Agricultural Engineer

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. With 195 Members, FAO operates in over 130 countries, providing policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development. In the Philippines, FAO has partnered with the government and other stakeholders for over four decades to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, focusing on sustainability, productivity, and resilience.

Job Purpose

The Agricultural Engineer will provide comprehensive technical leadership for the design, implementation, operation, and enhancement of climate-resilient and energy-efficient agricultural and fisheries technologies. This role is crucial for ensuring the effective adoption and long-term sustainability of these technologies, ultimately contributing to the development of resilient and cost-effective production systems managed by Farmer Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs). The position requires a focus on low-input and fuel-efficient approaches to maximize impact and promote sustainable practices within the agricultural sector.

Responsibilities

The Agricultural Engineer will lead the technical assessment, design, and specification of climate-resilient and energy-efficient technologies for FCAs, ensuring alignment with low-input and fuel-efficient systems. Responsibilities include conducting site-specific suitability analyses, recommending appropriate technology packages, and ensuring quality assurance through supplier validation and technical due diligence, adhering to FAO procurement standards. The role involves supervising the installation, testing, and commissioning of technologies, and designing/delivering capacity-building programs for FCAs on operation, maintenance, and efficient resource use. Establishing sustainable FCA-led operation and maintenance systems, developing monitoring systems for performance tracking, and integrating climate resilience and resource efficiency principles are key. The engineer will provide technical guidance, coordinate with stakeholders, prepare technical documentation and reports, and ensure compliance with environmental safeguards, GEDSI principles, and risk management measures.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required in sectors such as agriculture/rural development, agricultural engineering, climate-resilient agriculture, farm mechanization, or infrastructure development. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of agricultural technologies and sustainable practices.

Skills

Essential skills include strong results focus, teamwork, and communication abilities. Candidates should excel at building effective relationships and knowledge sharing. The ability to work under pressure in complex environments and adapt to evolving situations is crucial. Excellent writing and report-writing skills in English and Filipino are required, along with proficiency in standard office software. A willingness to travel to project sites is necessary. Being a Licensed Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer is a selection criterion. Working knowledge of local dialects is an advantage.

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