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 FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) was established in 1996 in Samoa to coordinate the FAO work in the Pacific and covers 14 - Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Tokelau (one Associate Member). SAP is responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing programmes and projects to address food security, nutrition, agriculture, natural resources management, and rural development priorities, in which gender, climate change adaption, and anticipatory action are important cross-cutting issues. SAP develops and maintains relations with subregion wide institutions and entities.

Reporting Lines

The Hydroponics Specialist under the overall supervision of the FAO Subregional Coordinator (SRC) for the Pacific and will directly report to the project’s Lead Technical Officer (LTO) / Natural Resource Management Officer and the day-to-day supervision of the Technical Advisor. He/she will also liaise and work closely with project team.

Technical Focus

The Hydroponics Specialist will conduct a technical feasibility study, assess local growing conditions, and recommend 
a sustainable, soilless agricultural system tailored to your specific project needs and regional climate.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Technical Study on soilless agriculture system 
        o    Conduct a technical and feasibility study on soilless agriculture systems, including hydroponic, and assess the local growing conditions, and recommend a sustainable, soilless agricultural system tailored to Nauru’s specific circumstances, project needs, and future climate conditions. 
        o    Site Assessment – evaluate environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, sunlight, –land/space, water availability and quality, etc.
        o    System Recommendation – identify the most suitable and most cost-effective hydroponic system, including other appropriate systems where relevant. Recommend growing system, nutrient formulations, lighting and other technical specifications.
        o    Estimate sustainable water, energy, nutrient usage and identify potential risks – power outages, equipment failures, disease outbreaks, supply chain disruptions, and water shortages, and recommend mitigation and biosecurity measures.
        o    Conduct a cost benefit analysis for capital expenditure and operational expenditure.
        o    Assess local market demand for hydroponic produce.
•     Stakeholder Engagement 
        o    Engage stakeholders and communities to gauge their inputs and contribution to the technical study.
        o    Prepare presentations and briefing notes where required for the validation workshop. 
•     Technical Missions
        o    Join missions to Nauru where required for data collection and capacity building training where relevant.
•     Co-design and visioning workshop
        o    Contribute to the co-design and visioning process, including the development of a concept note for Nauru.
        o    Draft Back-to-Office Reports (BTORs) and meeting / workshop proceedings.
•     Other duties
        o    Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in horticulture, agriculture engineering, or closely related field.
•     Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in designing, building, and managing commercial hydroponic systems
•     Working Knowledge of (proficiency-Level C) English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Extensive experience in nutrient management and chemistry.
•     Extensive experience in system design and engineering. 
•     Extensive experience in environmental control.
•     Extensive experience in crop and substrate management.
•     Extensive experience in facility operation and data management. 
•     Experience working with international organizations and managing climate change and health projects, including proposal writing and reporting. Managing projects and developing proposals; developing capacity building materials; conducting health vulnerability and adaptation assessments; and working with communities to build resilience to climate-related health risks.
•     Strong knowledge of water chemistry, plant nutrition, greenhouse climate control, and agribusiness modelling.
•     Experience in environmental health, including a significant portion (at least 3 years) specifically focused on climate change and its health implications. 
•     Good knowledge of situation in Nauru and familiarity with Pacific Small Island Developing States.
•     Experience working with a cross-section of stakeholders, including senior government officials in small and vulnerable states (SIDS and LDCs).
•     Experience in working in Nauru or Pacific region will be an advantage.
•     Strong writing skills and language proficiency.