Senior Agronomist

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FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality

People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

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The project “FAO Support to the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP) in Myanmar” aims to create an enabling environment that reduces the incidence of poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition among the rural poor of the project area. The theory of change of the project is based on the fundamental premise that a market-driven approach is needed to support smallholder farmers to sustainably increase their income and improve their livelihood, food security and nutrition.

FAO TA (Technical Assistance) is focused on (i) Good Agricultural Practices, (ii) Household Nutrition Promotion, (iii) Monitoring and Evaluation, and (iv) Off-Farm Employment. These four areas will support the implementation of the blended GAFSP and ADB-funded Climate Friendly Agribusiness Value Chain Sector project (CFAVC). The Chief Agronomist will work within this framework and lead the GAP component as well as the implementation of the overall TA package.

Under the overall supervision and guidance of FAO Representative in Myanmar, the direct technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (RAP), in close collaboration and consultation with Assistant FAOR (Programme), the Chief Agronomist will work in close collaboration with the Project Management Team, the Department of Agriculture Extension Division, Department of Agriculture Research, the private sector, and development partners. The incumbent will work with the DOA-Extension Division to design, plan and support the implementation of an extension approach suitable for the selected farmers and their organisations in the project target areas.  The incumbent will perform the following tasks\:

• Act as team leader for the GAFSP project\:

• Provide technical leadership assistance on the implementation and evaluation of the GAFSP  project; assists in the review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties; identifies follow-up actions;

• Contribute to consultation and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations;

• Participate in activities; structure training workshops, seminars, make presentations on assigned topics/activities;

• Lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties;

• Provide advice to develop related policies and strategies as well as national protocols and guidelines with specific domains related to FAO's work.

• In liaison with the respective DOA and DAR divisions, compile Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for selected crops relevant to the target areas. This will include (i) seed selection; (ii) soil and plant nutrition management; (iii) water management; (iv) integrated pest management (IPM); (v) post-harvest management; and (vi) information on the nutritional use and importance of the commodity;

• Collaborate with the respective divisions to update existing or develop new GAPs in case of need.

• Advise and collaborate with the respective divisions on appropriate publication material, including possibilities of adopting IT based extension and knowledge dissemination technologies, specifically also using short extension videos which will be produced with farmers and which will be shown to farmers during FFS or other meetings;

• Coordinate and agree with DOA-Extension Division on which extension approach to use for the various segments of farmer groups (seed producers, market oriented farmers, subsistence farmers, female headed household farmers, etc.);

• Identify trained FFS Facilitators, either from DOA, or from NGOs, who could potentially be engaged as facilitators and trainers in modified FFS programmes (e.g. for seed producer groups);

• In collaboration with target farmers identify possible lead farmers per target village or by village tracts, and establish FFS where appropriate (e.g. seed producers, IPM in rice);

• In collaboration with DOA-ED plan and implement a training of trainers program (ToT) for FFS facilitators and lead farmers;

• In collaboration with DOA-ED establish an overall training and extension plan for the relevant target areas and coordinate and monitor its implementation.

• Perform other related duties as required.

• Advanced Degree in Agriculture and/or rural development.

• At least 10 years of practical experience in management and agricultural/rural development, at least 5 years of practical experience in rural development project management.

• Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian.

• Results Focus
• Leading, Engaging and Empowering
• Communication
• Partnering and Advocating
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Thinking

• Expertise in M&E (related with aquaculture and fisheries is desirable) in Myanmar or SE Asian countries.

• Expertise in the field of agronomy and in the area of management in Myanmar or SE Asian countries, including experience with extension services, assessing capacity gaps and needs at different levels and planning for enhancing livelihoods.

• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, from land users to ministerial staff.

• Extent of relevant experience with internationally funded projects.

• Experience in international, geographically dispersed, and inter-disciplinary teams.

• Prior preparation and submission of written reports for an international developmental agency, a governmental department, or a major NGO

• Relevant work experience in Southeast Asian Region.

• Proven capacity and experience in working with farmers.

   

• Experience working with farmers and extension and relevant developmental approaches that emphasize their improvement of  livelihoods.

• Experience in Myanmar and/or SE Asian countries.

• Experience with UN agencies, especially FAO.