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International Consultants on beekeeping and honey industry

Saudi Arabia

  • Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Location: Saudi Arabia
  • Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • RNE
  • Closing Date: Closed

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

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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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Organizational Setting


The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components\: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.

An overall plan and budget is developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. Requirements for international technical expertise of each component have been identified. In order to ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent international technical advisors will be appointed as Component Managers to each of the nine components. Each Component Manager will be supported by a team of international consultants and experts who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities.

FAO-Saudi Arabia is seeking for consultants with relevant expertise in the Honey Bee Breeding, Bee Disease Control, Beekeeping and Honey Technology, Honey Quality and Standards, Honey Marketing and Agribusiness Development, and Honey Value Chain Analysis.


Reporting Lines

The Component Consultants report to the Programme Director in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the overall guidance of the Assistant Director-General/Regional Representative, RNE.


Technical Focus

Capacity development and knowledge management for beekeeping and honey value chain development.


Tasks and responsibilities\:

The Consultants of the project component on beekeeping and honey value chain development in coordination with the Component Technical Adviser and National Manager will

  • Undertake situation analysis and comprehensive sector review for the beekeeping and honey industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and assesses comparative and competitive advantages of the industry in KSA.
  • Benchmark, identify and promotes best beekeeping and honey production practices among small beekeepers.
  • Prepare and implement a national programme of queen and honey bee breeding, mapping and distribution.
  • Design and implement a programme for innovations and technology promotion of beekeeping and quality honey production and modernisation of bee hives and apiary management of small beekeepers in target regions.
  • Establish model farm to demonstrate and promote adoption of best practices and smart technologies for beekeeping and honey production.
  • Design and conduct a study to compare the production factors and productivity of traditional and modern beehives.
  • Contribute to the review, design and promotion of appropriate smallholders agroforestry systems and practices to compliment bee keeping and honey production.
  • Prepare and implement an IPM plan for honey bee diseases control including the establishment of control areas, and establishes pilot demonstration sites for organic beekeeping and honey production in each target region.
  • Improve beekeeping physical infrastructure and logistics support including testing and grading centre and laboratory.
  • Explore and establish geographical indication and develop effective strategies for branding, specifications, standardisation and certification for honey.
  • Contribute in situation analysis of existing small bee keepers’ agricultural cooperatives and associations in the target regions and develop pilot business model for them.
  • Contribute in review and analyse marketing and value chain of honey by smallholders and agri-entrepreneurs and evolve mechanisms of efficient marketing including direct marketing and contract farming and access to market information.
  • Design, develop and promote good post-harvest practices, methods and technologies for efficient production and processing of quality honey.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
  • Advanced university degree in apiculture, beekeeping, agriculture, agriculture economics/extension, or related field.
  • 12 years of relevant experience in small scale beekeeping industry development including at international level.
  • Working knowledge of English, and limited knowledge of Arabic.
FAO Core Competencies
  • Results Focus.
  • Teamwork.
  • Communication
  • Building Effective Relationships.
  • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.
Technical/Functional Skills
  • Work experience in more than one location and particularly in field positions.
  • Extent and relevance of experience in rural agriculture development and small scale beekeeping and honey industry.
  • Extent and relevance of experience in beekeeping/agriculture extension, food safety and quality, cooperatives development.
  • Familiarity with project management skills including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting.
  • Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions.
  • Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.
  • Proficiency in English is essential and familiarity with Arabic language is desirable.
Selection Criteria
  • Work experience with international organizations and in technical cooperation projects supporting countries.
  • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
  • Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in beekeeping and honey industry and related issues.
  • Ability to provide technical and advisory services.

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

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This vacancy is now closed.