National Specialist on Agri-Tech Solutions

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 National Specialist reports directly to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme). 

Technical experts 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:

• Take a lead to draft TOR to procure smart agriculture technologies devices, with detailed specifications that consider compatibility, endurance, and safety standards in close collaboration with the project team.
• Provide management, guidance, and technical oversight during the procurement process.
• Evaluate existing agricultural practices and identify opportunities for integrating smart technologies such as IoT devices, drip irrigation systems, soil monitoring sensors, etc. Map available technologies and provide suggestions for the deployment of sensors, actuators, control systems, and communication networks across the farm for real-time monitoring and management of agricultural operations for further piloting at the pilot farm.
• Formulate a comprehensive smart farming concept and strategy that outlines the use of identified cost effective and easy adaptable technologies to optimize resource use, improve crop yields, and enhance environmental sustainability.
• Define clear objectives and performance targets for the smart farming initiative, considering the specific needs and priorities of youth participants and local farmers.
• Develop an implementation roadmap outlining the phased rollout of smart farming technologies, including timelines, milestones, resource requirements, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Establish protocols and procedures for data collection, analysis, and decision-making to ensure efficient and effective operation of the smart farming system.
• Prepare technical guidance and standard operating procedure documents to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of smart farming technologies.
• In close collaboration with the project team, support workshops arrangement to bring together the youth community (Pramuka), experts, and entrepreneurs to collaboratively refine and develop innovative solutions for smart farming.
• Discuss and develop a report on tailoring software applications to meet the specific needs and preferences of farmers, youth participants, and other end-users, ensuring user-friendly interfaces, mobile access, and multilingual support.
• Support training and provide technical assistance to farmers and youth participants on using farm management software and decision support tools effectively, including data input, analysis, and interpretation.
• Actively contribute to the terminal report to review project outcomes, lessons learned, and future recommendations.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:

Minimum Requirements  :

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science/Information Technology/ Computer Engineering or in Agriculture/Environmental/Natural Sciences.
• Proven track record with over 5+ years professional experience on agricultural technology solutions, with a focus on smart farming, climate smart agriculture,precision agriculture, and integrated water resources management
• Working knowledge of English and Bahasa Indonesia.
• National of Indonesia or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

Technical/Functional Skills :

• Familiarity with integrating IoT devices, sensor technologies, and farm management software.
• 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 writing, developing and presenting technical content for external audiences.

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2401559