Organizational Setting

In close collaboration with the DirectorateGeneral of Horticulture of the Ministry of Agriculture, FAO Indonesia is providing technical assistance through the TCP modality to revolutionize Indonesia’s banana industry with ecofriendly methods, modern GAP and GHP, improved nutritional value, resilient ecosystems, and sustainable prosperity for farmers and communities of the banana sector. The primary activities are empowering farmers through comprehensive training in sustainable farming practices for improved banana cultivation, enhancing postharvest handling practices to preserve banana quality and minimize losses, and strengthening international market engagement to accelerate revenue growth and increase market diversification.

Strategic engagement with stakeholders from the export destination countries, particularly Singapore and China, will be pursued. This engagement will focus on building strong partnerships with international traders, import inspection agencies of the targeted countries, and critical banana sector players. By establishing this engagement, the project aims to catalyze international market access for Indonesian bananas and ensure that the produce meets the stringent quality and regulatory standards required by these markets. These efforts are expected to lay the groundwork for sustainable international trade and open new revenue streams for Indonesia’s banana farmers.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative Programme (AFAOR Programm, Lead Technical Officer at FAORAP, and OCOP secretariat, the incumbent will be responsible for catalyzing the partnership of Indonesia’s lady finger banana producers with international traders in Singapore and China.

Technical Focus 

International trade and market engagement for horticultural products, Singaporean and Chinese horticultural product import regulations, Singaporean and Chinese banana value chain and market.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Collect critical information and guidance on market requirements, implied regulations, and operational procedures for the Singaporean and Chinese banana markets. This information includes ASEANChina Free Trade Agreements and ASEAN Free Trade Agreements to leverage lower tariffs.
•    Review and analyze Indonesian banana export standards and certification system.
•    After collecting critical information and current export standards and certification system, develop a comprehensive but concise guiding booklet or roadmap outlining specific requirements for farmers to tailor their practices to increase export compliance to the targeted market.
•    Engage with industry experts, businesses, import inspection agencies, and key stakeholders of the banana sector in Singapore and China.
•    Facilitate international trade and market engagement information dissemination workshop to connect and assess the need for future collaborations between banana farmers with industry experts, businesses, and key stakeholders of the banana sector in Singapore and China.
•    Provide technical assistance to enable banana farmers to comply with import regulations in the importing market.
•    Prepare a final report and obtain technical clearance from the LTO of this project

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree and preferably higher degree in international agribusiness and trade, agrifood economics and trade, and/or related area.
•    Ten years of experience in international trading horticulture products for the Singaporean and Chinese markets.
•    Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in international trade for prominent organizations, particularly for horticultural products.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in catalyzing market engagement and business contracts for international horticultural products trade.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in analyzing exportimport standards and compliance

Selection Criteria

•    Familiarity with the Singaporean and Chinese import regulations and requirements for horticulture products
•    Familiarity with the stakeholders of the Singaporean and Chinese horticulture sector.
•    Working experience in international banana trades will be an advantage.
•    Working experience in international trade for Indonesia’s horticulture products will be an advantage.