National Agronomy Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO Mongolia works with the vision "to be a leading, credible and responsive partner in ensuring food and nutrition security of the population". The office has been coordinating projects and programmes in research, capacity building, natural resources management, technology transfer, food and agriculture policy, livestock production systems management, emergency and post crisis management, forestry information, statistics, food security and nutrition, emergency response operations, crop production system management, and food quality and safety.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Mongolia and direct supervision of the National Project Manager, and in close cooperation with the International Vegetable/Agronomy expert, communication, operational, and admin staff of the FAO Mongolia.

Technical Focus

The project “Enhancing production and market access of vegetables to support economic diversification in Mongolia” ” is designed to enhance food security and dietary diversity through increasing greenhouse-based vegetable production and market access. The project aims to (i) boost the supply of local fresh vegetables and vegetable products through promoting greenhouse-based vegetable production, (ii) expand market access for vegetable growers by involving private investors and improving value chain management, and (ii) share/disseminate experiences and lessons that improve commercial viability and profitability of vegetable production in Mongolia; The project will also build a mid-sized, energy efficient, long duration greenhouse in partnership with an interested private investor in selected Aimag in order to showcase sustainable greenhouse technology and range of cultivation methods.

Tasks and responsibilities\:

• Serve as key technical resource person in support of project implementation including advising on planting, cultivation, and harvesting techniques, improving crop yield for vegetables in Mongolia
• Provide a detailed work plan for annual planting season, prepared in close coordination with the activity team;
• Practically demonstrate implementation of all agrotechnical measures required for successful and sustainable greenhouse vegetable production;
• Prepare training curricula and training material that include examples from the current agricultural practice and examples of new approaches and specific measures for greenhouse production. Training will include all topics from soil preparation, planting, conducting all necessary agro-technical measures, to harvesting, past-harvest treatment, producing own seedling, record keeping, etc.
• Supervise greenhouse installation and inspect the greenhouse throughout the project duration
• Monitors and supervises the delivery of seedlings and all other agricultural inputs to activity beneficiaries in specified localities including inspection of quantities as well as quality of delivered assistance.
• Conduct classroom-based trainings in each activity target areas
• Provide technical advice to farmers in implementation of individual farm investment plans;
• Inspects usage and give technical advice regarding of all input supplies (greenhouses, seedlings, irrigation systems, plant protection and fertilizers);
• Practically demonstrate implementation of all agrotechnical measures required for successful and sustainable greenhouse vegetable production;
• Prepare proper documentation of issues that arise during the implementation of the sub-activities;
• Any other actions as required and appropriate to ensure the success of the activity in consultation with supervisors

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in agronomy or any other relevant field;
• National of Mongolia
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years in proven greenhouse vegetable production, practical training delivery, knowledge transfer, and technical assistance to farmers, with additional value placed on prior involvement with international public and/or private sector organizations.
• Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills; knowledge and experience in project management support and writing skills,
• Strong ability to draft high-quality reports supported with graphic and statistical summaries,
• Demonstrated experience in developing Monitoring and Evaluation Framework or System for development projects,

Selection Criteria

• Willingness for intensive fieldwork
• Experience in the government or UN system is an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION