Agricultural Engineer

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:

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

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

The position will be assigned in Isabela Province, with field missions within Isabela Province and Cagayan Province.

Reporting Lines

The Agricultural Engineer will be under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in the Philippines and in close collaboration with the Project Team Coordinator, Programme Management Specialist (PMU) and Community Resilience and Emergency Response Adviser.

Technical Focus

The Agricultural Engineer provides end-to-end technical leadership in the design, deployment, operation, and optimization of climate-resilient and energy-efficient agricultural and fisheries technologies, ensuring their effective adoption, sustainability, and contribution to resilient, low-cost production systems through FCAs.

Tasks and responsibilities

·    Lead technical assessment, design, and specification of climate-resilient and energy-efficient technologies for FCAs, ensuring alignment with low-input and fuel-efficient systems.
·    Conduct site-specific suitability analysis and recommend appropriate technology packages tailored to agriculture and fisheries contexts.
·    Ensure quality assurance, including supplier validation, technical due diligence, and compliance with FAO procurement standards and safety requirements.
·    Supervise installation, testing, commissioning, and certification of all technologies (e.g., MSIPs, solar cold chain, fishing equipment), ensuring proper configuration and timely deployment.
·    Design and deliver capacity building and training for FCAs on operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and efficient resource use, including development of user-friendly manuals and learning approaches.
·    Establish sustainable FCA-led operation and maintenance systems, including asset management protocols, cost-sharing mechanisms, and technical support during initial operations.
·    Develop and implement monitoring systems to track performance, efficiency, utilization, and cost-effectiveness, and recommend improvements based on field data.
·    Integrate climate resilience and resource efficiency principles, including water management, energy savings, and climate-informed practices across interventions.
·    Provide technical guidance and coordination with project teams, LGUs, national agencies, FCAs, and private sector partners to ensure inclusive and effective implementation.
·    Prepare technical documentation and reporting, including system specifications, installation reports, lessons learned, and inputs to M&E and donor (DFAT) reporting.
·    Ensure compliance with environmental safeguards, GEDSI principles, value-for-money considerations, and risk management measures.
·    Perform other related tasks as required to support effective project implementation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements    

·    University degree in the field of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Agrometrorology, other Sustainable Development related studies.
·    At least 5 years of relevant experience in agriculture/rural development sectors, agricultural engineering, climate resilient agriculture, farm mechanization, infrastructure, or related fields.
·    Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English 
·    National of the Philippines

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

·    Ability to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context and within multidisciplinary and different cultural background teams
·    Excellent writing, and report writing skills in English and Filipino.
·    Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
·    Working knowledge of relevant local dialects is an advantage  
·    Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Filipino.
·    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)

Selection Criteria:

·    Licensed Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION