National Value Chain Development Specialist (Field Crops)

Organizational Setting

FAO’s office for Yemen is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under Yemen. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant Ministries at country level. This position is based in FAO Representation in Sanaa, Yemen. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to overall guidance of the FAO Representative in Yemen and direct supervision of the Agriculture Officer.

Technical Focus

Assist in the planning, design, implementation, and monitoring/evaluation of value chain related programmes within FAO mandate and specifically be responsible for implementing selected agriculture value chain work.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Review the main existing cereals crop value chains in the country including market trends, technological and infrastructure status, market demand and supply, primary actors and their roles and linkages, post-harvest handling, business support service needs (including capacity building), and regulatory and control mechanisms.
• Assess the major constraints affecting crop value chains and identify potential development opportunities and approaches to overcome these constraints in line with FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF).
• Identify opportunities to upgrade the competitiveness of crop value chain(s) through opportunities in the local and distant markets and develop strategic approaches to exploit those opportunities.
• Identify areas of improvement for better production and productivity to increase competitiveness of the small-scale producers, and agro-food enterprises engaged in the value chain and opportunities for better employment and income including value addition and processing activities,
• Provide advice on crop combination options for optimal and sustainable production (suitable options for intercropping seasonal crops).
• Advise on appropriate management techniques for the different crops.
• Contribute to the development of proposal for mainstreaming capacity building and innovative training approaches (e.g. Farmer Field Schools, cereal crop production) in the promotion of value chains.
• Review the legal and regulatory environment of specific crops, value chains with a focus on policies, incentives, export promotion mechanisms, training, quality promotion, certification, standardization, and partnerships, and propose needed harmonization of the legislative and regulatory framework for value chains.
• Assist in preparing the specifications of inputs, supplies and equipment, envisaged in project documents and assist in their procurement and distribution to beneficiaries.
• Recommend the optimal combinations of improved seed varieties and inputs including specifying the seed varieties most appropriate for the targeted areas and the best and / or most cost-effective inputs.
• Describe storage options for each crop and costs associated with the different options. (For how long can small-scale farmers store the crop realistically, different storage options, risks associated with crop storage)
• Describe any opportunities or potential barriers that farmers should consider in assessing the potential of the crop.
• Assist in providing support in all aspects of cereals crop production and protection including seed use and marketing, production practices, plant protection, preservation, and marketing.
• Advice and assist in the identification of value chain related policies and best practices that contribute to improved agricultural production and food security in the country for the selected crops.
• Participate in the design of emergency/rehabilitation projects and programs, including the preparation and presentation of project proposals and fully-fledged project documents.
• Ensure technical clearance is obtained from the relevant technical unit for all project proposals project documents and technical specifications.
• Undertake travel to ensure adequate operational support is provided to the implementation of emergency projects and programs.
• Prepare monthly progress report (with detailed information regarding project activities) for timely submission to FAO.
• Support seed sector and assess seed security among varied types of farmers, including women and youth, in the key agro ecologies of the country.
• Support the understanding of seed production and marketing activities in the country and identify key challenges and opportunities they face.
• Perform any other tasks requested by the FAO Representative and/or line managers in relation to his/her expertise.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advance University degree in Agronomy, Rural Extension or other related subjects.
• Five years of relevant experience in Rural Extension. Relevant background experience on technical areas related to crop production, value chain approaches and market-oriented production.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and Arabic
• National of Yemen.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, make appropriate recommendations, effective decisions, including in emergency settings;
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in UN Agencies and/or INGOs
• Familiarity with project cycle, finance, asset and human resources management tools
• Familiarity with Office tools including virtual/teleworking platforms;

SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Relevance and level of academic qualifications;
• Extent of experience in programme/project management and administration;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing;
• Ability to identify and resolve problems expeditiously and pragmatically;
• Tact, initiative and sound judgement;
• Knowledge of and/or experience with the UN system; experience in public administration

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION