Horticulture and Agro-Business Specialist

Overview

Develop horticultural production and management strategies for farmer groups.

You have:

• Bachelor's degree required, postgraduate degree preferred in Horticulture, Agronomy, Agri-Business Development or related discipline with expertise in research methods.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional work experiences in related field.
• National of Bangladesh.
• Working knowledge of English and Bangla essential.

Organizational Setting

FAO’s Resilience and Emergency Programme is working closely with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) to support farmers affected by natural disasters (Cyclone Amphan, Monsoon Flooding) as well as those impacted by the negative impacts to market and supply chains from Covid 19. A main goal of the programme is not only increase agricultural production and incomes, but to strengthen food systems, making them safer and resilient. The programme aims to link individual farmers and farmer groups more closely to urban markets where accessing safe and affordable food is challenging for urban poor. The programme will also work closely with city corporations and other partners to ensure safe markets and transportation lines for food commodities.

To meet this goal, FAO will work with farmer organizations by providing training (organizational development, business planning and production forecasting) as well as material inputs to ramp up their production under new technologies. FAO plans to support these groups with customized support to reach year-long production in a variety of food crops through protected and semi-protected technologies, water conservation and irrigation strategies, improved seed and cropping strategies.

The candidate for the position of Horticulture and Agro-Business Specialist will have demonstrated experience in tackling these issues as well as demonstrated experience in successful farm-to-market development.

Reporting Lines

Horticulture and Agro-Business Specialist is a SC 8 position and will work Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and direct supervision of the Resilience Programme Specialist the incumbent will develop production and management strategies for the targeted groups. The duties and responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following.

Technical Focus

The Horticulture and Agro-Business Specialist will work with stakeholders from the DAE, local government, community leaders and the farmer groups to develop medium to long-term technical and social strategies for improved and increased crop production, marketing and sales.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Ensure alignment with overall Programme objectives and promoting standardized approaches as appropriate:
• Review existing farmer group profiles for target areas and conduct desk review of local conditions and markets,
• Meet with DAE staff to understand local and regional strategies to determine strategic fit for FAO programming,
• Review agro-ecological conditions for targeted areas to determine appropriate crop selection and planning,
• Conduct field visits to selected farmer groups to assess group capacity, interest and cohesion,
• Determine appropriateness of previously provided and planned support,
• Develop group specific strategies and recommendations based on market demand and capacity of farmer groups,
• Provide investment plan for recommended horticultural production strategies based on return on investment, value-for-money and overall feasibility,
• Consider medium and long-term horticultural strategies for the targeted areas to cope with climate change and disaster risk profile,
• Identify private sector market linkage options and assist in connecting farmer groups,
• Work closely with partners assisting urban poor to determine demand and preference of the target consumer group,
• Assess DAE capacity to provide support for innovations and strategies, recommending trainings and support strategies to be employed.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, postgraduate degree preferred in Horticulture, Agronomy, Agri-Business Development or related discipline with expertise in research methods.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional work experiences in related field.
• National of Bangladesh.

· Working knowledge of English and Bangla essential.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

· Knowledge of market systems and dynamics in targeted region,

· Proven experience in strategic approaches for agricultural market development,

· Proven experience in promotion and adoption of innovative agricultural production technologies,

· Proven track record of successful teamwork, good presentation/facilitation skills

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills required

· Ability to work independently and without close supervision

· Self-motivation, willingness to learn and strong work ethics

· Work experience in emergency programmes, particularly in field positions is desirable.

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
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/

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Potential interview questions

Added 5 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org