Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate; ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services; iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The position is home-based with the possibility of travel to DPR Korea

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the direct supervision of the Deputy FAO Representative, technical guidance of Lead Technical Officer (LTO), in close coordination with the FAO DPRK team, the international consultant will perform the tasks described below.

Technical Focus 

Provide technical expertise on the production and uses of slow-release fertilizer and capacity development support for the technicians and the farmers under the FAO project TCP/DRK/4001.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Review global best practices of slow-release fertilizer (SRF) and its uses
•    Review the report of the national consultant and prepare outline of training manual on SRF
•    Prepare training materials on SRF production technology and uses in the crop fields
•    Guide to design the production process of new coating liquid
•    Guide to design SRF production method
•    Prepare Characterization of SRF
•    Prepare a final report and the end of assignment report
•    Any other activities, as necessary

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in agriculture, soil science or other related fields
•    Minimum five years of practical experience in fertilizer production/management
•    Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Familiarity with soil and fertilizer management
•    Capacity to provide advice on the production and uses of slow-release fertilizers
•    Capacity to prepare training materials and guidelines on fertilizer management
•    Ability to write reports
•    Ability to communicate effectively and act as a trainer
•    Computer literacy with spreadsheets, databases and electronic programmes
•    Excellent communication (both written and oral) and presentation and reporting skills

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements