Agriculture and Farming Systems Specialist

The Agriculture and Farming Systems Specialist will provide technical leadership in designing and implementing climate-resilient agriculture interventions that improve the productivity, resilience, and livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk. The role supports climate-adaptive farming systems, sustainable inputs, energy-efficient technologies, and risk-informed practices, ensuring inclusion of vulnerable groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) practices to enhance productivity and resilience of farmers and fisherfolk.
• Support the design and implementation of climate-adaptive farming systems aligned with project objectives (cash-plus, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable inputs).
• Conduct technical assessments and recommend appropriate crop, livestock, and fisheries interventions based on local agro-climatic conditions and risks.
• Develop and/or adapt training modules and extension materials on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable inputs, and risk-informed practices.
• Facilitate and organize capacity-building activities for farmers, fisherfolk, and community organizations.
• Provide technical inputs to the specification and procurement of agricultural inputs and technologies ensuring quality, suitability, and compliance with FAO standards.
• Promote the adoption of energy-efficient and climate-resilient technologies (e.g., solar irrigation, post-harvest facilities, and sustainable fishing practices).
• Integrate GEDSI considerations into agricultural interventions ensuring inclusion of women-headed households, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups.
• Support implementation of anticipatory and early action measures by aligning agricultural practices with early warning systems and seasonal forecasts.
• Coordinate with government agencies, LGUs, and partners to ensure alignment with national programs and avoid duplication of assistance.
• Participate in technical working groups, sectoral coordination meetings, and stakeholder consultations to strengthen partnerships and knowledge exchange.
• Provide technical inputs to project documents, proposals, reports, and knowledge of products related to agriculture and livelihoods.
• Support monitoring of agricultural interventions including tracking adoption of climate-resilient practices and productivity improvements.
• Collect, analyze, and organize agriculture-related data and field insights to guide project implementation and decision-making.
• Document good practices, lessons learned, and innovations in climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable livelihoods.
• Support integration of risk-informed and adaptive approaches into farming systems to address climate variability and El Niño impacts.
• Contribute to capacity building of LGUs and community organizations on climate-resilient agriculture planning and implementation.
• Assist in strengthening linkages between farmers, extension services, and support institutions to sustain project benefits.
• Prepare technical reports and contribute to progress and donor reports in line with FAO and DFAT requirements.
• Carry out any other relevant duties within technical competence as required by FAO.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in the field of Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Agrometeorology and other Sustainable Development related studies.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in agriculture/rural development sectors, farming systems development, sustainable agricultural production, integrated crop-livestock systems, climate resilient agriculture, or related areas.
• Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English.
• A national of the Philippines.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context and within multidisciplinary and different cultural background teams.
• Excellent writing, and report writing skills in English and Filipino.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
• Working knowledge of relevant local dialects is an advantage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Filipino.
• General knowledge and skills in the use of standard software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)

Skills

• Agriculture
• Farming Systems Development
• Sustainable Crop Production
• Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture
• Rural Development Policy
• Technical Leadership
• Climate-Adaptive Farming Systems
• Sustainable Inputs
• Energy Efficiency Technologies
• Risk-Informed Agricultural Practices
• Report Writing
• Microsoft Office Suite
• English Language Proficiency
• Project Site Travel

Languages

English, Filipino