National Millets Agronomist

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
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• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
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Organizational Setting

The Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have jointly formulated the project titled 'Enhancing Capacity on Sustainable Value Chain Development of Millets for Food and Nutrition Security in Sri Lanka.' The FAOLK TCP programme is seeking the support of a National Millets Agronomist, who will be recruited under the project and will be responsible for achieving project outputs. The consultant should have experience in agronomy, as well as expertise in Climate-Smart Good Agricultural Practices (CSGAP).

Reporting Lines

Under the overall administrative leadership and supervision of the FAO Representative in Sri Lanka (FAOR) and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme) and with the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer/s (LTO) at the FAO Regional Office, other relevant technical divisions at FAO Headquarters, and in close consultation with the FAO Country Office Technical Teams, Government Line Agencies and the Budget Holder (BH), the incumbent will assist the implementation of the TCP providing technical support and with field activities in order to ensure the delivery of project outputs to a higher standard in a cost effective manner, taking into account national and international best practices and research results, and in accordance with FAO, Government and donor norms.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that project outputs and targets are achieved according to the assigned tasks and responsibilities. This includes carrying out activities as planned, within the specified budget and timeline. They will assist the National Focal Point in organizing events and will also plan and implement field-level activities related to the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Identify technologies and compile Climate Smart Good Agricultural Practices (CSGAP) for millet cultivation
• Coordinate and conduct CSGAP training program for millet cultivation for field officers
• Provide support to FCRDI millet breeder in identification and selection of potential, suitable millet germplasm through the PVS program
• Identify site for demonstration in main 4 millet cultivating district (Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Matale, Moneragala) in consultation with NPM and provincial officials
• Coordinate to establish millet cultivating demonstration in farmer fields
• Provide necessary support for technology, seed and fertilizer distribution.
• Provide support in organizing field days in successfully established farmer demonstration fields.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Agriculture.
• At least 15 years of experience in the field of Agronomy or Crop improvement, preferably with millets.
• Working knowledge of English and Sinhala/Tamil.
• National of Sri Lanka or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Excellent knowledge on CSGAP and PVS.
• Should have working experience in more than one location on crop cultivation, especially in Dry Zone Agriculture areas.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

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