Field Extension Specialist

Farmers and producers diversify production and increase quality along fruit and vegetable value chains, using resources efficiently and sustainably;

Farmer and producer organizations enable economies of scale, commercialization, increased collaboration, and access to information for better marketing and sale of products at the domestic and international level.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support all phases of the implementation of trainings, focus group discussions, demonstrations, and other capacity-building activities aimed at improving agricultural practices and skills of farmers, technicians, and skilled workers, in line with QMS requirements.
• Provide regular field technical assistance to farmers to improve production practices, quality, and productivity based on approved technical guidelines and QMS standards.
• Raise awareness among farmers on the importance of registration in the National Farmer Registry at the Ministry of Agriculture and support the registration process when needed.
• Support in the identification of Marco-Areas for the implementation of GAP.
• Support the identification, testing, and introduction of new and improved tree varieties adapted to local agro-ecological conditions.
• Identify and select agricultural lands affected by the war and support the introduction of appropriate crop and tree varieties.
• Identify potential Nurseries for the propagation of new introduced Varieties.
• Support the implementation of trainings and coaching sessions aimed at improving the business and organizational skills of farmers and cooperatives.
• Conduct regular field visits, follow-up activities, and on-farm demonstrations to ensure adoption of recommended practices.
• Support the promotion of improved linkages between farmers and suppliers of agricultural inputs, services, and markets.
• Contribute to field data collection and support the data-feeding mechanism and adoption of the Izraa application.
• Promote the use of the LARI early notification system and support farmers in accessing and using the application.
• Contribute to the farmer aggregation process and support initiatives aimed at strengthening and growing cooperatives.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including MoA, LARI, local authorities, cooperatives, and project partners, to ensure effective field implementation.
• Prepare periodic field and technical reports and contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The following may be acquired through a combination of formal or self‐education, prior experience or on‐the‐job training:

• Minimum Qualification required: Degree/Advanced Diploma in Agriculture, Agro-business.
• Experience:  2 years in working with farmers on good agricultural practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong Experience working with farmers, producers, and agricultural beneficiary groups within development projects
• Networking and influencing skills
• Community Facilitation skills
• Good understanding of, and commitment to gender equity
• Good attitude and experience in working with farmers, food processors and key stakeholders
• Experience in agricultural practices
• Well-developed interpersonal and team skills and proven ability to be flexible and sensitive in demanding situations; passion for working with others
• Innovative and creative approach to problem solving
• High integrity
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English language
• Familiarity with MS Office software, such as Excel
• Driving license (mandatory)
• Commitment to the aims and objectives of John Paul II Foundation

Desirable:

• Experience in field extension
• Preferably from the project target regions (Beqaa) or having good knowledge of the Regions
• Availability of personal vehicle to conduct field visits

SELECTION CRITERIA

CVs will be pre-selected according to their coherence with the required below criteria:

1. Administrative compliance

• Documentation complete (CV, cover letter)
• Language of application as required
• Respect of deadlines

2. Technical criteria

 

· Relevant academic degree and professional qualifications.

· 2 Years of experience relevant to the position.

· Experience working with farmers, producers, and agricultural beneficiary groups within development projects.

· Demonstrated experience in providing technical support and promoting agricultural best practices.

· Working knowledge of Arabic and English.