National Horticulturist cum GAP Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. 
FAO Country Offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative and work to implement the corporate Strategic Framework at the country level, provide policy advice and technical assistance to countries to develop policies, programmes, and projects aimed at achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, and promoting sustainable agricultural sector development. 
The FAO Representation in Bangladesh (FAOBD) provides technical support to the Government of Bangladesh in the implementation of assigned agriculture and horticulture projects. The National Horticulturist cum GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Specialist will play a key role in liaising with relevant government departments, stakeholders, and partners to ensure effective project execution, adoption of improved horticultural practices, and sustainable development of the horticulture sector. The specific objectives, are to: 

•     Support the design and implementation of horticulture-related project activities. 
•     Facilitate coordination and collaboration with government institutions, research organizations, and relevant stakeholders. 
•     Promote the adoption of sustainable and climate-smart horticultural practices. 
•     Provide technical guidance and capacity-building support to farmers, extension workers, and project staff. 
•     Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of horticulture project outcomes. 

This includes providing technical guidance on horticultural study, supporting all FAO projects and, facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations, reviewing existing plans, programs and other related documents; and strengthen horticulture value chain  that align with national priorities.

Reporting Lines

The National Horticulturist cum GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Specialist is a SC10 position. Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh, technical supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative, and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), the incumbent will work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM), Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), other Research Institutes, Development Partners and other relevant agencies of the MoA.

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the position is to provide technical guidance on horticultural crops, conducting field visits, surveys, and on-farm research to identify production and value chain challenges. The consultant will design practical interventions and facilitate capacity development for the farmers and extension staff in climate-smart and good agricultural practices and translate findings into actionable recommendations while collaborating with government, research, and private sector partners to promote resilient and market-oriented horticultural systems.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Provide technical expertise and guidance on horticultural crops including fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals, focusing on sustainable production, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling; 
•     Support the development and implementation of horticulture-focused projects and interventions, ensuring alignment with national priorities and FAO strategies; 
•     Conducting assessment, surveys, and field visits to identify constraints and opportunities in horticultural production, value chains, and market linkages; 
•     Provide training, capacity building, and advisory support to farmers, extension workers, and project staff on good horticultural practices, climate-smart techniques, and post-harvest management; 
•     Prepare technical reports, manuals, training materials, and knowledge products related to horticulture development and dissemination. 
•     Support monitoring and evaluation of project activities, ensuring accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting on horticulture interventions 
•     Advise on regulatory matters related to horticultural production, value chains, and market development

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 
  
•     Advanced university degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, or related field; 
•     At least 9 years of progressively research experience and good understanding of horticulture cropping systems with skills in field experimentation, experimental design and statistics; 
•     Working knowledge of English (level C); 
•     National of Bangladesh;

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Knowledge of high-yield, climate-resilient, and pest/disease-resistant varieties. 
•     Skills in soil fertility management, integrated nutrient management, and irrigation optimization for horticultural crops; 
•     Good understanding of package of practices, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), Climate Resilient Practices, preferably for major horticultural crops grown in Bangladesh.  
•     Knowledge of Horticultural commodity value chains with focus on production aspects would be an added advantage. 
•     Ability to independently design and conduct field research. 
•     Strong ability to synthesize technical information into actionable policy recommendations; 
•     Excellent skills in stakeholder consultation, facilitation, and coordination, including with government, private sector, and development partners; 
•     Competency in preparing high-quality technical reports, investment briefs, technical and investment proposals and presentations; 
•     Good working knowledge of standard software tools (Excel, PowerPoint, statistical software, GIS tools would be an asset).