International Expert – Tea Crop development

Organizational Setting:

The Government of the Republic of Mauritius (GoM) plans to bring the sector back from the brink of collapse and capitalize on its unique island characteristic as well as on the opportunities presented from rising demand for Mauritian tea. It is within this framework that the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (MAIFS) requested FAO to undertake a study to identify the drivers which led the tea industry into decline and what dynamic transformative actions are needed to reverse this trend. The report recommended a holistic approach from bush to cup for a successful transformation of the tea sector, which includes a range of interventions to address the systemic challenges facing the tea industry and subsequently transform the tea sector. The GoM has requested technical assistance. FAO has responded positively to the request through the provision of a Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) to support local capacity and help the local stakeholders organized themselves to achieve the transformation.

Reporting Lines:

Under the direct managerial and administrative leadership of the FAO Representative in Madagascar as the Budget Holder, the technical supervision of Tea Expert (TCDC) and overall-guidance the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and in close collaboration with the National Expert – (Tea crop development), National Agricultural Product Regulatory Office, and Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security.

Technical Focus:

Economic development

Tasks and responsibilities

The International Expert – Tea Crop Development will undertake the following activities to provide technical and functional support to the project “Transformation of the tea sector – TCP/ TCP/MAR/3804”.

• In close coordination with the Tea Expert (TCDC) and the LTO, develop a work plan for the consultancy including timeframes;
• Conduct field visits and stakeholder consultations to appreciate the extent of the issues and a 10 page report on the state of tea crop;
• Under the guidance of Tea Expert (TCDC), Small Farmer Welfare Fund, National Agricultural Product Regulatory Office and Food AREI setup the Farmers Field Schools on good and sustainable agriculture practices for on how to share best agricultural practices to increase yields, improve quality of green leaf and tea bush health;
• Develop contents and training materials under the guidance of international tea expert and in close collaboration of FAREI;
• Conduct Training of small tea growers (STGs) and capacity development workshops to strengthen and improve the knowledge and skills of STGs, in field management and quality of green leaf tea, on smart tea production technologies, and agronomic practices;
• Evaluate the capacity of the tea factories for quality tea production;
• Contribution to the development of the Climate proofing strategy and greening of the production.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in crop science, agricultural science or botany
• At least 10 years’ professional experience in tea crop management
• Working knowledge of English or French and limited knowledge of one of the other two for COF.REG. For PSA.SBS working knowledge of English or French.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong administrative and organisational skills,
• Computer literacy
• Good English technical report writing skills.
• Ability to provide team leadership and motivation
• Ability to work independently, with minimum supervision
• Good understanding of the tea sector
• Good analytical and writing skills