National Agriculture Specialist

Organizational Setting

The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP), based in Apia, Samoa, supports Pacific member countries in achieving food security, improved nutrition, sustainable management of natural resources and resilient agrifood systems. SAP provides policy, technical, operational and programme support to its member countries and works closely with governments, regional organizations, development partners and other stakeholders.
The National Agriculture Specialist will support assigned projects across the agriculture production, crop protection and livestock portfolio, combining technical support, project coordination and project management to facilitate timely implementation and achievement of project results.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the National Agriculture Specialist will work closely with the Lead Technical Officers of assigned projects and relevant technical, operations and programme colleagues.

Technical focus

Technical and project management support for agricultural production, crop protection and livestock activities, including climate-smart agriculture, animal health, post-harvest handling, value addition, farmer capacity development and market linkages.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Support the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and closure of assigned projects in accordance with approved project documents, workplans, budgets and FAO procedures.
•    Prepare and regularly update project workplans, activity schedules, implementation trackers and procurement plans, and monitor progress against agreed milestones and budgets.
•    Liaise with government counterparts, regional organizations, implementing partners, service providers, consultants and beneficiaries to facilitate the timely delivery of project activities.
•    Provide technical and coordination support in the area of expertise for activities related to climate-smart agriculture, crop production and protection, livestock production, animal health, post-harvest handling, value addition, farmer capacity development and market linkages.
•    Monitor field activities, production cycles, demonstrations, training activities and the adoption of project-supported practices and technologies.
•    Identify implementation constraints and recommend practical solutions in consultation with the relevant Lead Technical Officers and in close collaboration with the SAP Programme and Operations teams.
•    Support the preparation, implementation, monitoring and closure of Letters of Agreement and other contractual arrangements, including procurement processes.
•    Review partner workplans, deliverables and technical and financial reports, and follow up on outstanding actions before submission for clearance.
•    Support procurement processes, including the preparation of technical specifications, coordination with operations and procurement units, and follow-up on the delivery and deployment of project inputs, equipment and services.
•    Develop and/or review Terms of Reference of affiliate workforce and ensure compliance with current standards, and regulations
•    Assist with the organization and documentation of training, workshops, field demonstrations and other capacity-development activities.
•    Prepare monthly and quarterly progress updates, briefing notes, mission and training reports, case studies, success stories and inputs to project reports.
•    Maintain project records, monitoring tools and supporting documentation throughout the project cycle.
•    Support the preparation of terminal reports, project closure documentation and lessons learned.
•    Contribute to the operationalization and development of new projects and provide technical and coordination support across the wider agriculture portfolio, as required.
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agriculture, agronomy, crop science, animal science, veterinary science, natural resources management, rural development or a related field
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in agricultural development, project coordination or implementation, including work with government institutions, development partners, farming communities or other stakeholders
•    Working knowledge of English
•    National of Samoa or resident of the country with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Efficiency, competence and integrity as well as negotiating skills, tact and diplomacy are essential.
•    Able to work with multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural project partners at regional and international level
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience liaising between diverse project stakeholders
•    Demonstrated effective writing and critical analysis skills
•    Experience in one or more of the following areas: crop production and protection, livestock production, animal health, climate-smart agriculture, post-harvest management or agricultural value chains.
•    Experience in work planning, monitoring and reporting.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION