Agriculture and Farming Systems Specialist

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 Agriculture and Farming Systems Specialist 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 Agriculture and Farming Systems Specialist will provide technical leadership in designing and implementing climate-resilient agriculture interventions that improve the productivity, resilience, and livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk. The role will support the promotion of climate-adaptive farming systems, sustainable inputs, energy-efficient technologies, and risk-informed practices, while ensuring inclusion of vulnerable groups such as women-headed households and persons with disabilities. The Specialist will also coordinate with partners, support capacity building, monitor implementation results, and contribute technical inputs to reports, knowledge products, and project decision-making.

Tasks and responsibilities

·    Provide technical leadership on climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) practices to enhance productivity and resilience of farmers and fisherfolk.
·    Support the design and implementation of climate-adaptive farming systems aligned with project objectives (cash-plus, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable inputs).
·    Conduct technical assessments and recommend appropriate crop, livestock, and fisheries interventions based on local agro-climatic conditions and risks.
·    Develop and/or adapt training modules and extension materials on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable inputs, and risk-informed practices.
·    Facilitate and organize capacity-building activities for farmers, fisherfolk, and community organizations. 
·    Provide technical inputs to the specification and procurement of agricultural inputs and technologies ensuring quality, suitability, and compliance with FAO standards
·    Promote the adoption of energy-efficient and climate-resilient technologies (e.g., solar irrigation, post-harvest facilities, and sustainable fishing practices).
·    Integrate GEDSI considerations into agricultural interventions ensuring inclusion of women-headed households, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups.
·    Support implementation of anticipatory and early action measures by aligning agricultural practices with early warning systems and seasonal forecasts.
·    Coordinate with government agencies, LGUs, and partners to ensure alignment with national programs and avoid duplication of assistance. 
·    Participate in technical working groups, sectoral coordination meetings, and stakeholder consultations to strengthen partnerships and knowledge exchange.
·    Provide technical inputs to project documents, proposals, reports, and knowledge of products related to agriculture and livelihoods. 
·    Support monitoring of agricultural interventions including tracking adoption of climate-resilient practices and productivity improvements.
·    Collect, analyze, and organize agriculture-related data and field insights to guide project implementation and decision-making.
·    Document good practices, lessons learned, and innovations in climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable livelihoods.
·    Support integration of risk-informed and adaptive approaches into farming systems to address climate variability and El Niño impacts.
·    Contribute to capacity building of LGUs and community organizations on climate-resilient agriculture planning and implementation.
·    Assist in strengthening linkages between farmers, extension services, and support institutions to sustain project benefits.
·    Prepare technical reports and contribute to progress and donor reports in line with FAO and DFAT requirements.
·    Carry out any other relevant duties within technical competence as required by FAO.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements    

·    Advanced university degree in the field of Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Agrometeorology and other Sustainable Development related studies.
·    At least 5 years of relevant experience in agriculture/rural development sectors, farming systems development, sustainable agricultural production, integrated crop-livestock systems, climate resilient agriculture, or related areas.
·    Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English 
·    A 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)
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION