Project Officer (Farmer Field School Expert)

Overview

Contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security through field farmer school groups.

You have:

• Advanced university degree in political sciences, business administration, agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture or related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in technical cooperation's related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, fishery, forestry, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge of Spanish.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Ability to cooperate with officials in national governments, intergovernmental organizations facilitating the buy-in for complex schemes/systems involving relevant stakeholders.
• Direct experience in training design and delivery in Conservation Agriculture (CA) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Spanish and Portuguese is an asset.

Organizational Setting The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO participates in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, managing natural resources and enhancing rural livelihoods. The project "PROMOVE Agribiz" is financed by the European Union and jointly implemented by FAO and GIZ. The objective of the project is to contribute to sustainable, inclusive and broad-based economic growth and poverty reduction in the context of national food and nutrition security as well as climate change. The specific objectives are: i) to improve food and nutrition security and resilience of smallholders through climate-smart and nutrition-sensitive agriculture development in the provinces of Nampula and Zambézia; and ii) to enhance rural competitiveness through increased participation of smallholders and Micro, Small - Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in economic activities, economic diversification, improved access to rural services and improved rural investment climate in the provinces of Nampula and Zambezia.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Maputo, Mozambique.

Reporting Lines The Project Officer (Farmer Field School Expert) reports to the project’s Technical Advisor.

Technical Focus Contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security by establishing field farmer school (FFS) groups in the ten districts (Angoche, Mogovolas, Meconta, Ribáuè, Malema, Gurúè, Alto Molócuè, Mocuba, Namacurra and Nicoadala) of Nampula and Zambezia where PROMOVE Agribiz is implemented.

Key Results Research, technical analysis, and project related services to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services.

Key Functions • Researches and analyses technical-related issues on the development, the implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; assists to the review of relevant documents and reports. • Produces a variety of technical information, data, statistics and documents as well as technical input for reports and web pages. • Provides technical support/analysis to various assessments, studies and projects and provides technical backstopping to field projects. • Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes, and databases. • Oversees the updating of databases and web pages. • Participates on multidisciplinary teams, and/or leads working groups/teams collaborates with other departments and agencies on work groups and committees and promotes best practices. • Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality / effectiveness of capacity development activities within member countries such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, online tools. • Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations. • Performs other duties as required.

Specific Functions • Designs and implements the programme for set up and follow up of FFS, promotes networking with public and private sector stakeholders. • Disseminates the relevant knowledge for sustainable agriculture adopting appropriate Conservation Agriculture (CA) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) techniques. • Coordinates and participates in trainings delivery and capacity building and curriculum development programmes for FFS. • Assures the quality of FFS model implementation and outreach. • Promotes a blended, i.e. private-public extension service and participates in the identification and testing of public-private models of advisory services for farmers; contributes in the policy dialogue on extension services. • Supports the identification, documentation and dissemination of good practices at different levels. • Represents FAO in technical discussions in the national and provincial and district relevant events.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in political sciences, business administration, agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture (including livestock, forestry and fisheries) or related field. • Five years of relevant experience in technical cooperation's related activities, policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, fishery, forestry, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge of Spanish.

Competencies • Results Focus • Team Work • Communication • Building effective relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions. • Ability to cooperate with officials in national governments, intergovernmental organizations facilitating the buy-in for complex schemes/ systems involving relevant stakeholders. • Work experience in FFS and agriculture support services related to agricultural inputs and extension services in developing countries. • Direct experience in training design and delivery in CA and CSA (covering theory background and practice). • Extent and relevance of experience working with government institutions at different levels. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Spanish and Portuguese is an asset. • Previous experience with UN and knowledge of FAO rules and procedures will be considered an advantage.

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org