Farm Field Schools Coordinator

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO’s) Representation in Egypt, which is headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist the Government of Egypt to develop policies, programmes and projects to improve food security and nutrition, promote sustainable agricultural development, reduce rural poverty, develop inclusive agri-food systems and strengthen livelihood resilience – in line with the Organization’s Strategic Objectives and United Nations’ global and Government of Egypt’s national Sustainable Development Goals.

The position is located in various FAO intervention governorates in upper Egypt.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAOR-EGY, the direct supervision of the project Manager, the project Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), the technical senior land and water officer (FAO-RNE), and in close collaboration with all partners (government, local authorities, NGOs, private sector, and others) and the technical team of the project, and the team of FAO Office in Egypt.

Technical Focus

The Farmer Field Schools (FFS) Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and managing the implementation of the FFS program using FAO modality and approach in the Enhancement of Agriculture Productivity project. The FFS Coordinator will work closely with project beneficiaries, local partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the project's objectives are met

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Review and familiarise with the FAO methodology for the mobilisation, implementation and monitoring of FFSs for the promotion of appropriate CSA and new irrigation practices and technologies. • Support in the identification of village-level FFS facilitator candidates (from government extension workers, NGO social mobilisers, community leaders and lead farmers) for final selection by the Project Manager. • In collaboration with the FFS facilitators and farmers’ and community leaders, assist FAO’s PMU to select the climate-smart crop and livestock production and PHM practices and technologies to be tested, adapted and replicated by FFS participants. • Undergo training and on-the-job coaching in the climate-smart crop and livestock production and PHM practices and technologies selected for the agro-ecologies of the concerned governorates (provided by FAO climate-smart agronomy, livestock and PHM specialists). • Coordinate and participate in the training of FFS facilitators in the FFS methodology and selected climate-smart crop and livestock production and PHM practices and technologies (conducted by the Project’s master trainers). • Coordinate and oversee the FFS co-ordinators in the mobilisation of groups of smallholder men and women farmers and rural households to establish and participate in FFSs. • Coordinate and oversee the FFS co-ordinators in guiding the implementation and monitoring of FFSs for the testing, adaptation and replication of innovative and improved climate-smart crop and livestock production and PHM practices and technologies. • Provide coaching sessions and prepare specifications for climate-smart crop and livestock production and PHM input packages/kits for the establishment of group-based study plots/ventures and on-farm/site experimental plots/ventures (procured by FAO-Egypt) and ensure their time delivery to FFS leaders and distribution among FFS participants. • Monitor the performance of the FFS participants and the FFS facilitators throughout the duration of the FFSs in order to analyse and reflect critically on their experiences, and plan for future goals and activities, ensuring the upkeep of FFS diaries reporting on regular meetings, problems encountered, decisions made, demonstration events, lessons learned and persons visiting (e.g. master trainers, project staff, extension officers, local and national officials, commercial agents and dignitaries and other farmers). • Evaluate the impact of the FFSs on the participants’ adoption of the climate-smart crop and livestock production and PHM practices and technologies tested and adapted and report to FAO’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist accordingly. • Assist the Project Manager and coordinate with FAO’s M&E Specialist to create a governorate-level database of FFSs established and implemented or failed, including a feedback mechanism that enables the regular and needs-base exchange of information between FFS facilitators, master trainers, project managers, as well as MoALR extension directors and officers, researchers and policy makers. • Prepare an end of assignment report for approval of the Project Manager/FFS Specialist and FAOR.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in agriculture, agribusiness, or a related field. • At least 5 years of experience in coordinating and managing FFS programs or similar participatory extension approaches • Working knowledge of English. • National of Egypt.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Relevance and extent of experience in working with inter-governemental bodies and multi-disciplinary teams. • Excellent organizational and analytical skills; • Good knowledge of agricultural production systems and practices, particularly in the project's focus areas. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. • Good organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. • Computer literacy in standard office software and proficiency in project management tools and software. • Experience in report writing and data analysis

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.