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.

The Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies and projects that drive the transformation of food, agriculture, and rural development across the Pacific. It fosters and maintains relationships with subregional institutions and governments. The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP).

FAO SAP is implementing a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP/MIC/4001) project in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to strengthen climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive school garden systems as an entry point to improving food security, nutrition outcomes and agricultural skills among school-aged children.

FAO is seeking to recruit a National Agriculture Expert to support the implementation of this project in FSM.

Reporting Lines

The National Agriculture Expert will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Subregional Coordinator (SRC) for the Pacific Islands and will directly report to the Policy Officer (Lead Technical Officer). The incumbent will work in close coordination with the Agricultural Officer and Micronesia Coordinator and liaise with relevant government counterparts, school stakeholders, parents, and other implementing partners in FSM.

Technical Focus

The National Agriculture Expert will ensure timely and quality delivery of project outputs related to the establishment and strengthening of climate-resilient, nutrition-sensitive school gardens.

The assignment focuses on: establishment and supervision of school gardens; climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture practices; capacity development for students, teachers and parents; behaviour change and nutrition awareness; and coordination, monitoring, reporting and documentation of project results.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Ensure project activities are implemented on time and in accordance with the approved workplan and FAO standards.
• Organize and facilitate inception meetings with national and local stakeholders.
• Establish coordination mechanisms for effective project implementation.
• Lead baseline survey development, administration and analysis.
• Oversee the identification and confirmation of pilot school(s).
• Coordinate site preparation, garden design, nursery establishment and compost production.
• Manage procurement of project inputs in line with FAO procedures.
• Supervise crop establishment, field management and harvesting activities.
• Organize cooking demonstrations and nutrition education activities.
• Develop training materials and deliver capacity-building sessions on:
o    Nursery management
o    Compost production
o    Agronomy and crop management
o    Post-harvest handling
• Coordinate three cropping cycles across five selected crops.
• Lead impact surveys and behaviour change assessments.
• Document success stories, lessons learned and good practices.
• Ensure timely delivery of project reports to FAO (monthly progress reports, a comprehensive final project report, and FAO terminal report) 
• Respond to ad-hoc questions and perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     University Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Rural Development or related field from a recognized institution.
•     At least five years of relevant experience in agricultural project implementation, climate-resilient agriculture, or community-based agricultural programmes.
•     Working knowledge of English. 
•     National of Federated States of Micronesia

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Demonstrated experience working in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), including familiarity with national and state-level institutions, community structures, and local agricultural contexts.
•     Demonstrated experience in climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture.
•     Experience in school garden systems or community-based agricultural initiatives.
•     Experience in training delivery and capacity development.
•     Experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement.
•     Demonstrated monitoring and reporting experience.
•     Knowledge of small island developing states (SIDS) contexts, particularly in the Pacific region.
•     Experience working in the Federated States of Micronesia or Micronesia region is an asset.
•     Strong writing and reporting skills.
•     Ability to work independently and manage multiple stakeholders.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION