National Expert – Tea Crop Development

Organizational Setting:

FAO Representative in Madagascar, to Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles.

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), International Expert – Tea Crop Development and overall-guidance the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and in close collaboration with the National Agricultural Product Regulatory Office, Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute and Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security.

Technical Focus:

Agriculture extension

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Expert – Extension 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 International Expert – Tea Crop Development and Tea Expert (TCDC) and the LTO develop a work plan for the consultancy
• Conduct field visits and stakeholder consultations to appreciate the extent of the issues
• Assist the International Expert – Tea Crop Development in the setting up of the Farmers Field School
• Develop contents and training material 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 the STGs, in field management and quality of green leaf tea, on smart tea production technologies, and agronomic practices
• Perform other related duties related with the project when required

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 and French
• Nationality of Mauritius 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

• 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 analytical and writing skills
• Good understanding of the Mauritian tea sector