National Crop Advisory and Training Expert

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• 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
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices\:

• advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
• provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
• assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
• position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
• ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management

Reporting Lines

This is an SC-11-level position. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), in close collaboration with the National Senior Precision Agriculture and Technical Advisor and the project formulation team.

Technical Focus

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and in close consultation with the LTO, HQ Technical Officer of the PST, OIN, NSP, the incumbent will oversee the overall field experiments aligned with agronomic practices and capacity building of project personnel and relevant government officials in liaison with the PCU, APCUs and overseas host institutions.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide support to FAO’s collaboration with the World Bank and IFAD-funded "Program on Agricultural and Rural Transformation, Nutrition, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience in Bangladesh (PARTNER)" project. Ensure clear communication and coordination to address their requirements for finalizing the signing process of the Unilateral Trust Fund (UTF), following the agreed format established by the World Bank, the MoA, and FAO.
• Support the representation in drafting the presentation and Priority Investment Plan for the Crop Sector for the MoA high-level delegation attending the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum. Focus on value chains such as mango, pineapple, seed (potatoes and onion), and floriculture to align with national priorities and attract potential investments.
• Update the inventory of foreign host institute for delivering training to the selected government officials along with budget with support from operations unit of the representation.
• Contribute to fundraising initiatives to enhance FAO technical assistance, including identification of new proposal ideas, drafting of concept notes and project proposals, preparation of briefing notes and briefs, related to agriculture innovation, PGR, biodiversity, climate resilient rice and vegetable production in Bangladesh.
• Expected to guide for conducting field experiments aligned with agronomic practices and phenological development in consulting with National Senior Precision Agriculture and Technical Advisor.
• Work with project team to implement the project activities as planned.
• Overview the UTF to identify training areas along with implementing institutions.
• In coordination with FAO Office of Innovation (OIN), identify overseas host institutions in developed and Asian countries.
• Facilitate the coordination of all kinds of trainings.
• Co-create curriculum for the training programmes in consultation with relevant international and national specialists of other programmes under FAO and the overseas host capacity building institutions.
• Provide cooperation to ensure logistics to capacity building activities from the FAO side.
• Document and report the performance of the field experiments.
• Provide similar services to other components of the project as assigned by FAO
• Perform any other duties that may be required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related area
• At least twelve (12) years demonstrated experience in field experiments, agronomic practices, phenology of the crops, training programmes, project management, monitoring and evaluation or a related field
• Working knowledge (level C) of English
• National of Bangladesh or resident of the country with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

Technical Skills\:

• Relevant experience in NARS/university/any reputed organization.
• Expertise in designing and overseeing field activities aligned with crop phenology and best agronomic practices.
• Skilled in developing training curriculum, identifying training needs, and coordinating capacity-building initiatives for government stakeholders.
• Experience in managing and monitoring projects, ensuring alignment with national agricultural priorities.
• Proven ability to liaise with government institutions, donors, and implementing agencies to align project objectives with national priorities and overseas host institutions for technical training programs.

Functional Skills\:

• Strategic Communication & Negotiation – Strong ability to convey technical information effectively to government agencies, donors, and stakeholders to drive decision-making.
• Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Skilled in assessing agricultural challenges, identifying funding opportunities, and formulating impactful project strategies.
• Collaboration & Team Leadership – Experience in coordinating multi-sectoral teams, facilitating stakeholder workshops, and managing inter-agency partnerships.
• Organizational & Time Management – Proficiency in planning, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring timely completion of project deliverables, including stakeholder consultations and proposal finalization

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).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact\: Careers@fao.org
• 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
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• 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.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

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