Innovative Farming System Specialist

Over the past three decades, the agricultural landscape in Indonesia, as in other countries across Asia and the Pacific, has undergone significant structural changes resulting in a reduction in the economic share of agriculture. The reliance on women in agriculture has increased due to outmigration of male workers, coupled with a notable rise in the proportion of older farmers in a country that is demographically one of the world’s youngest. Despite a growing urbanization trend and internal migration of rural youth in pursuit of educational and employment opportunities, almost 80 percent of the nation’s farmers are aged 40 or older. The changing educational profiles of rural youth with a steady reduction in employment in agriculture, highlight the need for addressing declining interest in agricultural careers among the younger population. This trend poses a risk to future food security and necessitates increased youth engagement in addressing challenges related to climate change, disaster resilience, and environmental degradation in Indonesia. 

In close collaboration with The Executive Office of the President (KSP) and the National Food Agency (NFA), FAO Indonesia is providing technical assistance through the TCP modality to address the generational gap within the agriculture sector and stimulate the interest of youth in pursuing careers and initiatives related to agriculture as catalysts for change. The primary objective is to develop an agriculture education curriculum for Scouts, enhancing their skills and knowledge through training and establishment of innovative solutions and digital pilot hub. 

The existing education curriculum lacks structure based on age and skills, necessitating a robust curriculum to empower young individuals to emerge as future agri-entrepreneurs. Additionally, the current farming methods employed by existing pilots are conventional and incompatible with the evolving climate change scenario, emphasizing the need for modernization and sustainability in agricultural practices. Transitioning from conventional agriculture to regenerative agriculture (permaculture) requires the creation of self-sustaining systems that operate in harmony with nature by reducing dependence on external inputs and minimizing negative environmental impacts but at the same time for gaining from niche market with premium product price. To achieve this, an advanced programme will be piloted at two specific sites (West Java and Lampung) with an emphasis on fostering innovation in agriculture through a solution-oriented approach, in applying practical techniques and digitalization. This initiative will encompass the provision of educational materials aimed at strengthening their advanced knowledge and technique of agriculture. Furthermore, it will involve piloting innovative solutions identified by youth through participating in advanced programme. 

The Innovative Farming System Specialist reports directly to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme). 

Technical ability to work on the application of technology in the agricultural sector, especially horticulture, with the aim of increasing yields, efficiency, profitability and adapting to climate change.

Responsibilities:

• Lead on the delivery of the project implementation phase and provide technical inputs in close coordination with other FAO team members on the implementation project TCP/INS/3908: Empowering youth through capacity development on innovative farming system programme for agrifood system transformation in Indonesia specifically on the field.
• Monitor, identify and advice on challenges and risks facing the implementation of the project.
• Develop detail specifications for infrastructure, facilities, tools, and equipment, considering accessibility and safety standards as part of TOR for recruiting vendor for integrated farm layout, field arrangements and development of Permaculture and Semi-intensive cropping area.
• Support the service provider recruitment process in developing draft of Request for Proposal (RFP), reviewing technical proposals and provide input.
• Provide management, guidance, and technical oversight to service provider on master plan development for the integrated farm layout, including zoning for different agricultural activities such as agroforestry, livestock fisheries, poultry, composting areas, crop cultivations areas that divided into four (4) different farming systems which consist of:
• Crop Area I: Permaculture. Farming design system based on ecological principles with strong market access.
• Crop Area II: Semi-intensive. Utilize technology that is suitable for beginners, but still use an open-field system.
• Crop Area III: Smart Farming 1. Utilization of Green House with the application of semi-intensive technology.
• Crop Area IV: Smart Farming 2. Utilization of Green Houses and IoT for high value commodities.
• Ensure the development is in line with the FAO quality principles and standards, guidelines, and best practices.
• Provide management, guidance, and technical oversight to service provider on development sets of educational materials, curricula, strategically tailored to empower youth of diverse age groups and skill levels: with the dual purpose of nurturing their interest in agriculture, natural resource management, climate change, and biodiversity through localized YUNGA programme while equipping them with the necessary skills and insights to thrive commercial farming in agrifood system transformation including four innovative farming systems concept, digital entrepreneurship skills and business partnership through development of advanced programme.
• Provide management, guidance, and technical oversight to service provider to conduct trainings and awareness raising event to foster youth leadership in agrifood system transformation.
• Oversee the identification, assessment and strengthening of youth analysis and research, to identify and address the specific requirements, challenges, value chains and learning preferences of young people.
• Closely working together with the FAO Indonesia programme staffs in managing communication with other consultants and providers involved in the project to ensure smooth coordination and collaboration.
• Supporting project reporting and assisting programme management in other activities as and when necessary.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture/Environmental/Natural Sciences.
• Proven track record with over 5+ years professional experience on integrated farming system, climate smart agriculture (including permaculture concept), precision agriculture, integrated water resources management, pest management, and agribusiness.
• Working knowledge of English and Bahasa Indonesia.
• National of Indonesia or resident of the country with valid work permit.

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in developing master plans for integrated farming systems, including zoning and infrastructure planning.
• Familiarity with formulating smart farming strategies to optimize resource use and improve crop yields.
• Practical experience in one of the following topics: Youth (self) Employment and/or Gender.
• Extent and relevance of experience in organizing and facilitating workshop or meetings.
• Extent and relevance of experience in analytical skills on mapping of market channels and identify potential buyers for integrated farming products.
• Extent and relevance of experience in writing, developing and presenting technical content for external audiences.

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2401534