will contribute to the accomplishment of outputs of the project component on “Coffee production”’ and will carry out the following tasks:

For Coffee quality expert:

  • Collect coffee cherry samples (representing the coffee growing governorates) from smallholder growers in the Asir and Al Baha;
  • Prepare the cherry samples (drying to the recommended moisture content, hulling and winnowing) for bean and beverage analysis;
  • Identify a local (preferably in Riyadh) coffee cupping laboratory for the bean and beverage analysis;
  • Analyse the bean grades of coffee Arabica grown by smallholder growers in the Asir and Al Baha;
  • Analyse the beverage quality profiles of coffee Arabica grown by smallholder growers in Asir and Al Baha;
  • Collect and prepare cherry samples of the coffee genotypes identified and selected for desirable traits by the coffee breeder, for bean and beverage analysis;
  • Analyse the bean grades of the coffee genotypes identified and selected for desirable traits;
  • Analyse the beverage quality profiles of the coffee genotypes identified and selected for desirable traits;
  • Identify a suitable laboratory to undertake biochemical analysis of coffee bean samples (both from smallholder growers and breeder);
  • Coordinate the biochemical analysis of green beans obtained from coffee grown in the target area;
  • Develop coffee standards and a coffee quality assurance guide for use by the value chain actors;
  • Develop a training manual for value chain actors on coffee quality (assessment and prevention of quality loss);
  • Carry out one training for value chain actors on coffee quality (assessment and prevention of quality loss).

For Coffee breeder experts:

  • Undertake morphological characterization of coffee genotypes grown by the small-holder growers in Jazan region;
  • Identify a suitable laboratory to carry out genomic analysis (DNA fingerprinting) to reveal the actual inherent diversity of coffee genotypes in target area;
  • Collect plant samples for international accepted genomic analysis from coffee genotypes in the target area;
  • Develop a coffee germplasm preservation programme for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;
  • Identify and select genotypes with desirable attributes that can be released as single tree selections;
  • Collect seed and other propagation material from the selected varieties/genotypes for germplasm preservation;
  • Coordinate coffee seed harvesting and processing from selected mother trees to be used to raise seedlings for the small holder growers in the target area;
  • Develop a coffee seed viability protocol
  • Develop a training manual and programme for value chain actors on morphological characterization of coffee trees, coffee seed production, processing and storage.

For Coffee pest and disease control expert

  • Undertake a comprehensive survey on the existing situation of pests and diseases of coffee including locally available natural enemies in KSA;
  • Update the catalogue of major diseases, pests, weeds and natural enemies in target coffee in the target regions;
  • Develop a comprehensive IPM programme and protocol for control of pests and diseases for coffee cultivation in the target regions;
  • Develop an IPM programme for control of coffee pests and diseases;
  • Develop a capacity building programme to ensure access of coffee small growers to pests and diseases control services;
  • Develop a training manual and programme for IPM approaches for coffee.;
  • Undertake training of on IPM approaches to extension staff and smallholder coffee farmers

For post-harvest technology/value addition expert

  • Assess the availability, suitable processing technologies and value addition options for coffee Arabica in KSA;
  • Assess and recommend the options available for the utilization of coffee Arabica secondary products;
  • Assess and recommend best Post-Harvest Technologies (including processing) suitable for rural small holder coffee Arabica growers in KSA;
  • Assess and recommend best value addition options for coffee Arabica suitable for rural small holder coffee Arabica growers in KSA;
  • Assess the need for processing infrastructure including cold storage, value addition centre and drying facilities and develop plan for strengthening of such facilities;
  • Assist in developing a training program for post-harvest management and value addition of coffee.

For Tissue Culture Expert

  • Undertake commercial production of seedlings using tissue culture for selected genotypes;
  • Develop tissue culture protocols for other priority crops that are grown by small holder farmers in the kingdom;
  • Develop protocols to reduce contamination and plantlet loss;
  • Develop a capacity building plan for the tissue culture laboratory technicians;
  • Carry out hands-on training for the laboratory technicians on utilization of laboratory equipment and micro propagation methods for coffee Arabica;
  • Carry out training and awareness creation workshop for the laboratory technicians and support staff on basic elements of the management plan and biosafety guidelines;
  • Identify and forge linkages with national, regional and international organizations to get micro-propagation protocols for different priority crops and capacity building;
  • Review and update the national strategy for tissue culture production of priority crops.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

  • Advanced University degree in biology, genetics, crop science, food science or any related field.
  • At least 7 years of relevant work experience in coffee production, processing, quality assessment , research, development, training, extension and working closely with coffee stakeholders,
  • Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for Consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

  • Experience working with coffee production and processing of different ecological regions and varieties
  • Work experience in more than one regions and particularly in field positions with ability to provide technical and advisory services.
  • International work experience in technical cooperation projects including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting.
  • Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions.
  • Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.
  • Proficiency in English is essential and familiarity with Arabic language is desirable.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org