Digital Agriculture Extension Service Specialist

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).

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 Technical Advisors to each of the nine components. Each Component Technical Advisors 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.

Within this framework, FAO KSA Technical Cooperation Programme is supporting the implementation of MoEWA’ Digital Agriculture Extension Services (DAES) to be implemented by the General Directorate for Extension. The DAES Consultant is to provide technical and advisory support for the initiation, implementation, and management of the initiative.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the Programme Coordinator, the Digital Agriculture Extension Service Expert will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor.

Technical Focus

Support Digital Agriculture Extension Service (planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning) under FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation Programme.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Specialist will carry out the following tasks:

• Study the DAES service, its objectives, scope and the implementation arrangement as stipulated by the General Directorate for Extension of MoEWA, identify gaps, weaknesses and provide technical guidance to overcome such shortcomings.

• Review DAES plans, resources required, suggest any adjustments, and prepare an overall and annual work plan for the follow-up of the implementation of the initiative.

• Provide technical and organizational/operational guidance support for the design and implementation of the DAES interventions including suggesting the implementation structure and team tasks and responsibilities.

• Guide the overall implementation of the SFFS and closely follow-up with Contractor (s) to ensure timely planning and implementation of related activities.

• Ensure close coordination of all DAES activities with those of the General Directorate of Extension such as Murshidak, and the Caravan,

• Provide technical guidance to ensure active linkage between DAES and demo sites to be established by different Components of SRAD.

• Identify potential risks, their underlying causes/sources and suggest risks mitigation and management plans.

• Develop and lead the progress monitoring and provide technical support for quality assurance,

• Review all technical and progress reports submitted by the contractor (s) and provide critical feedback and guidance,

• Prepare technical, knowledge products and quarterly progress reports, and ensure smooth communication with all relevant stakeholders.

• Review the training programme to be prepared by the Contractors and facilitate its implementation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture extension, rural sociology, development communication or any related field. • At least 7 years of relevant work experience in technical cooperation programmes in the field of agriculture extension, rural development, digital agriculture and or community development. • Working knowledge (level C) of English and Arabic 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

• Work experience in more than one location 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.