Project Field Support Specialist

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations is implementing a project for testing the production of Black Soldier Fly production in the Caribbean Region. This project is in alignment with Regional Priority 1 (Efficient, inclusive, and sustainable production), with a particular focus on Regional Initiative 3 (Improving food systems in the Caribbean). The project will be implemented in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. The project field support specialist will be responsible for the production of Black Soldier Fly larvae for animal feed and the management of the BSF model farm in Barbados. 

Reporting Lines:

Under the technical supervision of the FAO Lead Technical Officer of the project – Insect production as a local source of high-quality protein for poultry and aquaculture in the Caribbean and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, the Project field support specialist – insect production, will manage the BSF model farm in Barbados for the successful implementation of the project. Specific duties will include:

Technical Focus: 

The Project Field Support Specialist will test the production of BSF in Barbados and provide a report outlining the methodology and production results. The incumbent will also support the training of farmers and ministry personnel on the BSF production. 

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Lead the on-site management of the Insect production facility for FAO and ensure the continuous and timely update of the FAO project team on the progress of the pilot following directions and instructions from the LTO and insect production experts hired by the project lead.
• Manage the insect production facility, ensuring a continuous maintenance, breeding and production of at least 5 cages of adult flies and the related maximum amount of larva.
• Ensure the timely and regular collection of waste material from different sources e.g. markets, farmers, processing facilities, supermarkets, etc. through establishment of agreements with relevant stakeholders/suppliers.
• Provide guidance and management to volunteers and ministry staff supporting the production of insects at the facility.
• Ensure the organized data collection and storage of all costs and expenditures as well as production parameters during the pilot implementation.
• Develop a detailed pilot report for Trinidad and Tobago insect rearing pilot at the end of the project, outlining the production process, production parameters, costs, laboratory test results, and expenditures of the insect production pilot.
• Provide support to the project team to organize and conduct stakeholder engagement seminars and workshops as needed and planned for in the project work plan. Develop a final report on all stakeholder consultations conducted during the consultancy.
• Provide support to the project team to organize and conduct training events on insect production to extension officers, volunteers and farmers throughout the project implementation period. Develop a complete report on all training conducted during the consultancy.
• Provide support to the communications specialist during all activities for development of project communications material.
• Participate in all project team meetings and provide meeting notes.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, livestock production, aquaculture production environmental science or any other related field
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in agricultural production
• Working knowledge of English

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2500458