National Agriculture Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO Mongolia works with the vision "to be a leading, credible and responsive partner in ensuring food and nutrition security of the population". The office has been coordinating projects and programmes in research, capacity building, natural resources management, technology transfer, food and agriculture policy, livestock production systems management, emergency and post-crisis management, forestry information, statistics, food security and nutrition, emergency response operations, crop production system management, and food quality and safety.

The project “STREAM Mongolia: SusTainable Resilient Ecosystem and Agriculture Management in Mongolia” is part of the Joint Initiative on climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable agriculture for key food systems, and sustainable value chains (Global Climate Change Alliance & Development-Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture).

In Mongolia, the project is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusam-menarbeit GmbH (GIZ) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). The project is financed by the European Union.

The overall objective of the project is to increase Mongolian communities capacity to implement innovative and sustainable long-term landscape management to address food system challenges and climate stresses. FAO‘s Specific objective is mainstreaming climate change adaptation into the agricultural landscape management to increase agricultural productivity, sustainablility and value addition.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and direct supervision of the National Project Manager, and in close liaison with the project implementation.

Technical Focus

In a context of a changing climate and growing concerns for more healthy food systems, agro ecology is gaining momentum as a scientific discipline, sustainable farming approach and social movement. The incumbent will be responsible for project crop diversification and agroforestry development initiatives.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the development of agroforestry systems in project target areas and coordinate and oversee all technical training sessions;

• Promote knowledge sharing and capacity building among project staff, partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholder;

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of agroforestry initiatives and recommend adjustments as needed;

• Supervise and manage all crop diversification initiatives of the project;

• Develop and/or strengthen strategies to promote crop diversification in accordance with local agricultural conditions;

• Provide technical guidance on crop rotation, intercropping, and the introduction of new crops (legumes);

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of crop diversification initiatives and recommend adjustments as needed;

• Develop training materials or identify training resource materials regarding agroforestry and crop diversification;

• Initiate and organize capacity building activities for selected project beneficiaries and community mobilizers;

• Organize demonstrations to promote adoption of efficient farming practices and techniques (e.g integration of pulses into the farming systems);

• Provide support in organizing meetings, conferences, workshops, consultations and field visits as needed.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture, agronomy, agroecology, agroforestry, crop science, or a related field;

• 7 years of relevant work experience in designing and implementing crop diversification and agroforestry projects;

• Working knowledge of English;

• National of Mongolia.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices and crop management;

• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including farmers;

• Proficiency in data analysis, report writing and project management;

• Commitment to improving food security and agricultural sustainability;

• Excellent communication of interpersonal skills;

• Experience in the government or UN system is an asset;

• Excellent planning and organizing skills, accurate with attention to detail;

• High computer literacy in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint, Outlook etc).

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.