Organizational Setting
The Smart Farming for Future Generation project (GCP/GLO/071/ROK), implemented by FAO and FAVRI in Moc Chau district - Son La province of Vietnam, is conducting a demonstration on soilless cultivation, aimed primarily at evaluating the viability and efficiency for small and medium owners vegetable production in the afore mentioned geographical area. The identified site for the demonstration is a greenhouses (1600m2) within the perimeter of the Moc Chau Agricultural Research Centre, belonging to the Department of Science and Technology of Son La Province.
The demonstration has three main objectives:
โข ย ย To assess soilless cultivation systems tailored for both short and long cycle vegetable crops (leafy vegetables and vined crops), and its adaptability to be readily used by smallholder farmers.
โข ย ย To rigorously test and monitor the growth and harvest performances of some crop varieties within these systems in the environmental conditions of Moc Chau, Vietnam, namely tomatoes, melon, cucumber, lettuce, etc.
โข ย ย To conduct a thorough accounting and analysis of input utilization for the unit of produce, and an economic analysis that encompasses both the production costs and the potential market revenues in the local context.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will carry out the assignment under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Vietnam (FAOVN), the technical guidance of the Agricultural Field Expert in Moc Chau, and FAOHQ Agricultural Officer, and under direct supervision of the Project Operations Specialist.
Technical Focus
The incumbent will support the overall direction of all vegetable production operations, playing a main and direct role in providing expert assessment and recommendations during the productive season to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency of the demonstration. The incumbent must endorse the role with the highest level of responsibility, and train, direct, and supervise the operational personnel (3-6 persons max) and regularly report to the project team.
Tasks and responsibilities
The incumbent will carry out the following activities:
โข ย ย Travel every two weeks to Moc Chau to work at the soilless production demonstration installed at the Agr. Research centre to guide and assess the production operations delivered by the field technical personnel, in collaboration with the permanent project field expert.ย
โข ย ย Assist the project team developing a crop specific activity calendar including inputs and materials life cycle, identifying all involved operations that must be excuted by the personnel, estimating time requirement, and chronological sequence.
โข ย ย Conduct training sessions (both formal and informal) training sessions for the field personnel who will ensure the daily operations. The training topics are related to the good daily practice of soilless production of leafy and vined crops. Topics include good practices on inputs management, production management, harvest and marketing management.
โข ย ย Assist the project team in drafting technical specifications and participating in the procurement evaluation process for agricultural inputs to be utilized in greenhouses during the vegetative and generative periods.
โข ย ย Direct responsible of leafy and vined crops production providing expert assessment and recommendations during the productive season to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency,and identify problems offering immediate solution.
โข ย ย Facilitate the collection and availability of environmental, production, and sales data for its analyses by project team members, including FAVRI.
โข ย ย Assist with the development of customized training materials and modules for Moc Chau farmers tailored to the specific needs of soilless operations.
โข ย ย Assist with the preparation of open and demonstration days. Be available and report when the FAOHQ is on site during the backstopping missions.
โข ย ย Provide a weekly report of activities, including production updates, issues, and solutions.
โข ย ย Participate to the weekly team project meeting (online)
โข ย ย Develop and submit a consolidated intermediate reports (production, harvest processing and packaging, market accessing) on the results of the activity every 3 months, outlining an overview of findings, activities, and recommendations.
โข ย ย Perform any other related duties.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements ย
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โข ย ย University Degree in agronomy or horticulture or other related field represents;
โข ย ย A minimum of five-year of practical experience in soilless production;
โข ย ย National of Vietnam or resident in the country with a valid work permit;
โข ย ย Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese.
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
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย In-depth knowledge of project management and strategic planning;
โข ย ย Strong analytical thinking, interpersonal skills as well as report writing skills;
โข ย ย High Proficiency in English and Vietnamese - spoken and in writing;
โข ย ย Excellent communication and net-working skills;
โข ย ย Ability to work effectively under pressure;
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in both for practical and theoretical training on soilless production in Vietnam;
โข ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in facilitating technical hydroponic farming practices;
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Selection Criteria
ย โข ย ย Evidence of previous similar assignment documentation is required (include in your application).
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