National Agronomist

Overview

Supervise and technically support field implementation of sustainable agriculture activities.

You have:

• University degree in Agriculture, Rural Extension, Forestry, or Natural Resources Management
• 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural extension, resilient farming systems, or related fields
• Working knowledge of English and Portuguese
• National of Mozambique

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting

The Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) project is implemented by the National Directorate for Environment and Climate Change of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), with financial management by the National Fund for Sustainable Development (FNDS), and technical support from the Climate Change Adaptation Unit (CCAU) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The project focuses on three core ecosystems — mangroves, riparian/wetland areas, and floodplains — in the Greater Maputo Area (GMA). It addresses degradation and climate vulnerability through three components: (i) institutional and technical capacity of district, municipal, and national authorities; (ii) community-level capacity-building for sustained EbA interventions; and (iii) public awareness on climate resilience through EbA. Component 2, under which this position sits, covers ecological restoration and protection (forests and mangroves), management of critical coastal habitats, and community livelihoods in selected communities of the Municipalities of Boane, Matola, and Maputo, and the Districts of Marracuene and Matutuíne. Sustainable agriculture activities focus on climate-adaptive and resilient production systems, including conservation agriculture, polycropping, and agroforestry. To support these activities, FAO Mozambique is recruiting an Agronomist to supervise and technically backstop field implementation in the targeted districts.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Mozambique, the incumbent will report to the National Project Coordinator of the EbA Project at FAO and will coordinate closely with the FAO Project Officer for Agriculture. The incumbent will also collaborate with staff and consultants from other FAO Mozambique projects and relevant partners, as required.

Technical Focus

Rural extension, resilient and adaptive production systems, conservation agriculture, polycropping, and agroforestry.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Develop periodic field implementation plans in a participatory manner with technicians from the District Economic Activities Services (SDAEs — Serviços Distritais de Actividades Económicas) of the targeted districts. • Accompany and supervise FFS training cycles to ensure accurate technical and methodological delivery. • Coordinate with the FAO Project Officer for Agriculture on the scope, strategies, training design, and technical assistance to field technicians and lead farmers. • Support the execution of all project-related activities, including procurement planning, input distribution, travel planning, and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL). • Systematize and document adaptation practices, results, and impacts generated during implementation for learning and reporting purposes. • Support the implementation of the e-voucher system for the provision of agricultural inputs and tools to Farmer Field School (FFS) groups and individual farmers. • Coordinate field activities with the other project components to ensure coherence and synergies. • Prepare regular progress reports on field activities in line with project reporting requirements.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Agriculture, Rural Extension, Forestry, or Natural Resources Management • 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural extension, resilient farming systems, or related fields • Working knowledge of English and Portuguese • National of Mozambique

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience working in rural communities in Mozambique is desirable. • Familiarity with Farmer Field School (FFS) methodologies is an advantage. • Knowledge of local language(s) spoken in Maputo Province (e.g., Changana, Ronga) is a strong asset. • An advanced degree is an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 12 days ago - Updated 5 hours ago - Source: fao.org