Crop Production and Technology Dissemination Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and leading international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems globally. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development, aligning with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. FAO Nepal specifically supports the government in contextualizing production models, strengthening seed and extension systems, and contributing to regional learning platforms.

Job Purpose

The Crop Production and Technology Dissemination Specialist will provide crucial technical support for Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) production, seed multiplication, climate-smart agronomy, and farmer capacity-building in Nepal. The role ensures project targets are met by integrating NUS into resilient, nutritious, and market-oriented food systems through policy advocacy, agronomic innovation, and scalable models. The incumbent will also contribute Nepal's experiences to regional knowledge products and support cross-country learning initiatives, aligning with established regional methodologies and outputs. This position focuses on technical implementation and does not involve stakeholder engagement or organizational representation.

Responsibilities

The specialist will contribute Nepal's field data and lessons to regional workshops and exchanges, supporting participation in virtual meetings and policy dialogues. Responsibilities include assisting in developing national and sub-national NUS work plans, supporting diagnostic studies covering agro-ecology, nutrition, gender, and market potential, and mapping NUS-producing areas. Key tasks involve strengthening Producer Farmer Groups (PFGs), providing technical support for seed and demonstration plots focusing on climate-smart agronomy and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and monitoring seed quality and innovations. The role includes facilitating Farmer Field Schools (FFS), adapting training materials on GAP, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), soil management, nutrition, and post-harvest practices, and delivering training to farmers and extension workers. Support will also be provided for value addition, nutrition integration, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) development, including training women on processing and organizing market linkage events. Monitoring adoption rates, documenting case studies, and preparing progress reports are also essential duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in crop production systems is required, with demonstrated expertise in neglected/underutilized crops, climate-smart agriculture, and seed systems. Experience working with government entities, cooperatives, and rural communities is highly valued. Hands-on experience with demonstration plots, seed multiplication, and technology dissemination in smallholder contexts is essential. Experience in capacity development, training, including Farmer Field Schools (FFS), and extension system strengthening is also crucial.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Proven expertise in climate-smart agriculture technologies, conducting rapid assessments, and developing technical materials for NUS promotion is essential. Excellent facilitation, communication, and report writing skills are required. Experience working with federal, provincial/local governments, cooperatives, and rural communities, along with hands-on experience in demonstration plots, seed multiplication, and technology dissemination in smallholder contexts, is highly beneficial. Experience in capacity development, training including FFS, and extension system strengthening is also important.

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