Fruit Expert (Berries /Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Cherries, Citruses, Persimmon and Hazelnuts)

Organizational Setting

FAO mandate in Georgia is to support national efforts to promote food security and sustainable development of agricultural sector. FAO priorities in Georgia reflect the objectives and priorities of the Government set in the strategy papers related to agricultural development. In essence, FAO assists the Government in creating and implementing an institutional, legal and regulatory environment. At the same time, FAO supports individuals working in agriculture – farmers, cooperatives, companies etc. by providing technical and financial assistance.

Reporting Lines

The Fruit Experts shall operate under the overall guidance and responsibility of the FAO Representative in Georgia; direct supervision of the FAO Programme Manager and in close collaboration with other international and national consultants of the ENPARD IV programme in Georgia, and more concretely the GCP/GEO/022/EC.

Technical Focus

A series of trainings to groups of orchard managers is being designed to address concrete weaknesses identified by the Farm Owners/Managers of each species. To scale up the work done in the previous production seasons under projects UNJP/GEO/013/EC and GCP/GEO/011/EC and to reinforce knowledge on various fruit production, under the ENPARD IV programme, additional trainings sessions will be organized in East and West Georgia. These trainings will include theoretical sessions and practical masterclasses to equip fruit producers in the country with the skills and knowledge needed to ensure safer production practices for both local consumers and export markets.

Target crops will be: Berries (Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries), Cherries, Citruses, Persimmon and Hazelnuts

Tasks and responsibilities

• Analyse the current agronomic practices adopted by Georgian producers of Berries (Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries), Cherries, Citruses, Persimmon and/or Hazelnuts; • Identify gaps, needs and requirements in agricultural practices to sustainably intensify the production of Berries (Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries), Cherries, Citruses, Persimmon and/or Hazelnuts in the context of Georgia; • Train Farm Owners/Agronomists/Managers on several identified topics related to Integrated Farm Management, Integrated Pest Management, Orchard Establishment, Crop Nutrition, Crop Protection, Soil Management, Irrigation, Pruning, Pre and Post-Harvesting; • Train Farm Owners/Agronomists/Managers on production of various crops from a Food Safety Perspective in line with relevant EU Regulations; • Introduce notions of Integrated Environmentally Friendly management of orchards and Conservation Agriculture; • Formulate recommendations to improve sustainable production of Berries (Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries), Cherries, Citruses, Persimmon and/or Hazelnuts; • Produce technical training materials including power point presentations, brochures, pamphlets and manuals, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agronomy/horticulture, agricultural science or related fields • At least 7 years of experience in orchard production (Berries - Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries - and/or Cherries and/or Citruses and/or Persimmon and/or Hazelnuts) - orchard establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection, IPM, organic production, food safety • Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge one of the official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish)

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent communication (both written and oral) and presentation skills