Organizational Setting

The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.
An overall plan and budget are developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. For achieving the objectives of the rose component, several activities have been taken up that involves good crop production and protection technologies among rose and jasmine farmers to grow healthy crops. To achieve this, demo farms were established at Taif and Jazan in Rose and Jasmine, respectively. It was also envisaged to undertake a situation analysis and comprehensive sector review for the Roses/Jasmine production, industry, value added products (rose oil & water and others) and quality control measures, in the KSA and to assess comparative advantages of Rose/jasmine production in the selected areas of Saudi Arabia. We have already initiated a baseline survey mission to achieve the goal. Hence, for the better management of these demo farms and monitoring the baseline survey, a day-to-day management support is highly essential.

Reporting Lines

The Aromatic Plants Specialist will report to the Technical Adviser under the overall guidance of the Chief Technical Adviser in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Technical Focus

Contribute to the implementation of the envisioned work plan in Taif and Jizan by periodical monitoring of the progress of the project activities, compiling them electronically and reporting to MoEWA and FAO.

Tasks and responsibilities

The following specific functions are to be executed by the incumbent:
•    Visit to the demo farms periodically for reviewing the impact of the technologies provided to each farm.
•    Regular communication with the farmers of rose and jasmine.
•    Maintenance of registers for recording basic information and activity profile of each demo farm.
•    Recording the impact analysis data of all the FAO interventions in the demo fields.
•    Organize meetings with the demo farms, record how the activities are progressing and report it to MoEWA and FAO officials.
•    Linking demo farmers to the other farmers for knowledge transfer and technology adoption.
•    Link with MoEWA & co-operatives and make efforts to form farmers’ group for the dissemination of better field practices and IPM as decided by MoEWA and FAO over a period of time.
•    Organize training activities in the topics related to the project activities – farm productivity enhancement, IPM, crop waste management, processing, quality standards, marketing, etc.
•    Any other related tasks as assigned by the FAO and MoEWA officials related to this project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

•    Advanced university degree in plant production/breeding, agronomy or any other related field.
•    Five years of relevant experience in development of aromatic plants, possibly rose production and trade and/or project management in the field of sustainable rural agricultural development.
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Arabic and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of English.
•    National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or have resident permit (please submit copy with your application).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in development of rose production and trade.
•    Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the field of policy analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the collection of country data on food, crops, livestock, forestry and fisheries.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the identification, formulation and preparation of programme and project proposals as well as programme/project implementation, monitoring and reviewed.