National Farming Systems Specialist

Organizational Setting

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

The main purpose of this Call for Expressions of Interest is to build up a local roster of qualified applicants for the position of National Farming Systems Specialist & Mindanao and Emergency Response and Preparedness Group (MERG) Team Leader to be assigned in the FAO Representation Office or in FAO project offices in the Philippines.

Reporting Lines

The National Farming Systems Specialist reports directly to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Technical Focus

The work of FAO in the Philippines is guided by its Country Programming Framework (CPF). This supports the government in addressing challenges in improving food security and nutrition, enhancing agricultural production and productivity, sustainable management of natural resources and improving agricultural adaptation from Climate Change and Disaster Risks.

CPF supports the objectives and strategies of the new government for the Agriculture sector, as laid out in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, specifically:

Chapter 8 - Expanding Economic Opportunities in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Chapter 10 - Accelerating Human Capital Development Chapter 11 - Reducing Vulnerability of Individuals and Families Chapter 14 - Vigorously Advancing Science, Technology and Innovation Chapter 17 - Attaining Just and Lasting Peace Chapter 20 -Ensuring Ecological Integrity, Clean and Healthy Environment

The three integrated PDP Country Outcomes which will be given utmost consideration in all facets of FAO interventions, are (1) Improved nutrition for all; (2) Expanded economic opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry (AFF) and ensured ecological integrity, clean and healthy environment and (3) Reduced vulnerabilities among individuals and families and just and lasting peace achieved.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Review and provide guidance on the suitability of proposed project interventions to target communities and beneficiaries affected by natural hazards and human-induced hazards (armed conflict); • Assist in the conduct of on-site consultations and validation of interventions with implementing partners and stakeholders; • Provide support and inputs to the technical specifications of identified agricultural inputs to be procured by the project including technical review of proposed services to be offered by potential service providers (if any); • Provide technical support in reviewing the implementation and sustainability of agriculture-based livelihoods of projects beneficiaries in the context of emergency response and rehabilitation in post-natural and/or human-induced disasters; • Review and provide technical guidance in the preparation of training modules and concept notes; • Serve as resource person in technical trainings related to crop production, climate resilient farming systems, Farmer Field School, Farm Business School, etc.; • Participate in technical meetings/workshops/consultations organized by the Regional/Provincial Technical Working Group or Project Coordination Committee; • Assist in coordination with implementing partners at the national level (DA, PCA, OPAPRU, etc.), including coordination with senior officials and counterparts; • Provide operational support to project team as needed to ensure that requirements for project implementation are met; • Oversee and provide guidance on the formulation and implementation of new initiatives that seek to contribute to efforts on building resiliency of farming systems/agricultural value chain and sustainable peace and development in the context of emergency response to areas affected by natural and human-induced disasters, ensuring coherence to the overall approach of FAO; • Provide technical input in the preparation of the progress reports particularly on the challenges, actions taken, results and outcomes of various interventions; • Identify and coordinate potential synergies with other relevant initiatives, programmes and projects to ensure alignment and coherence; • Prepare and submit progress reports mentioning activities undertaken, problems encountered if any, and other documents that may be required periodically. • Ensure synergies of the project with relevant FAO initiatives; • Perform any other tasks/functions that may be assigned by the FAO Representative, and the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• The candidate must have an Advanced University Degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science or Agricultural Science • At least 12 years professional and practical experience in the planning and implementation of rural development programmes/projects at the field level • A national or a resident of Philippines • Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience working in Mindanao, BARMM is an advantage • General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point). • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English