Organizational Setting

The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.
An overall plan and budget has been developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. Requirements for international technical expertise of each component have been identified. In To ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent international technical advisors will be appointed as Component Managers to each of the nine components. Each Component Manager will be supported by a team of international consultants and experts who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities.

Reporting Lines

The Post-harvest/Packhouse Operations Specialist will report to the Technical Advisor (Value Addition) under the overall guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor SRAD.

Technical Focus 

The Post-harvest/Packhouse Operations Specialist will contribute to the achievement of Outcome 5- “Capacities of public and private sector actors strengthened to develop rural agro-enterprises and create productive and decent rural employment, particularly among youth and women”, with a focus on project component of subtropical fruits and corresponding enhancement in value addition and rural activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Review of the status of postharvest handling practices and packhouse operations for fruits and vegetables within the MoEWA proposed six marketing centres;
•    Analyze constraints of postharvest practices and packhouse operations in the Saudi context considering existing physical facilities and the prevalent marketing system.
•    Review the prerequisites and technical considerations for the establishment of a fruit and vegetable packhouse facility and management of its operations;
•    Prepare a flow diagram of packhouse operations for specific fruits and vegetables to be handled in the proposed packhouses.
•    Review the facilities and examine the functionalities of marketing centres proposed by MoEWA,
•    Outline the list of interventions and recommend a plan of action for each packhouse within these marketing centers,
•    Provide support and recommendations in postharvest services including but not limited to sorting, grading, processing, storage, packaging, and pricing.
•    Support development of simple value-added products for the SRAD target horticultural commodities,
•    Examine the technical challenges in the management and operation of a packhouse in the local context,
•    Recommend the minimum necessary facilities to run a packhouse,
•    Postulate a lean model of packhouse operation in local context while ensuring compliance with national and international standards,
•    Provide support and recommendations with respect to quality testing through laboratory testing,
•    Devise a plan to utilize biodegradable waste generated in an environment friendly manner in these marketing centers.
•    Design and Conduct trainings to handle and store including the appropriate selection of sustainable packaging options for fruits and vegetables within these marketing centers,
•    Support organization and implementation of a national workshop on reducing food losses through better postharvest management,
•    Design and conduct relevant trainings for farmers, MoEWA staff and other stake holders,
•    Compile a resource book for best practices for these packhouse operations within the proposed marketing centers,
•    Performs other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in horticulture, agriculture, postharvest management, agriculture economics, value chain development, or related.
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in target commodities’ post-harvest management and pack house operations including at international level.
•    Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian. For PSA: working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Practical demonstrated work experience in the relevant field.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in subtropical fruits, post-harvest management, pack house operations including processing and rural agriculture development.
•    Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical program, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO.
•    Familiarity with project management skills including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting.
•    Demonstrated communication skills.
•    Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.
•    Proficiency in English is essential and familiarity with Arabic language is desirable.