National Expert Crops and Extension

Organizational Setting

Revamping the agricultural sector is critical for reviving Zimbabwe’s economy. Frequent droughts and unstable macroeconomic conditions have continued to hinder the country’s ability to effectively deal with the pervasive low productivity in the sector resulting from many factors including high cost of inputs, inadequate availability of quality inputs, unstable prices, liquidity challenges and weakened extension system. The Government public extension system was once very effective and efficient, but due to the structural reforms of the 1990s, the macroeconomic downturn since the 2000s, climate change and continuing advancement in technology the performance of the system has deteriorated.

Against this background, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement (MLAWRR) has requested FAO to recommend and provide technical assistance to some innovative options to deal with the systemic extension challenges in the medium to long term. The technical assistance through FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme, “Strengthening Agricultural Extension Services in Zimbabwe” will prioritise the enabling of extension services to reach more smallholder farmers, innovate with ICT platforms and support the initial steps for digitalisation of the extension system. These interventions will be done comprehensively and in an integrated manner in four districts namely UMP and Mutoko in Mashonaland East province and Hurungwe and Chegutu in Mashonaland West province.

Reporting Lines

Working under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, and direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR Programmes, the National Expert Crops and Extension will provide expert technical support to the project. The National Expert Crops and Extension will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement and national stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The technical areas/profiles covered will be as follows: • Project management • Climate proofing agriculture and agro-ecology • Pluralistic extension approaches including ICT based extension • Capacity development

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assume overall technical responsibility for the smooth implementation of the activities in accordance with the project documents and the TOR, offering technical support and oversight to MLAFWRR; • Manage the day-to-day implementation and monitoring of the project activities, including workshops, trainings and periodic meetings; supporting procurement through provision of technical specifications and coordinating evaluations of bids; and monitoring and facilitating the delivery of contracted activities; liaising with MLAFWRR and other stakeholders; • Prepare and submit reports on quarterly progress of project’s implementation as well as the final report; • Prepare and submit a draft terminal statement in accordance with FAO procedures, which, after review, finalization and clearance by the LTO will be submitted by FAO to the MLAFWRR. • Monitor activity implementation to ensure delivery according to the workplan timeline, drawing up lessons learnt and course corrections, and support monitoring of expenditures to ensure project-related costs stay within the allocated budget; • Perform related duties, including the direct implementation of other technical activities, as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agronomy or related field from a recognized institution • At least 10 years of relevant field experience in agricultural extension with demonstrated knowledge of the pluralistic extension approach • Working knowledge of English. • Nationality of Zimbabwe or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated experience on the application of farmer centred extension approaches such as farmer field schools and farmer to farmer extension models considered an asset • Proven knowledge on climate change and its effects on agricultural production and productivity, and experience on the application of climate proofing practices such as agroecology • Proven knowledge on ICT based extension and its application in agriculture • Knowledge on the application of climate smart/environmentally friendly technologies in rural development • Good project planning, implementation and monitoring skills • Good communication, reporting and presentation skills • High degree of team ethics, well-organized, result focused and dynamic personality • Good computer skills (word, excel, power point etc.) • Previous experience of working with UN agencies is an asset