Agronomist/ Cropping System Specialist

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• 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

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) and its sister agencies. Within the framework of the UTF Technical Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering the period 2019-2025 signed on 13 February 2019 between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia represented by the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and FAO, the UTF project “UTF/SAU/053/SAU” Promoting efficient irrigation and water productivity amongst farmers”, have been approved by the FAO and Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO). The Project, developed jointly by SIO and FAO focuses directly on supporting the implementation of the Saudi Irrigation Organization Corporate Strategy which was developed within the context of the Saudi Vision 2030 and aims at strengthening the capacity of SIO to improve irrigation efficiency. The project expected Outcome is “Increased adoption of innovative and efficient irrigation technologies and practices in target Saudi regions” and in turn contributing towards achieving the national development goal of improving irrigation efficiency and ensuring sustainable use of water resources in the Kingdom.

Reporting Lines

The Agronomist/ Cropping System Specialist will report to Projects Technical Advisor under the overall guidance of the FAO Programme Director in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Technical Focus

Supporting the implementation of related activities under the different outputs in accordance with workplan through the provision of expertise in the relevant technical areas to support project implementation.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Agronomist/ Cropping System Specialist will contribute to the accomplishment of outputs of the projects Promoting efficient irrigation and water productivity amongst farmers and will carry out the following tasks: -

• Contribute to the identification, pilot testing and promoting the adoption of modern technologies and practices suitable for the various farming systems in the target regions.
• Assesses the current participation of farmers in identification and selection of irrigation technologies and innovative practices.
• Conduct costs benefits analysis of demonstration sites.
• Develop and implement effective cost management strategy for establishing, operating, and maintaining demonstrations.
• Assessment of the economic aspects of smart demo farm implementation results.
• Formulate recommendations for the following up and guidelines based on economic aspects of the applied irrigation technology on pilot scheme.
• Develop sustainability measures and incentives to ensure continuity of demonstrations and scaling up of successful technologies and practices.
• Supports training of farmers, technicians, and extension agents in selected practices

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agroeconomics or any related field.
• Five years of relevant experience in technical cooperation-related activities, irrigation water management, on farm improvement, irrigation technologies, water economics and visibility studies.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for Consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one region and particularly in field positions with the ability to provide technical and advisory services.
• International work experience in technical cooperation projects including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting.
• Experience in irrigation water management and farm irrigation.
• 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.
• Proficiency in relevant computer software programs.
• Experience working with various types of irrigation and water resources management and familiarity with the water resources sector in Saudi Arabia or the NENA region are desirable.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation systems, technologies, and best practices.

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