National Field Specialist on Vegetable Production

Organizational Setting

The Smart Farming for the Future Generation project – GCP/GLO/071/ROK provides support to creating an enabling environment through the development of supportive policies, capacity, organizational skills and knowledge. It covers farmers along the value chain, including the post-harvest handling and markets. The expected impact of the project is improved livelihood through higher incomes, increased employment and increased nutrition with consumers benefiting from access to affordable and safe food all year round. The project will deliver three key outputs: (1) Protected production systems for different vegetables and locations optimized; (2) Post-harvest practices and market linkages for different vegetables and locations optimized; and (3) National capabilities on greenhouse production and post-harvest management of vegetables are enhanced. The project is implementing in two countries - Viet Nam and Uzbekistan. Project implementation are being carried out in close collaboration with partners, including participating countries’ governments, regional organizations, and research/academia. In Vietnam, the central highlands of Son La province have been selected as demonstration sites based on existing protected cultivation systems suitable for optimization to meet identified market demand.

Reporting Lines

The National Field Specialist on Vegetable Production reports directly and formally to the Lead Technical Officer of the project. Operationally and technically, the National Field Assistant will work with the National Consultant on Agronomy as well as other project staff within the project team. The incumbent operates independently and takes decisions on work priorities and exercises initiative.

Technical Focus

Technical support to the implementation of the global project “ GCP/GLO/071/ROK: Smart Farming for the Future Generation” in Vietnam

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Viet Nam and the direct supervision of the Lead Technical Officer of the project, the incumbent will be primarily responsible for the successful operation of the project GCP/GLO/071/ROK by undertaking the following tasks and duties:

• Support organization of the field days and exchange visits for both men and women farmers to demonstrate greenhouse vegetable and seedling production; • Support in setting up the demonstration plots and finding new potential beneficiaries for vegetable and seedling production; • Support in the preparation and delivery of training and training materials, such as farmer-oriented factsheets, posters, and guidelines on greenhouse vegetable production;, • Maintain day-to-day contact with the FAO National Specialist on Agronomy and National Project Assistant for efficient implementation of the project; • Manage day-to-day project field activities in Son La Province to ensure timely delivery and efficiency of implementation and proposing corrective action if/when necessary; • Provide technical assistance and on-farm training on a weekly basis to beneficiaries and their demonstration plots on suitable greenhouse designs, crop species and varieties; climate control methods; horticulture lighting; low-cost energy efficiency systems; covering materials; production systems at different levels of sophistication including vertical gardening, hydroponics, and soil-free/substrates; irrigation/fertigation systems; water management; sanitation and exclusion measures; trellising systems; seedling production including nursery management and grafting; record keeping; plant nutrition; integrated pest and diseases management and crop cultural practices; • Support delivery and installation of necessary equipment, materials and inputs to be purchased for the implementation and/or optimization of protected cultivation systems; • Develop and strengthen the networks relevant to protected cultivation systems, including input suppliers, collection centers, and marketing channels; • Facilitate meetings, field days, and exchange visits between beneficiaries, farmers, private sector and local authorities; • Assist the Agronomist and the LTO in the whole implementation of the project technically; • Carry out any other relevant duties as required ensuring smooth project implementation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Degree of Associate on horticulture production, food science and technology or relevant major; • A minimum of two-year experience in greenhouse crop production; • National of Viet Nam; • Permanent residence in Moc Chau district, Son La province; • Working knowledge of Vietnamese

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Multi-tasks management; • Time management; • Excellent communication and networking skills; • Report writing skill; • Ability to work effectively under pressure; • Good computer and digital literacy; • Capacity to travel independently and has personal vehicle;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• 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.