Fruit Expert

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FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture. Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply; Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

FAO mandate in Georgia is to support national efforts to promote food security and sustainable development of agricultural sector. FAO priorities in Georgia reflect the objectives and priorities of the Government set in the strategy papers related to agricultural development. In essence, FAO assists the Government in creating and implementing an institutional, legal and regulatory environment. At the same time, FAO supports individuals working in agriculture – farmers, cooperatives, companies etc. by providing technical and financial assistance. 

Reporting Lines

The Fruit Experts shall operate under the overall guidance and responsibility of the FAO Representative in Georgia; direct supervision of the FAO Programme Manager and in close collaboration with other international and national consultants of the ENPARD IV programme in Georgia, and more concretely the GCP/GEO//EC.

Technical Focus 

A series of trainings to groups of orchard managers is being designed to address concrete weaknesses identified by the Farm Owners/Managers of each species. To scale up the work done in the previous production seasons under projects UNJP/GEO//EC and GCP/GEO//EC and to reinforce knowledge on various fruit production, under the ENPARD IV programme, additional trainings sessions will be organized in East and West Georgia. These trainings will include theoretical sessions and practical masterclasses to equip fruit producers in the country with the skills and knowledge needed to ensure safer production practices for both local consumers and export markets.

Target crops will be: Berries (Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries), Cherries, Citruses, Persimmon and Hazelnuts

Tasks and responsibilities

• Analyse the current agronomic practices adopted by Georgian producers of Berries (Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries), Cherries, Citruses, Persimmon and/or Hazelnuts;
• Identify gaps, needs and requirements in agricultural practices to sustainably intensify the production of Berries (Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries), Cherries, Citruses, Persimmon and/or Hazelnuts in the context of Georgia; 
• Train Farm Owners/Agronomists/Managers on several identified topics related to Integrated Farm Management, Integrated Pest Management, Orchard Establishment, Crop Nutrition, Crop Protection, Soil Management, Irrigation, Pruning, Pre and Post-Harvesting; 
• Train Farm Owners/Agronomists/Managers on production of various crops from a Food Safety Perspective in line with relevant EU Regulations; 
• Introduce notions of Integrated Environmentally Friendly management of orchards and Conservation Agriculture;
• Formulate recommendations to improve sustainable production of Berries (Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries), Cherries, Citruses, Persimmon and/or Hazelnuts;
• Produce technical training materials including power point presentations, brochures, pamphlets and manuals, as required. 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agronomy/horticulture, agricultural science or related fields 
• At least 7 years of experience in orchard production (Berries - Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberries - and/or Cherries and/or Citruses and/or Persimmon and/or Hazelnuts) - orchard establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection, IPM, organic production, food safety
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge one of the official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) 

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent communication (both written and oral) and presentation skills

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing) Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at For more information, visit the FAO employment website Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

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