Hydroponics Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP), established in 1996 in Samoa, coordinates FAO's work across 14 Pacific nations and one Associate Member. SAP oversees programmes addressing food security, nutrition, agriculture, natural resources management, and rural development, with cross-cutting themes of gender, climate change adaptation, and anticipatory action.

Job Purpose

The Hydroponics Specialist will undertake a comprehensive technical feasibility study to assess local growing conditions. The primary objective is to recommend a sustainable, soilless agricultural system, specifically hydroponics, that is precisely tailored to the project's unique requirements and the prevailing regional climate. This role is crucial for developing effective and context-appropriate agricultural solutions within the Pacific Islands.

Responsibilities

Conduct a technical and feasibility study on soilless agriculture systems, including hydroponics, assessing local growing conditions to recommend a sustainable system tailored to Nauru’s circumstances, project needs, and future climate. This involves evaluating environmental factors, identifying the most suitable and cost-effective hydroponic systems, recommending specific growing systems, nutrient formulations, and lighting. Estimate sustainable resource usage (water, energy, nutrients), identify potential risks (e.g., power outages, disease outbreaks, supply chain disruptions), and propose mitigation and biosecurity measures. Perform a cost-benefit analysis for capital and operational expenditures and assess local market demand for hydroponic produce. Engage stakeholders and communities for input, prepare presentations, and draft Back-to-Office Reports. Participate in technical missions to Nauru for data collection and capacity building, and contribute to co-design and visioning workshops.

Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in designing, building, and managing commercial hydroponic systems. Experience in nutrient management, system design, environmental control, crop and substrate management, and facility operation is essential. Familiarity with international organizations and climate change projects is advantageous.

Skills

Extensive experience in nutrient management and chemistry, system design and engineering, environmental control, crop and substrate management, and facility operation. Strong knowledge of water chemistry, plant nutrition, greenhouse climate control, and agribusiness modelling. Experience with international organizations, climate change projects, proposal writing, and reporting. Good knowledge of Nauru and Pacific Small Island Developing States. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including senior government officials. Strong writing and language proficiency in English.

Explore related opportunities