Short-term consultancy: agricultural specialist - Fiji flood recovery project
This job posting has closed
UNDP in partnership with the Fiji Government’s Ministry of Agriculture, wishes to recruit a suitably qualified Agricultural Specialist with direct experience in agricultural assessments and work in the agricultural sector, following the severe flooding that occurred in January causing severe damages to the agriculture sector throughout Fiji.
The Agricultural Specialist is one of 2 Specialist positions identified for technical support and assistance during consultations with the Ministry of Agriculture, the other being an Early Recovery Advisor.
Key functions
The Agricultural Specialist will be required to:
- Work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and designated Fiji government officials at the national and local levels;
- Conduct Capacity & Needs assessment and mapping of the Ministry of Agriculture’s internal response and coordination mechanisms to natural disasters.
- Conduct a workshop with relevant partners to discuss and endorse the recommendations of the Assessment for internal response and emergency strategies.
- Draft a Model for internal response and emergency strategies for the Ministry of Agriculture to better respond to natural disasters, including recommendations for farmers for diversifying farming in flood prone areas.
- Review and summarize agricultural damage and loss assessments conducted by Fiji government, SOPAC, AusAid, SPC and others;
- Provide an overview of total damages and losses to agriculture in Fiji as a result of the recent floods, indicating sub-sectors, crops and types of farmers most seriously affected, including a gender analysis to identify and incorporate the unique circumstances and needs of both men and women, boys and girls.
- Based on available data, estimate short-term and medium-term impact of the disaster on poverty levels through linkages of vulnerable groups to agricultural livelihoods and using the DFID sustainable livelihoods framework.
- Propose preventive measures, taking into account the role that women and men can play, which will mitigate impacts on the agricultural sector and farmers in the event of similar flooding events in the future.
- Update the UNDP CO weekly on progress.
- In close coordination with Fiji government officials and UNDP CO, discuss and finalize the assessment and recommendations.
Final products & deliverables:
- Draft assessment report – Week 4 of the assignment, July/Aug 2009
- Final assessment report – Week 5 of the assignment, July/Aug 2009
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Advanced university degree in agronomy, agricultural engineering, international development or related fields. A relevant combination of university degree, professional training and experience would be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.
Work Experience
Approximately 10 years’ experience addressing agricultural development issues in developing countries.
Languages
Fluency in English (written and oral) is essential. Excellent drafting skills in English. Knowledge of Fijian or Hindi language would be an asset.