Organizational Setting
The main objective of FAO offices, led by an FAO Representative, is to help governments formulate policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and use their environmental/natural resources in a sustainable manner.
The position is located in the FAO Representation based in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representation for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname Country Office, and the technical supervision of the FAO SLC Policy and Climate Change Officer.
Technical Focus
Should encompass a deep understanding of soil science, plant physiology, and crop production, with a strong emphasis on optimizing yields and promoting sustainable practices. Up to date on the latest technologies and best practices to ensure the successful achievement of the Programmeโs goals.
Tasks and responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative for Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname (a.i.), supervision of the Lead Technical Officer in the Sub-regional office for the Caribbean in Barbados, in coordination with the Lead Technical Specialist and with the overarching support from the National Designated Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (Ministry of Planning and Development), the Crop Production Specialist will perform the following tasks:
โข ย ย ย ย Contribute to design and assess the current situation of protected cultivation systems in collaboration with LTO and international consultant expert.ย
โข ย ย ย ย Define a data collection methodology and strategy as survey instrument to carry out initial assessment.ย
โข ย ย ย ย Analyze the main indicators of productivity such as typical yield rates, number of cycles per year and main types of crops, cropping systems as well as varieties. ย
โข ย ย ย ย Document the types of production systems being used under protected cultivation by farmers, categorizing them by greenhouse/net-houses/tunnels (irrigation/ without irrigation, soil, soilless) or any other systems being used. ย ย
โข ย ย ย ย Develop farmerโs profile for potential beneficiaries who may be selected to establish pilots including information on demographics, main challenges/risk (production and non-production) and suggestions/recommendations to optimize current farms cultivating various crops.ย
โข ย ย ย ย Describe areas to be strengthened through capacity building including training to improve efficiency of vegetables value chains.
โข ย ย ย ย Support the project LTO with the initial assessment and implementation of identified activities including those related to optimization of protected cultivation systems among selected beneficiaries.
โข ย ย ย ย Support LTO with the development of a list of materials to be procured for optimization of protected cultivation systems.ย
โข ย ย ย ย Support the verification process of materials and equipment delivered to beneficiary farmers in keeping with technical specifications.
โข ย ย ย ย Support LTO on developing planting schedules and diversification plan for vegetable crops cultivated under protected structures.
โข ย ย ย ย Coordinate with the FAO technical team on data collection for the cost of production and other relevant data for protected cultivation systems.
โข ย ย ย ย Support the LTO with field visits to beneficiary farms on a weekly basis for the optimization of protected structures and cultivation of selected crops.ย
โข ย ย ย ย Any related activities assigned that will contribute to the success of the project.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย ย ย University degree in Crop Production, Agronomy, Agriculture or related areas of expertise.
โข ย ย ย ย Five (5) years of relevant experience in protected cultivation systems.
โข ย ย ย ย Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English. Limited knowledge (level B) of Spanish is an advantage.
โข ย ย ย ย National of Trinidad and Tobago or resident of the country with valid work permit.
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย ย ย Communication
โข ย ย ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย ย ย Experience interacting with governments and community-based organizations is required.
โข ย ย ย ย Experience working in Caribbean Small Island Development States (SIDS) is an asset.
โข ย ย ย ย Experience working in multilateral organizations is an asset.