FIELD SUPPORT AGRONOMIST – SC7

Organizational Setting

The main objective of the FAO Country Office which is led by the FAO Representative is to assist governments and partners in developing policies, programs and projects aimed at to ensure food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop agriculture, fisheries and forestry, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. The FAO office is also committed to implementing field projects and programs to implement the policies, strategies and action plan mentioned above. The country office has an important role on support to the country and partners in increasing the resilience of livelihoods to food and agriculture threats and crises.

The position is located in the FAO Representation in Kenya

Reporting Lines

The Field Support Agronomist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Kenya and the Assistant FAO Representative Programmes. He/she will be under the general supervision of the Head of Resilient Food Systems and Livelihoods Sub-programme and direct supervision of the Project Manager of the Enhancing the Self-Reliance of Refugees and Host Communities in Kenya Project (UNJP/KEN/095/EC) and under the guidance and in collaboration with the Head of Office, Kakuma Sub-Office.

Technical Focus

Provide day-to-day technical support to Partners, County Government and Farmers (Both Refugee and Host) on Crop Production and Irrigation Water Management in Kalobeyei refugee Settlement and Turkana West Sub-county.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide technical support to farmers and partners on management of shade-net and open field crop production to ensure optimal costs and level of production are maintained
• Provide technical advice on best irrigation practises both in the shade-net farms and open fields and support farm management committees in ensuring optimal irrigation practises are done
• Support farm management committees and partners on technical issues related to the management of their water infrastructure including water pans, pumping system, distribution system, drip irrigation system and in-situ water harvesting structures
• Provide advice and support farmers and partners on maintenance of shade-net structures
• Work with farm management committee, farmers and partners to develop a crop production plan designed to meet market demands
• Participate in supporting capacity development of farm management committees through training, mentoring and coaching
• Provide technical support on vegetable gardening technologies including moist beds, vertical gardens and wick gardens to farmers and partners
• Provide technical support to farmers, farmer management committees and partners on construction and management of in-situ water harvesting structures
• Conduct training to farmers and technical teams from partner organisations as required on the shade net and open field crop production, irrigation efficiency and water management
• Support implementation of monitoring and evaluation of field activities, data collection and surveys and subsequent regular report writing.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the FAO representative or their duly appointed representative

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture or horticulture or related field
• 6-10 years of experience working with small holder horticultural farmers for University Degree holders or 3-4 years for Advanced University Degree holders.
• Working knowledge of English and Kiswahili
• National of Kenya

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 or area of work in both shade net and open field vegetable production in ASAL areas - specific experience with shade net tomato production will be an added advantage
• Extent and relevance of experience on shade net construction including knowledge on different types of shade net material and maintenance
• Knowledge of in-situ water harvesting technologies – their construction and maintenance
• Extent and relevance of experience in working with rural communities and organising them to produce for markets
• Experience in working with rural communities on sustainable management of their own water infrastructure
• Understanding of technical issues related to management of water sources for agricultural production especially water pans
• Familiarity with and good understanding of how Community Management Committees work, how they are formed and supported to perform optimally
• Experience with different irrigation technologies including drip irrigation
• Basic knowledge of kitchen gardening technologies including moist beds, vertical gardens and wick gardens
• Ability to conduct training of technical teams and community members

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