Organizational Setting

The main aim of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO’s) Representation in Egypt, which is headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist the Government of Egypt to develop policies, programmes and projects to improve food security and nutrition, promote sustainable agricultural development, reduce rural poverty, develop inclusive agri-food systems and strengthen livelihood resilience – in line with the Organization’s Strategic Objectives and United Nations’ global and Government of Egypt’s national Sustainable Development Goals.
FAO is currently implementing a project titled “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Agricultural Biodiversity for Enhancing the Adaptive Capacity of Vulnerable Rural Communities in Old and New Lands of Upper and Lower Egypt”. The main aim of the project is to sustainably enhance the adaptive capacity of  smallholder men and women farmers and landless and unemployed or seasonally working rural women, youth and men with particular vulnerability to climate impacts on agriculture. It will also, through the development and adoption of innovative and improved climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and local variety date palm production techniques, strengthening of concerned commodity value chains and establishment of related micro and small agri-food enterprises, sustainably improve agricultural productivity and, in turn, increase household incomes and create employment.

The position is located in three project sites namely Kafr El-Sheikh, Beheira and Aswan.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAOR-EGY and Assistant FAOR for programmes, the direct supervision of the project Manager, the technical supervision of the lead technical Officer RNE, and in close collaboration with the FAO country office and project personnel, as well as Government counterparts and all stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The Date palm agro-ecosystem management specialist will be responsible for providing the technical support to the date palm FFSs in the three governorates, as well as deliver a number of practical technical training sessions for Nakhaleen and the agricultural technical school students.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Date palm agro-ecosystem management specialist will perform the following duties:
•    Review best-cultivation practices to enhance yield and reduce post-harvest loss for both monoculture and mixed farming systems in the three governorates i.e., Aswan, Behira and Kafr El Sheikh;
•    Draft a training plan for the Farmer Field Schools and Farmer Business Schools focusing on date palm . This includes an inclusive and responsive gender strategy;
•    In collaboration with the project staff, create learning resources and offer classroom training to the students of Aswan’s agricultural vocational schools.
•    Deliver students of Aswan’s agricultural vocational schools practical training in the best date palm producing techniques throughout the growing season.
•    Oversee and equip the Nakhaleen FFSs in Aswan with the essential training in order to produce a new generation of technically proficient date palm workers.
•    When assistance is required, visit the date palm FFSs in each of the three governorates, offer technical help, and stand by the facilitators of the FFSs.
•    Support the development of learning material in collaboration with relevant technical FAO teams – starting with RNE Plant Protection Officer, identify and develop Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme
•    Support the establishment and running of the date palm-FFSs and monitor and report the progress of the FFSs and demonstrations plots activities;
•    Organize and support training sessions for farmers and extension officers on modern and sustainable date palm cultivation methods.
•    Support the project to help farmers establish and maintain community date palm offshoots nursery.
•    Provide technical support in response to the priority needs of the farmer field schools and the farmer business schools supported under the project;
•    Draft technical specifications for the procurement of agricultural inputs, tools and equipment and plan the quantities to be procured under the project and to be used for the training and for the date palm FFSs
•    Deliver in a comprehensive technical report covering all date palm-related activities.
•    Provide any other relevant technical assistance needed;
•    Maintain the communication with the project staff for any advice could be raised;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

•    A bachelor’s degree in plant production, horticulture science, or a related field.
•    At least 7 years of agricultural development of date palm, preferably in a field-based role.
•    Working knowledge in the English and Arabic languages
•    National of Egypt

FAO Core Competencies

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

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements