Digital Agriculture Extension Service Specialist

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• 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;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

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).

An overall plan and budget is 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 order to ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent international technical advisors will be appointed as Component Technical Advisors to each of the nine components. Each Component Technical Advisors 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.

Within this framework, FAO KSA Technical Cooperation Programme is supporting the implementation of MoEWA’ Digital Agriculture Extension Services (DAES) to be implemented by the General Directorate for Extension. The DAES Consultant is to provide technical and advisory support for the initiation, implementation, and management of the initiative.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the Programme Coordinator, the Digital Agriculture Extension Service Expert will work under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor.

Technical Focus

Support Digital Agriculture Extension Service (planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning) under FAO-KSA Technical Cooperation Programme.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Specialist will carry out the following tasks\:

• Study the DAES service, its objectives, scope and the implementation arrangement as stipulated by the General Directorate for Extension of MoEWA, identify gaps, weaknesses and provide technical guidance to overcome such shortcomings.

• Review DAES plans, resources required, suggest any adjustments, and prepare an overall and annual work plan for the follow-up of the implementation of the initiative.

• Provide technical and organizational/operational guidance support for the design and implementation of the DAES interventions including suggesting the implementation structure and team tasks and responsibilities.

• Guide the overall implementation of the SFFS and closely follow-up with Contractor (s) to ensure timely planning and implementation of related activities.

• Ensure close coordination of all DAES activities with those of the General Directorate of Extension such as Murshidak, and the Caravan,

• Provide technical guidance to ensure active linkage between DAES and demo sites to be established by different Components of SRAD.

• Identify potential risks, their underlying causes/sources and suggest risks mitigation and management plans.

• Develop and lead the progress monitoring and provide technical support for quality assurance,

• Review all technical and progress reports submitted by the contractor (s) and provide critical feedback and guidance,

• Prepare technical, knowledge products and quarterly progress reports, and ensure smooth communication with all relevant stakeholders.

• Review the training programme to be prepared by the Contractors and facilitate its implementation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture extension, rural sociology, development communication or any related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant work experience in technical cooperation programmes in the field of agriculture extension, rural development, digital agriculture and or community development.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Arabic limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS.

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 and particularly in field positions with ability to provide technical and advisory services.
• International work experience in technical cooperation projects including familiarity with results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions.
• 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.

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

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

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT