Organizational Setting

Upon request from the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will provide technical assistance for the improvement of livelihood of farmers of selected districts through increasing productivity of paddy while diversifying a sizable quantity of paddy lands with legumes and other field crops (OFC) using Climate Smart Good Agriculture Practices (CSGAP) with increased cropping intensity, efficient water and fertilizer management systems which leads to increase overall land productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the system.

The project will focus on demonstrating interventions and capacity building to increase the paddy-based ecosystem’s overall productivity and system efficiency on a pilot basis. Four districts from the Dry and Intermediate zones were identified through stakeholder consultations. In each selected district, 25 tracts (Yaya) will be identified to cover around 10,000 farmers (5,000 ha in 25 tracts X 50 ha in each tract X 4 districts) for project interventions.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), and in close coordination with the Administrative Section of the FAO Representation and consultants in the project and will work in close collaboration with other Government counterparts, the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), and Lead Technical Unit in FAO HQ.

Technical Focus

The Crop Diversification and Climate Smart Good Agriculture Practices (CSGAP) specialist will provide support in developing field programs and project-related services to support the delivery of programs, projects, products, and services implemented in the framework of the FAO Sri Lanka.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide technical input to carryout FFS on CSGAP for both paddy and other field crops in already identified 100 tracts and ensure successful implementation in the field
•    Demarcate field sites in already identified tracts for crop diversification and identify farmer partners (with details) to be supported by the project in consultation with government officials and project staff.
•    Identify OFC crops/varieties to be cultivated / technologies to be adopted with detailed input/machinery and other requirements in identified tracts, prepare seasonal cropping calendars for the coming Yala season and beyond in consultation with district project technical committee and other relevant partners for each tract.
•    Provide technical assistance in identifying and establishing diversification demonstration sites at 4 government locations/ farmer fields.
•    Provide technical assistance in testing novel crop production technologies, protection, and post-harvest operation/machinery in 4 demonstration sites.
•    Provide technical input in developing the curriculum, training materials, related knowledge products, and the Training of trainers (TOTs) training design on climate-smart OFC and paddy farming with advanced technologies and provide the final approval of the materials.
•    Prepare the list, quantity, and technical description of required agricultural inputs and equipment for diversified crops production package, including specifications and quantity (e.g., fertilizer, seeds, solar pump, sprinkler system, etc.) for the 2025 Yala and beyond for the 100 tracts.
•    Provide technical assistance to the farmers in applying location-specific climate smart precision farming technology packages, including soil test-based nutrient management, improved on-farm water management, and integrated pest management to increase paddy’s productivity and nutrient use efficiency.
•    Conduct periodic field visits to ensure smooth implementation of identified agronomic interventions. Submit reports on crop performance in all 100 tracts and take corrective measures if needed.
•    Liaise with relevant government technical staff and conduct all periodic crop clinics and field days.
•    Prepare the technical specifications of the machinery, equipment tools, and quantities required to establish farm machinery / implement hiring and input supply centers and for the establishment of seed and seedling production entrepreneurs at the village level.
•    Prepare the criteria for selecting the field extension officers for advanced training on at a suitable location outside Sri Lanka.
•    Prepare the criteria for best-performing farmers, recognizing them as well for overseas exposure visits in a suitable country
•    Coordinate with all technical consultants and review their reports before final submission.
•    Support the National Project Manager (NPM) to liaise with the government and other related sectors for smooth operation.
•    Support the NPM for monitoring and reporting the progress of project activities periodically
•    Provide technical input towards agreements with farmers and other relevant documents (e.g. constitution of Producer Organizations) related to the equipment and support provided by the project.
•    Provide technical support to any other activity required as and when necessary for the implementation of the project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in Agriculture or related fields.
•    A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in working in the dry zone farming systems with special reference to paddy and other field crops.
•    Working knowledge of English and Sinhala/Tamil.
•    A national of Sri Lanka willing to be stationed in the project office at Mahailluppallama.

 
FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Strong knowledge of crop diversification and climate smart good agriculture practices in rice-based agri-food systems
•    Excellent skills in field experiments in rice-based farming systems, data analysis, and relevant software tools.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
•    Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
•    Project management skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION