Agro-ecologist / Conservation Agriculture Expert

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• 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 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.

Reporting Lines

The Agro-ecologist / Conservation Agriculture Expert reports to the FAO Programme Director in KSA.

Technical Focus

Capacity development and knowledge management for Agro-ecology / Conservation Agriculture.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Agro-ecologist / Conservation Agriculture Expert will contribute to the accomplishment of outputs of the project component on “Development of rain-fed cereals production” and to relevant outputs from Coffee, Subtropical fruits, and Rose. More specific, the consultant will carry out the following tasks:

• Conduct comprehensive situation analysis of the application of agro-ecology and conservation agriculture principles, technologies and practises among smallholder farmers in the project target regions and identify challenges and opportunities.
• Undertake benchmarking on international best practices for application of agro-ecology and conservation agriculture principles, technologies and practices among small scale farmers and lessons learnt especially in countries with similar context as Saudi Arabia.
• Undertake comprehensive review of all relevant strategies, policies and regulatory framework and identify the necessary enabling environment to increase application of agro-ecology and conservation agriculture among smallholder farmers.
• Develop the guideline and action plan for introducing agro-ecology and conservation agriculture within smallholder farming systems with the aim of integrating cultural, traditional and indigenous knowledge with scientific agricultural best practises.
• Develop the framework of criteria and indicators for assessing suitable conservation agriculture technologies and practices for smallholder farmers.
• Identify and select suitable conservation agriculture technologies and practices for cultivation crops within the project target regions.
• Select and pilot conservation agriculture technologies and practices among smallholder farmers in the project target regions and document their performance.
• Promote successful conservation agriculture technologies and practices and support their adoption by smallholder farmers in the project target regions.
• Develop and deliver need-based technical training for MoEWA and stakeholders on agro-ecology and conservation agriculture.
• Develop measures to promote practice of zero tillage and its crucial role in saving irrigation water for crops in target regions.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agronomy, agro-ecology or any related field.
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in management of agro-ecology and/or conservation Agriculture.
• Working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

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.
• Extent and relevance of experience in management of Agro-ecology / Conservation Agriculture
• Extent and relevance of experience in development of results frameworks, logical framework, project work plans and budget.
• Familiarity with project management skills including familiarity with development of results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting.

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