National Agriculture Specialist (Agriculture Production, Crop Protection and Livestock)

About the role

The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands (SAP) in Apia, Samoa, supports Pacific member countries in food security, nutrition, natural resource management and resilient agrifood systems. The National Agriculture Specialist supports assigned projects across agriculture production, crop protection and livestock, combining technical support, project coordination and project management. The role reports to the Programme Officer and works with Lead Technical Officers and colleagues.

Key responsibilities

• Support the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and closure of projects in line with approved documents, workplans, budgets and FAO procedures.
• Prepare and update workplans, activity schedules, trackers and procurement plans, and monitor progress against milestones and budgets.
• Liaise with government counterparts, partners, service providers, consultants and beneficiaries.
• Provide technical support for climate-smart agriculture, crop production and protection, livestock production, animal health, post-harvest handling, value addition, farmer capacity development and market linkages.
• Monitor field activities, production cycles, demonstrations and training, and identify implementation constraints.
• Support Letters of Agreement, procurement processes and the preparation of technical specifications.
• Review partner workplans, deliverables and reports, and follow up on outstanding actions.
• Develop or review Terms of Reference for affiliate workforce and assist with organizing training, workshops and field demonstrations.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly progress updates, briefing notes, reports, case studies and success stories, and maintain project records.
• Contribute to new projects and other duties as required.

Required profile

• University degree in agriculture, agronomy, crop science, animal science, veterinary science, natural resources management, rural development or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in agricultural development, project coordination or implementation, including work with government institutions, development partners, farming communities or other stakeholders.
• National of Samoa or resident of the country with a valid work permit.
• Working knowledge of English.
• Experience in one or more of: crop production and protection, livestock production, animal health, climate-smart agriculture, post-harvest management or agricultural value chains; work planning, monitoring and reporting.

Required skills

• Effective writing and critical analysis skills.
• Communication and negotiation skills, working with multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural partners at regional and international level.
• Core competencies: results focus, teamwork, communication, building relationships, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.