Expert Trainer for Capacity Building of Operators on Hand Tractor Operation and Maintenance

Organizational Setting

Mechanization is a key driver of agricultural transformation, helping farmers increase productivity, reduce drudgery, and optimize land preparation. FAO In Equatorial Guinea, is introducing the use of hand tractors (two-wheel tractors) to support smallholder farmers in the rural areas who are still relying on very rudimentary ways of doing agriculture, resulting in low usage and productivity of potential arable land. The problem is that there are very few skilled operators of hand tractors with adequate skills in proper handling, safe operation, and routine maintenance of these machines, leading to frequent breakdowns, unsafe practices, and reduced efficiency.
To address this gap, FAO Guinea Equatorial seeks to engage a qualified expert to train hand tractor operators on both practical operation and preventive maintenance

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will report to the FAO Representative (FAOR)

Technical Focus

Capacity building on the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation and maintenance of hand tractors (two-wheel tractors), including practical operator training, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and improved mechanization practices

Tasks and responsibilities

Training Preparation

•     Assess the current skill level of operators.
•     Develop a training curriculum adapted to local conditions, language, and cropping systems.

Training Content Development

•     Principles of hand tractor operation (starting, steering, speed control, field application).
•     Safety procedures and accident prevention.
•     Routine maintenance: lubrication, oiling, filter cleaning, tire/track checks, adjustments.
•     Identification of common faults and basic troubleshooting.
•     Storage, spare parts management, and good practices for equipment longevity.

Practical Training Sessions

•     Demonstrate step-by-step tractor operation in field conditions.
•     Provide supervised hands-on practice for each operator.
•     Conduct demonstrations of routine service and minor repairs.

Follow-up Guidance

•     Provide job aids/manuals for operators.
•     Recommend a schedule for periodic refresher training and mentorship.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     University degree in Agricultural Engineering, Farm Machinery, or a related field
•     At least 5 years of relevant experience in farm mechanization and operation of two-wheel tractors 
•     Working knowledge of Spanish 
•     National of Equatorial Guinea

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 hand tractor operation, maintenance, and operator training. 
•     Extent and relevance of experience in developing training materials/manuals. 
•     Familiarity with smallholder mechanization challenges in rural contexts.

Selection Criteria

•     Strong facilitation, communication, and reporting skills. 
•     Fluency in Spanish; knowledge of local languages is an advantage

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION