FAO: Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) Crop Production and Technology Specialist (2601294) – Jakarta

Organizational Setting

The Asia-Pacific (AP) region, home to over 60% of the global population, is one of the most vulnerable areas to climate change due to its diverse geography, high population density, and heavy reliance on agriculture for food, income, and livelihoods. Climate change poses severe challenges to food security across all four dimensions availability, access, utilization, and stability particularly in rain-fed agriculture, which accounts for over 60% of region’s crop production. In countries like Indonesia, Philippines and Nepal, the yields of staple crops are declining due to altered rainfall patterns, higher temperatures, and pest proliferation. This vulnerability is amplified by the country’s heavy dependence on monoculture systems centered on rice, wheat, maize, and potatoes, which dominate diets and agricultural landscapes, leaving populations exposed to synchronized failures from climate shocks.

Scaling up Neglected and Underutilized crop Species (NUS) in aforementioned countries presents a high-impact opportunity to reduce climate vulnerability, improve nutrition, and strengthen food system resilience. NUS enhance food diversification, agrobiodiversity, healthy farming systems, and thrive in marginal environments, while resisting pests and diseases. As nutrient-dense, low-input crops, they support food security, income generation, and sustainable farming.

Reporting Lines

The NUS Crop Production and Technology Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Indonesia and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme). The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) based in the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), the International Crop Production Specialist, the National Project Coordinator (NPC), relevant government counterparts, research institutions, private sector partners, and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of TCP/RAS/4013.

Technical Focus

Provision of technical expertise and operational support for the promotion, production, dissemination, and value chain development of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in Indonesia. The assignment focuses on climate-smart crop production, seed systems strengthening, farmer capacity development, agrobiodiversity conservation, value addition, market linkages, and knowledge management to support resilient and nutritious food systems.

Tasks and responsibilities

Technical Scoping, Planning, and Advisory Functions
• Lead the identification and data collection process of priority Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) and support the development of NUS country profile in close consultation with government partners (e.g., taro, yam, sweet potato, or other locally relevant NUS), including analysis of production constraints and opportunities.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations involving farmers, researchers, NGOs, private sector actors, and value chain partners to identify and address bottlenecks in NUS production and seed/value chains.
• Assist in the development of the project work plan and monitoring framework.
• Ensure gender-equitable and inclusive participation in all project activities, with special attention to women and youth farmers.
Initial Capacity Development and Farmer Engagement
• Support the organization of project inception meetings, capacity-building activities, validation workshops, and exposure visits for farmers and key stakeholders.
• Support the identification and selection of farmers in specific area of interventions.
• Assist in the development and adaptation of technical guidelines and training materials on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for priority NUS, including seed selection, soil and nutrient management, integrated pest management, climate-smart practices, and post-harvest handling.
• Promote technology dissemination through extension networks, digital tools (e.g., farmer applications, short videos, fact sheets), and partnerships with agricultural research institutions.
Identify Technology for Downstream Products (processing, packaging) and Strengthened Value Chain
• Support the identification and selection of NUS processing and packaging technologies.
• Assist in the development and adaptation of technical guidelines and training materials on processing, packaging, and marketing NUS downstream products.
Project Coordination, Documentation, and Institutional Support
• Submit project-related documents to the International Consultant for review and approval, in coordination with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the project.
• Assist in the preparation of Letters of Agreement (LoA) and contracts to engage relevant organizations for conducting diagnostic studies to identify NUS-producing areas.
• Prepare progress reports, minutes of meetings, case studies, success stories, and lessons learned related to NUS production and dissemination for project reporting and knowledge sharing.
Perform any other related duties.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in Agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in a crop production project, with demonstrated expertise in neglected/underutilized crops, climate-smart/sustainable agriculture, seeds system, market development, value chain economics, product innovation, and/or down streaming processing.
• Able to mainstream NUS into climate-resilient, nutritious, and market-oriented food system through policy advocacy, agronomic innovation, integration of traditional knowledge, scalable models, and monitoring system.
• Hands-on experience designing and monitoring demonstration plots, seeds multiplication, or applied climate-smart technology.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and Bahasa Indonesia.
• National of Indonesia

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated experience in crop production, climate-smart agronomy, and/or sustainable farming systems.
• Experience in capacity development and strengthening training including Farmer Field School and agriculture extension system through curriculum and
• Knowledge of seed systems, post-harvest management, value chain economic and market development.
• Experience working with government institutions, research organizations, farmer groups, and private sector stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, report writing, and stakeholder facilitation skills
• Working knowledge of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) and agrobiodiversity conservation is an asset.

Selection Criteria

• Knowledge and experience related to NUS, agrobiodiversity, or resilient food systems.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare technical reports, training materials, and project documentation.
• Quality of communication and facilitation skills