Revamping the agricultural sector is critical for reviving Zimbabwe’s economy. Frequent droughts and unstable macroeconomic conditions have continued to hinder the country’s ability to effectively deal with the pervasive low productivity in the sector resulting from many factors including high cost of inputs, inadequate availability of quality inputs, unstable prices, liquidity challenges and weakened extension system. The Government public extension system was once very effective and efficient, but due to the structural reforms of the 1990s, the macroeconomic downturn since the 2000s, climate change and continuing advancement in technology the performance of the system has deteriorated.

Against this background, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement (MLAWRR) has requested FAO to recommend and provide technical assistance to some innovative options to deal with the systemic extension challenges in the medium to long term. The technical assistance through FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme, “Strengthening Agricultural Extension Services in Zimbabwe” will prioritise the enabling of extension services to reach more smallholder farmers, innovate with ICT platforms and support the initial steps for digitalisation of the extension system. These interventions will be done comprehensively and in an integrated manner in four districts namely UMP and Mutoko in Mashonaland East province and Hurungwe and Chegutu in Mashonaland West province.

Reporting Lines

Working under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, and direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR Programmes, the National Expert Crops and Extension will provide expert technical support to the project. The National Expert Crops and Extension will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement and national stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The Technical Areas/profiles Covered Will Be As Follows

Project management

Climate proofing agriculture and agro-ecology

Pluralistic extension approaches including ICT based extension

Capacity development

Tasks And Responsibilities

Assume overall technical responsibility for the smooth implementation of the activities in accordance with the project documents and the TOR, offering technical support and oversight to MLAFWRR;

Manage the day-to-day implementation and monitoring of the project activities, including workshops, trainings and periodic meetings; supporting procurement through provision of technical specifications and coordinating evaluations of bids; and monitoring and facilitating the delivery of contracted activities; liaising with MLAFWRR and other stakeholders;

Prepare and submit reports on quarterly progress of project’s implementation as well as the final report;

Prepare and submit a draft terminal statement in accordance with FAO procedures, which, after review, finalization and clearance by the LTO will be submitted by FAO to the MLAFWRR.

Monitor activity implementation to ensure delivery according to the workplan timeline, drawing up lessons learnt and course corrections, and support monitoring of expenditures to ensure project-related costs stay within the allocated budget;

Perform related duties, including the direct implementation of other technical activities, as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced University Degree in Agricultural Economics, Agronomy or related field from a recognized institution

At least 10 years of relevant field experience in agricultural extension with demonstrated knowledge of the pluralistic extension approach

Working knowledge of English.

Nationality of Zimbabwe or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

Results Focus

Teamwork

Communication

Building Effective Relationships

Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

Demonstrated experience on the application of farmer centred extension approaches such as farmer field schools and farmer to farmer extension models considered an asset

Proven knowledge on climate change and its effects on agricultural production and productivity, and experience on the application of climate proofing practices such as agroecology

Proven knowledge on ICT based extension and its application in agriculture

Knowledge on the application of climate smart/environmentally friendly technologies in rural development

Good project planning, implementation and monitoring skills

Good communication, reporting and presentation skills

High degree of team ethics, well-organized, result focused and dynamic personality

Good computer skills (word, excel, power point etc.)

Previous experience of working with UN agencies is an asset

Job Posting

05/Aug/2021

Closure Date

19/Aug/2021, 4:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit

FRZIM

Job Type

Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition

PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Grade Level

N/A

Primary Location

Zimbabwe-Harare

Duration

11 Months

Post Number

N/A

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

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 member nations, 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 our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination

All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization