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.