Overview
The National Agriculture Specialist will provide subject matter expertise at the national level to assist in the technically effective and timely implementation of the STODAS project in Fiji, focusing on Output 2 production-related activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare assignment workplan with methodology for prioritization, information requirements, sequencing and timeline.
- Consult STODAS Focal Point and MOAWSI to identify community production systems, assessing crop, fruit, vegetable, poultry and livestock systems.
- Maintain knowledge of FAO procurement and Letter of Agreement requirements and support their application.
- Facilitate engagement between FAO and qualified Service Providers; support their registration.
- Obtain information and documentation from Service Providers and government ministries for LOA and service contract development, extension and closure.
- Support technical review of agricultural and livestock input specifications.
- Assist International Procurement Specialist with technical clearances, procurement submissions and audit-ready file maintenance.
- Monitor Service Provider implementation and FAO-procured goods distribution per Fiji workplan and agreements.
- Maintain accurate records of Service Provider performance, monitoring findings and corrective actions.
- Build Service Provider capacity on beneficiary selection, reporting requirements, verification means and contractual obligations.
- Deliver training workshops and consultations.
- Develop Terms of Reference for workshops, events and meetings.
- Support STODAS events and National Taskforce meetings; prepare completion notes.
- Coordinate with International Agriculture Specialists to incorporate updated crop and livestock guidance into training materials.
- Support capacity strengthening in crop productivity, soil health, organic manure use and improved farming practices.
- Promote crop diversification, integrated farming systems and climate-resilient practices.
- Follow through with MOAWSI on strengthening seed and nursery systems and establishing crop production sites and demonstration plots.
- Promote sustainable pest management and ecological alternatives to hazardous pesticides.
- Support LOA development with MOAWSI and CSOs on agribusiness incubation, commercialization and integrated production models.
- Improve post-harvest handling and value addition for banana, cocoa, vegetables and fruits.
- Support market infrastructure development and linkages to domestic and high-value markets.
- Promote school, community and household gardens with nutrition education.
- Follow through on establishment of livestock feed systems, commercial feed production units and demonstration sites.
- Support improved poultry and livestock production through enhanced breeds and scalable production models.
- Support livestock enterprise development, particularly poultry and piggery value chains.
- Promote sustainable livestock waste management including biogas systems and integrated farming.
- Promote appropriate livestock housing, fencing and production facility solutions with biosecurity strengthening.
- Build farmer capacity through training on livestock production, health management and value addition.
- Maintain effective communication with NPC, STODAS Focal Point, Service Providers and FAO SAP teams.
- Ensure technical outputs, training materials and documentation comply with FAO standards and EU Communication and Visibility requirements.
- Support communications consultant in collecting photographs and preparing knowledge products.
- Respond promptly to technical requests per FAO procedures.
- Submit monthly progress reports highlighting achievements, challenges and Service Providers needing support.
- Support M&E Specialist in data collection and annual progress reports.
- Undertake additional technical or coordination duties assigned by PS or NPC.
Required Experience
At least three years of relevant experience in agricultural or livestock development, agricultural extension, or the implementation of agriculture and rural development projects.
Qualifications
University degree in agriculture, agronomy, animal science, agricultural economics, rural development or a closely related field. An advanced university degree is an asset.
