National Expert on Rubber Production and Plant Protection
Provide technical support and training to improve rubber plantation productivity.
This opening expired 1 month ago.
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Overview
Provide technical support and training to improve rubber plantation productivity.
You have:
- University degree in Biological Sciences/Agriculture (PhD/MSc)
- Minimum 5 years of experience in rubber agronomy, pest/disease management
- Working knowledge in English and Sinhala
- National of Sri Lanka or resident of the country with a valid work permit
Organizational Setting
The Smallholder Rubber Revitalization Project (SRRP) focuses on improving productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the smallholder rubber sector through better agronomic practices and integrated plant protection strategies. Declining productivity, poor replanting quality, and emerging leaf (such as Circular Leaf Spot Disease – CLSD) and root diseases (such as white root and brown root diseases) threaten the sustainability of smallholder cultivation. To address these issues, SRRP seeks the services of a National Expert on Rubber Production and Plant Protection to provide technical support, field supervision, and capacity building aimed at improving plantation health and productivity.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the Project Director, Smallholder Rubber Revitalization Project (SRRP) / FAO, the expert will report to Director/Actg. Director, RRISL / FAO Officials.
Technical Focus
Provide expert technical support on rubber cultivation, fertility management, disease and pest management, and productivity enhancement in smallholder rubber systems. The expert will help implement integrated disease management programs, develop updated field manuals, and support national training and awareness activities for smallholders and extension staff.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Assess current smallholder production and plant protection practices in target diseases. • Support ongoing Integrated Disease Management (IDM) activities for major diseases (CLSD and root diseases). • Assist with current Plant Nutrient Management activities. • Conduct training sessions and workshops for Technical staff, Rubber Extension Officers of RRISL and Rubber Development Officers, • Assist technical staff, RRISL Rubber Extension Officers, and Rubber Development Officers with pest, disease, and nutrient management matters. • Monitor field progress, prepare reports, and provide feedback to the Project Management Unit (PMU). (Project team)
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in Biological Sciences/ Agriculture (PhD/MSc) • Minimum 5 years of experience in rubber agronomy, pest/disease management • Working knowledge in English and Sinhala. • National of Sri Lanka or resident of the country with a valid work permit.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Selection Criteria
• Demonstrated experience in field-level implementation and smallholder trials. • Familiarity with rubber diseases such as CLSD and knowledge of integrated control strategies.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with integrated disease management programs in rubber cultivation? | The interviewer wants to assess your practical knowledge and experience in managing diseases in rubber production. | Discuss specific programs you have implemented or participated in, and the outcomes of those initiatives. |
| How do you approach capacity building for smallholder farmers? | This question seeks to understand your methods and philosophy in training and supporting farmers. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What challenges have you faced in pest management in rubber cultivation? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a successful training session you conducted. What made it successful? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of how you've used data to improve rubber production practices? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What role does effective communication play in your work with technical staff and farmers? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you stay updated on the latest research and practices in rubber agronomy? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to monitor and evaluate the progress of field programs? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Added 2 months ago
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Updated 1 month ago
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Source:
fao.org
