Farmer Field School (FFS) Capacity Building Expert

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized technical agency of the United Nations. The FAO mission is to work toward the eradication of hunger and strive for food security for everyone as stated in the 2030 Agenda. The FAO’s Strategic Framework aspires to transform agri-food systems so that they are more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The ultimate goals of these efforts include better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better lives, while leaving no one behind.

The FAO projects in Nepal currently involve building technical capacity, developing policies, enhancing agri-production, strengthening food systems, improving food & nutrition security, and mitigating the adverse impact of natural disasters and climate change. Within the framework of the food security cluster, the FAO helps to coordinate humanitarian assistance and the recovery of livelihoods in the agriculture sector. The FAO endeavours to eradicate hunger and malnutrition through its global initiatives. The key priorities of the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for Nepal (2018-22) entail enhancing sustainable agricultural production and productivity, expanding markets and consumption, and improving food security, nutrition and safety.

FAO Nepal is providing support to Ministry of Forest and Environment in the implementation of the project "Building a Resilient Churia Region in Nepal" (BRCRN) funded by Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project aims to confront the challenges posed by climate change by enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and vulnerable communities in Churia region. It promotes widespread adoption of climate-resilient land use practices, confront the challenges of deforestation and forest degradation, better maintain the forest ecosystem covering 26 critical river system of Churia region, and build resilience to climate-induced hazards. It focuses on building the capacities of governments, communities and other stakeholders to better understand and respond to climate risks. FAO has provided intensive technical support during the first two years of the preparatory phase to develop detailed plans for project investment. It supports building the capacity of relevant federal, provincial and municipal/local institutions for project implementation ensuring quality technical services to PMU and its outfits. It also supports MoFE, provincial authorities and local stakeholders to develop Critical Ecosystem Restoration Plans (CERPs) for the 26 targeted vulnerable river systems.

The problems identified in CERP will guide to design and implement project interventions for mainstreaming Climate-Resilient Land-use (CRLU) and Sustainable Agriculture Land Management (SALM) practices at targeted river systems. Since the Nepalese farming system is closely and intricately linked with forests and other common pool resources (CPRs), adoption of Climate Resilient Farming Practices (CRFPs) will considerably reduce pressure on forest and other CPRs resulting into decreased deforestation and forest degradation. The project will also support dissemination and adoption of improved technological packages through farmer field schools (FFSs) related to crop, livestock, SALM, agroforestry and CRLU practices targeted to farmers and other relevant stakeholders. The categories of strategies that can be used in climate change adaptation for smallholder agriculture would be - nutrient management, soil and water conservation, agronomic practices, tillage and residue management, and trees on agriculture land i.e. agroforestry.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, close coordination with the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), direct supervision of National Project Manager and technical supervision of Lead Technical Officer and, and close cooperation with the National Project Director, the FFS Capacity Building Expert will have the overall responsibility of supporting and supervising the planning, implementation, and monitoring of FFS activities contributing to the outputs of all project components.

Technical Focus

Enhance the climate resilience of ecosystems and vulnerable communities in the Churia region through integrated sustainable rural development and natural resource management approaches. The FFS Capacity Building Expert will have the technical expertise to design overall FFS approach aligning with the CERP, CRFPs and CRLU practices of the targeted river systems for the implementation of project activities as envisioned in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the BRCRN Project (GCP/NEP/076/GCF).

Tasks and responsibilities

The FFS Capacity Building Expert will be responsible to carry out the following tasks: • Design overall FFS approach aligning with the Critical Eco-System Restoration Plan (CERP), Climate Resilient Farming Practices (CRFPs) and Climate-Resilient Land-use (CRLU) practices of the targeted river systems; • Assist project management for final selection of FFS sites based on set criteria; • Prepare training guidelines/manuals, and work plan of FFS aligning with specific farming systems, CRFPs, SALM, agroforestry and CRLUs; • Prepare FFS stocking detail of project area, • Plan and estimate resource requirements for each training and FFS in line with project components, and provide backstopping support for the timely and quality implementation of the training and FFS; • Develop criteria and procedures for the selection of FFS participants; • Support FFS Facilitators for organizing awareness campaigns, meetings, registration of farmer groups and other FFS activities; • Assess the equipment requirement (agricultural and forestry technical supplies for training purposes) for 120 FFSs; • Prepare specification of required equipment’s; • Coordinate with PMU, PPMU and other stakeholders to identify FFS Facilitators and their training needs; • Assist in ensuring the quality of the training materials and other reference materials; • Assist to develop appropriate reporting and monitoring formats including FFS diary for the effective monitoring of FFS; • Develop TOR for a service provider to establish 120 FFS and TOT for the field staffs/extension workers • Support to organize ToT/ToF/refresher training as proposed; • Support and facilitate FFS Facilitators to establish and implement FFS and prepare FFS report including disaggregated data of beneficiaries; • Prepare consolidated FFS training reports of ToT/ToF/Refresher training in consultation and coordination with respective experts; • Assist in organizing training programmes of the project as per the requirement. • Prepare consolidated capacity development reports in coordination with PMU and TA team. • Undertake other tasks as assigned by the Project Manager.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. • Master’s degree in Agriculture or related natural resource management field. • At least 10 years of proven experience in formulating FFS training manual and guideline, organizing trainings and conducting FFS and various extension activities preferably related to climate resilient agriculture and land use practices. • Working knowledge of English and Nepali

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent soft skills: Paying attention to detail, adult learning, effective communication, interpersonal relationship skills, networking and coordination, and team and relationship building; • Proficiency in report writing and technical programme document preparation • Computer skills in Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint • Ability to plan, organize, and administer workshops and training sessions • Knowledge and experience on gender equality and social inclusion especially in rural livelihoods and agriculture with community engagement.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated practical and relevant experience in organizing trainings and conducting FFS and various extension activities preferably related to climate resilient agriculture and land use practices. • Ability to manage and work with a multidisciplinary and multicultural team • Proven ability to network sensitively, cooperatively and productively with multiple stakeholders • High degree of team ethics, well-organized, results-focused and dynamic personality • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Proficiency in English and Nepali language (both spoken and written) • Previous experience working with UN agencies is an asset

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.