National soilless production specialist

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
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Organizational Setting

The Smart Farming for Future Generation project (GCP/GLO/071/ROK), implemented by FAO and FAVRI in Moc Chau district - Son La province of Vietnam, is conducting a demonstration on soilless cultivation, aimed primarily at evaluating the viability and efficiency for small and medium owners vegetable production in the afore mentioned geographical area. The identified site for the demonstration is a greenhouses (1600m2) within the perimeter of the Moc Chau Agricultural Research Centre, belonging to the Department of Science and Technology of Son La Province.
The demonstration has three main objectives\:
• To assess soilless cultivation systems tailored for both short and long cycle vegetable crops (leafy vegetables and vined crops), and its adaptability to be readily used by smallholder farmers.
• To rigorously test and monitor the growth and harvest performances of some crop varieties within these systems in the environmental conditions of Moc Chau, Vietnam, namely tomatoes, melon, cucumber, lettuce, etc.
• To conduct a thorough accounting and analysis of input utilization for the unit of produce, and an economic analysis that encompasses both the production costs and the potential market revenues in the local context.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will carry out the assignment under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Vietnam (FAOVN), the technical guidance of the Agricultural Field Expert in Moc Chau, and FAOHQ Agricultural Officer, and under direct supervision of the Project Operations Specialist.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will support the overall direction of all vegetable production operations, playing a main and direct role in providing expert assessment and recommendations during the productive season to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency of the demonstration. The incumbent must endorse the role with the highest level of responsibility, and train, direct, and supervise the operational personnel (3-6 persons max) and regularly report to the project team.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will carry out the following activities\:
• Travel every two weeks to Moc Chau to work at the soilless production demonstration installed at the Agr. Research centre to guide and assess the production operations delivered by the field technical personnel, in collaboration with the permanent project field expert.
• Assist the project team developing a crop specific activity calendar including inputs and materials life cycle, identifying all involved operations that must be excuted by the personnel, estimating time requirement, and chronological sequence.
• Conduct training sessions (both formal and informal) training sessions for the field personnel who will ensure the daily operations. The training topics are related to the good daily practice of soilless production of leafy and vined crops. Topics include good practices on inputs management, production management, harvest and marketing management.
• Assist the project team in drafting technical specifications and participating in the procurement evaluation process for agricultural inputs to be utilized in greenhouses during the vegetative and generative periods.
• Direct responsible of leafy and vined crops production providing expert assessment and recommendations during the productive season to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency,and identify problems offering immediate solution.
• Facilitate the collection and availability of environmental, production, and sales data for its analyses by project team members, including FAVRI.
• Assist with the development of customized training materials and modules for Moc Chau farmers tailored to the specific needs of soilless operations.
• Assist with the preparation of open and demonstration days. Be available and report when the FAOHQ is on site during the backstopping missions.
• Provide a weekly report of activities, including production updates, issues, and solutions.
• Participate to the weekly team project meeting (online)
• Develop and submit a consolidated intermediate reports (production, harvest processing and packaging, market accessing) on the results of the activity every 3 months, outlining an overview of findings, activities, and recommendations.
• Perform any other related duties.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree in agronomy or horticulture or other related field represents;
• A minimum of five-year of practical experience in soilless production;
• National of Vietnam or resident in the country with a valid work permit;
• Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning;
• Strong analytical thinking, interpersonal skills as well as report writing skills;
• High Proficiency in English and Vietnamese - spoken and in writing;
• Excellent communication and net-working skills;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure;
• Extent and relevance of experience in both for practical and theoretical training on soilless production in Vietnam;
• Extent and relevance of experience in facilitating technical hydroponic farming practices;

Selection Criteria

• Evidence of previous similar assignment documentation is required (include in your application).

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
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• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, 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.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
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• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
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• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

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