Organizational Setting
FAO is implementing the UNJP/ALB/020/UNJ โBusiness Partnership and Solutions for SDGsโ project to support sustainable agricultural practices, private sector engagement, and innovation-driven rural development in Albania. The project aligns with FAOโs strategic objectives, the CPF and the UNSDCF. To ensure effective implementation, FAO Albania is recruiting a National Olive Production Expert to support the project workplan implementation in this area.ย
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (AFAOR) and in close coordination with the Sustainable Business Specialist, Lead Technical Officer (LTO), and other national and international consultants.ย
Technical Focus
Support capacity building for olive groves in Albania focusing on improving pest and disease management, pruning and harvesting practices, olive propagation, and establishing key production units within the framework of the UNJP โBusiness Partnership and Solutions for SDGsโ project.ย
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย Conduct a technical assessment of the current status of olive orchards and field conditions to identify key production constraints. Compile related data and technical specifications related to olive production requirements, referencing processing capacity and future market trends.
โข ย ย Document prevalent olive pest and disease issues, with a focus on olive fly (Bactrocera oleae), based on secondary sources and field observations. Prepare a list of suitable monitoring techniques and tools for olive fly control, including specifications for pheromone traps and Eco traps.
โข ย ย Develop technical reference material on microbial pesticides and organic treatment options for managing pests and diseases in olive groves.
โข ย ย Draft technical manuals outlining sustainable pest and disease management approaches tailored to olive production systems.
โข ย ย Design and finalize training modules on pruning and harvesting practices. Focusing on:
o ย ย Specifications and performance summaries for small-scale pruning and harvesting equipment suited to olive farming;
o ย ย Technical guidelines on olive propagation and nursery production practices, emphasizing softwood propagation techniques;
o ย ย Recommended olive varieties and rootstocks, referencing adaptability, resilience, and yield characteristics;
o ย ย Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for propagation techniques, to be used in demonstration settings by third parties.
o ย ย And other additional topics based on the Rapid Context Analysis and current situation in Albania.
โข ย ย Produce written extension materials such as factsheets, technical bulletins, and manuals related to best practices in olive production.
โข ย ย Draft a technical framework and checklist for the setup of a Farmer Field School focused for the olive value chain.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements ย ย
โข ย ย University degree in agricultural sciences, horticulture, or a related field.
โข ย ย At least 5 years of relevant experience in olive production and propagation, including pest management, sustainable agriculture practices, and nursery management.
โข ย ย Working knowledge of English.
โข ย ย Working knowledge of Albanian.
โข ย ย Albanian nationality or resident of Albania with a valid work permit.
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement