National Horticulture Specialist (SC 8)

Organizational Setting

FAO, in collaboration with the government, UN organizations, and development partners, began serving both the host communities and the Rohingya population in building their livelihoods and skill development opportunities and ensuring environmental Integrity in Cox’s Bazar in October 2017.

Reporting Lines

The National Horticulture Specialist at SC 8 will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative to Bangladesh, direct supervision of the Emergency and Resilience Programme Coordinator in Cox’s Bazar, and the day-to-day guidance of the Project Coordinator.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for improving and expanding horticultural crop production and food security and developing strategies and programmes to support improved farming practices of marginal and smallholder farmers to increase their production and income. This position requires a technical background in developing agricultural farming systems by adopting innovative technologies for horticultural high-value and commercial crops under adverse climatic environments.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Promote climate-resilient production technologies that will address food security, increase marginal households’ participation, especially women, in agricultural production systems and markets • Adopt an integrated approach that links sustainable crop production, households’ nutrition, and economic resilience • Oversee and guide agricultural production and farmer mobilization activities in the project areas and effectively manage relationships with the government and implementing partners • Contribute to the planning of project activities, ensuring adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines • Review and track progress on project implementation and utilization of project resources • Identify training needs for the government and implementing partners and support the capacity building for farmer-beneficiaries on improved crop production • Provide technical support to partners on planting, harvesting, and cultivating crops in various agro-ecological zones; • Contribute to the collection and dissemination of relevant data and information related to agricultural production, household income, and food value chains • Contribute to the organization of and/or participate in meetings, conferences, workshops, consultations and field visits as needed • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in agricultural science, agronomy, horticulture, and related disciplines • Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in horticultural crop production, food security, and agricultural development • National of Bangladesh • Working knowledge (level C) of English and Bengali

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in working on value-added agronomic products and services • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook) • Ability to perform in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary contexts; • Excellent verbal and written communication skills required; • Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision;

Selection Criteria

• Experience in complex/protracted emergencies would be an asset • Self-motivation, willingness to learn and strong work ethic in a multi-disciplinary team environment. • Experience in conflict-sensitive and peacebuilding programmes would be an asset

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.