NATIONAL FARMER FIELD SCHOOL SPECIALIST

Overview

Coordinate the implementation of Participatory Extension through Farmer Field Schools

You have:

• University degree in Agronomy, Rural Extension or other related subjects.
• Five years of relevant experience in Rural Extension and have a Certificate of FFS Master Trainer.
• Working knowledge of English and Portuguese.
• National of Mozambique.

Organizational Setting

FAO is implementing the project Integrated Agricultural Development Programme (ProDAI) of the Beira Corridor, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), to contribute to reduce poverty and improve food and nutrition security through diversified, innovative, efficient, inclusive and sustainable food systems transformation in the central area of Mozambique.

This project is aligned with the UN Cooperation Framework and FAO Country Programming Framework priority on Economic Diversification and Sustainable Livelihoods, aiming at inclusive economic empowerment, through improved, diversified and climate adapted production and productivity in agriculture, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture. It will also directly contribute to the Strategic Program for the Development of Agrarian Sector and respective Investment Plan (PEDSA and PNISA).

The project outcome is that 3,000 farmers, members of Farmer Field Schools (FFS), achieve an annual income of 62,400MZN (minimum wage) from agriculture production and sale, from at least 3 different food crops, improving nutrition, marketing and agro processing. Fruit and vegetables will occupy 3,000 ha, contributing to restoration through the implementation of Agroforestry Systems, provision of extension and technical advisory services for the promotion of sustainable production systems.

The project is part of the Italian Cooperation envelope and will be implemented in close collaboration with other Italian funded interventions, public and private entities as well as civil society and local communities.

To this end, FAO intends to recruit a National Farmer Field School Specialist to coordinate the implementation of the Participatory Extension action through Farmer Field School methodology to train smallholder farmers on vegetable and fruit production. The posts is located in Chimoio, Manica province. National Farmer Field School Specialist will implement the activities in close collaboration with National Agroforestry Specliast and Project Experts

Reporting Lines

The National Farmer Field School Specialist will report directly to the Project Coordinator, in close collaboration with the National Agroforestry Specialist and supervision of the Project Officer.

Technical Focus

Participatory extension methodologies, Farmer Field School, training of trainers, polycropping and agroforestry systems, production and marketing of fruits and vegetables.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Farmer Field School Specialist will be responsible for the development of FFS cycles, operational planning, management and monitoring of all FFS activities. S/he will also provide regular backstopping for the provision of technical and management support to FFS facilitators to monitor FFS groups performance with the aim of increasing the quality of FFS in line with project objectives with emphasis on:

• Organize, supervise and contribute to the FFS training activities (Training of Trainers, Training of Facilitators, Refreshment courses) fostering the participation of women. • Contribute to the production of training materials and ensure their timely availability. • Ensure adequate integration of nutrition and gender in the training programs and in the regular meetings of FFS groups. • Monitor and evaluate the quality of the training courses and the work of the trained facilitators at all levels to ensure that FFS follow the basic principles and are graduated. • Participate in the development of specialized thematic areas to be integrated into the FFS curriculum (polycropping, agroforestry, fruit and vegetables value chains). • Liaise with value chain operators to identify training opportunities and needs. • Provide advice on follow-up activities of graduated FFS and guidance to foster FFS networks. • Ensure adequate implementation of FFS expansion strategy defined for the project. • Support and supervise the M&E of the FFS activities with support of the M&E Specialist. • Collaborate with local research institutions and the academia for supporting the FFS program. • Facilitate the organization and implementation of field days, experience exchange visits for FFS, technicians and staff from SDAE and other implementing partners. • Follow up the application of weekly reports, identified and solving the main issues reported by the FFS facilitators. • In coordination with the FFS Expert, collaborate in the organization of technical materials for implementing the capacity-building plans for the FFS. • Participate and collaborate in the organization of FFS technical meetings involving FFS Master Trainers and Facilitators. • Participate in agricultural technical platforms existing at district, provincial and regional level to coordinate activities. • Guarantee the timely registration of FFS groups and FFS members, according with the M&E instruments. • Meet regularly with DPAP, SDAE and implementing partners for reporting progress and updating FFS activity plans. • Participate in the identification, documentation and dissemination of good practices. • Prepare timely technical progress reports. • Coordinate the implementation of M&E strategies, such as the baseline, mid-term and impact evaluation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Agronomy, Rural Extension or other related subjects. • Five years of relevant experience in Rural Extension and have a Certificate of FFS Master Trainer. • 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

• Background experience in technical areas related to fruits and vegetables production, agroforestry systems, and market-oriented production. • Knowledge and skills to communicate in the native tongues spoken in the Manica and Sofala provinces. • Computer skills (MS Office and Internet Explorer)

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 1 year ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: fao.org