National Olive Production Expert
Support the implementation of sustainable olive production practices in Albania.
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Overview
Support the implementation of sustainable olive production practices in Albania.
You have:
- University degree in agricultural sciences, horticulture, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in olive production and propagation, including pest management, sustainable agriculture practices, and nursery management.
- Working knowledge of English.
- Working knowledge of Albanian.
- Albanian nationality or resident of Albania with a valid work permit.
Organizational Setting
FAO is implementing the UNJP/ALB/020/UNJ “Business Partnerships and Solutions for SDGs” project to promote sustainable agricultural practices, private sector engagement, and innovation-driven rural development in Albania. The project aligns with FAO’s strategic objectives, the Country Programming Framework (CPF), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
The Business Partnerships and Solutions for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a United Nations Joint Project (UNJP) that aims to increase the number of Albanian companies adopting sustainable business practices. The initiative seeks to generate positive environmental and social impacts while contributing to inclusive economic growth in the country. With a total budget of USD 4 million, the project is being implemented from January 2024 to December 2027. Under this project, FAO Albania is working to enhance the adoption of sustainable practices in two value chains: vegetable production in greenhouses and olive and olive oil production in targeted areas.
To support effective implementation of project activities in the olive sector, FAO Albania is recruiting a National Olive Production Expert to contribute to the execution of the project workplan in this thematic area. The hiring panel will be composed of the Assistant FAO Representative, the Sustainable Business Specialist, an International Consultant on Olive Production, and a Senior Technical Officer from the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) in Budapest, with the aim of ensuring local relevance and technical quality.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (AFAOR) and in close coordination with the Sustainable Business Specialist, Lead Technical Officer (LTO), and other national and international consultants.
Technical Focus
Support capacity building for olive groves in Albania focusing on improving pest and disease management, pruning and harvesting practices, olive propagation, and establishing key production units within the framework of the UNJP “Business Partnership and Solutions for SDGs” project.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Conduct a technical assessment of the current status of olive orchards and field conditions to identify key production constraints. Compile related data and technical specifications related to olive production requirements, referencing processing capacity and future market trends. • Document prevalent olive pest and disease issues, with a focus on olive fly (Bactrocera oleae), based on secondary sources and field observations. Prepare a list of suitable monitoring techniques and tools for olive fly control, including specifications for pheromone traps and Eco traps. • Develop technical reference material on microbial pesticides and organic treatment options for managing pests and diseases in olive groves. • Draft technical manuals outlining sustainable pest and disease management approaches tailored to olive production systems. • Design and finalize training modules on pruning and harvesting practices. Focusing on: o Specifications and performance summaries for small-scale pruning and harvesting equipment suited to olive farming; o Technical guidelines on olive propagation and nursery production practices, emphasizing softwood propagation techniques; o Recommended olive varieties and rootstocks, referencing adaptability, resilience, and yield characteristics; o Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for propagation techniques, to be used in demonstration settings by third parties. o And other additional topics based on the Rapid Context Analysis and current situation in Albania. • Produce written extension materials such as factsheets, technical bulletins, and manuals related to best practices in olive production. • Draft a technical framework and checklist for the setup of a Farmer Field School focused for the olive value chain.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in agricultural sciences, horticulture, or a related field. • At least 5 years of relevant experience in olive production and propagation, including pest management, sustainable agriculture practices, and nursery management. • Working knowledge of English. • Working knowledge of Albanian. • Albanian nationality or resident of Albania with a valid work permit.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Potential interview questions
| Describe your experience with pest management in olive production. | This assesses your relevant experience and knowledge in a key area of the role. | Discuss specific methods or techniques you have used and their outcomes. |
| Can you explain the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture? | This tests your understanding of sustainability's role in the agriculture sector. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you assess the current status of olive orchards? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods would you recommend for controlling olive fly? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a training module you would design for olive harvesting practices. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What do you think are the key challenges facing olive production in Albania? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you document best practices for olive production? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you ensure knowledge sharing among stakeholders in agricultural projects? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
Added 10 months ago
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Updated 10 months ago
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Source:
fao.org
