National Agriculture Specialist

Organizational Context

The FAO Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) coordinates FAO's work across 13 member countries, focusing on food security, nutrition, agriculture, and rural development. SAP is part of FAO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. The Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems (STODAS) project, funded by the European Union, is implemented across Fiji, Samoa, and Solomon Islands. This project aims to strengthen policy, improve production systems, and build capacities for sustainable agrifood systems, working in partnership with national governments and local organizations.

Job Purpose

The National Agriculture Specialist will provide essential subject matter expertise at the national level to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the STODAS project in Fiji. The role focuses on Output 2 activities, specifically enhancing domestic crop and livestock production. Key responsibilities include serving as a technical liaison between FAO, the Government of Fiji, and Service Providers. The specialist will identify community-based production systems, assess the capacity of potential implementing partners, and monitor the delivery and distribution of agricultural and livestock inputs procured by FAO, ensuring alignment with project objectives and beneficiary needs.

Responsibilities

The National Agriculture Specialist is responsible for planning and assessment, including developing a work plan and identifying community production systems in consultation with the STODAS Focal Point and MOAWSI. This involves assessing crop, fruit, vegetable, poultry, and livestock systems, identifying needs, gaps, and opportunities. The role supports Service Provider identification and capacity assessment, facilitating engagement with qualified providers and assisting in the development of Letters of Agreement and service contracts. Monitoring of procured goods and Service Provider performance is crucial, requiring accurate record-keeping and recommendations for improvement. The specialist will also build Service Provider capacity through training and workshops, develop Terms of Reference, and support STODAS events. Specific support for crop production includes strengthening productivity, promoting climate-resilient practices, and improving post-harvest handling. For livestock production, the role supports enhanced breeds, scalable production models, and sustainable waste management. Stakeholder engagement and collaboration with various partners are vital, ensuring compliance with FAO and EU standards. The specialist will also submit regular progress reports and support monitoring and evaluation activities.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required in areas such as agricultural or livestock development, agricultural extension services, or the implementation of agriculture and rural development projects. Experience working with government ministries, civil society organizations, farmer organizations, and research institutions in Fiji is highly desirable. Familiarity with donor-funded project implementation modalities, including Letters of Agreement and service contracts, is also beneficial.

Skills

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical knowledge of crop and/or livestock production systems, including climate-resilient practices, relevant to Fiji or similar Pacific Island contexts. Experience in designing and delivering training, workshops, and extension support to farmers and government counterparts is essential. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, with working knowledge of Fijian (iTaukei) and Fiji Hindi being a strong asset. The ability to travel regularly to field sites is necessary. Familiarity with FAO or UN agency project implementation and monitoring and evaluation of field activities is advantageous.

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