Consultant/Agronomist on Vegetable Production Specialist

Job Title: Consultant/Agronomist on Vegetable Production Specialist Duration: 20 days Minimum number of years of relevant experience required: B.Sc. or M.Sc. in agronomy/horticulture, with a minimum of seven years of experience in greenhouse production. Fluency in English. Location: Homebase with field trips in Son La Province Reports to: Lead Technical Officer

Description of task(s) and objectives to be achieved

Under the overall supervision of the Budget Holder (NSPLD Team Leader), direct technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), administrative and operational supervision of the AFAO Representative in Vietnam, and in close coordination with the national counterparts, the consultant will carry out the following tasks in Son La Province:
Assessment on the current vegetable production under protected cultivation systems including: structures designs and equipment for climate control installed, renewable energy sources, data base on production systems installed such as greenhouses, net-houses, shade-houses, hydroponics and soil-less culture;
Collect data on final purpose for production (seedlings or vegetables) and different types of crops;
Conduct a study on the access and availability of high quality inputs / materials / equipment including seeds, fertilizers, covering materials, irrigation/fertigation equipment and building materials for structures;
Assess technical knowledge of farmers on climate, seedling, water, nutrients, cultural practices and pest/disease management as well as the access to qualified extension services on protected cultivation systems;
Identify risk of severe weather events such as tropical storms and typhoons possibly impacting structures and evaluate dense plastic stationing/roofing to allow for water infiltration in soil;
Identify and evaluate different types of water sources including quantity and quality as well as types of irrigation systems installed;
Identify potential areas to establish demonstration plots based on agro-climatic conditions, level of investment by farmers, number of potential beneficiaries and training participants;
Assess the level of technologies needed to be installed, tested and validated and recommend the most suitable and affordable inputs, materials and equipment to adapt and optimize existing protected cultivation systems taking in consideration availability and resilience against extreme weather events such as tropical storms;
Recommend suitable crops and adapted varieties to be cultivated based on farmers’ experience, agro-climatic conditions as well as profitability and existing market assessments of seasonal demand for greenhouse crops in Son La, Hanoi and for export;
Maintain close contact with the LTO at NSPLD in HQ and FAO Vietnam during the assignment;
Prepare and deliver the technical assessment report in English language summarizing findings, conclusions and recommendations;
Carry out any other activities related to this assignment.