Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Development
P.O. Box G13
Honiara
Solomon Islands
Ph: 22143 / 28712/25034

Vacancy Announcement

National Consultant- Digital Agriculture and Nutrition Innovation

Duty Station: Honiara, Solomon Islands, with field travel as required
Duration: Insert duration required see LoA.

Contract Type: National Consultancy
Reporting To: Director Information and Communication, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) in collaboration with FAO STODAS Project, National Project Coordinator.

Background

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is implementing activities under the Digital Agriculture Programme to strengthen digital agricultural advisory services and pilot innovative digital nutrition awareness and local food system solutions in Solomon Islands.

MAL seeks a qualified National Consultant to provide technical and operational support for the implementation of project interventions, stakeholder engagement, pilot testing, capacity development, monitoring, documentation, and reporting in relation to “Digital Agriculture and Nutrition Innovation”

Objectives of the Assignment

The consultant will support MAL to:

1. Strengthen digital agricultural advisory services and farmer-enabler networks.
2. Support the development and piloting of low-cost digital communication and extension tools.
3. Promote digital nutrition awareness and local food system innovations.
4. Facilitate stakeholder coordination, learning, monitoring, and documentation for project scaling and replication.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will:

Digital Agricultural Advisory Services

• Identify and engage key agricultural stakeholders, including extension officers, researchers, suppliers, and farmer organizations as enablers in enhancing digital advisory initiatives.
• Assess and document existing agricultural advisory systems and communication channels.
• Support the mapping of communication platforms, including SMS services, social media, radio programmes, messaging applications, and community networks.
• Facilitate the co-design of simple digital extension and advisory tools.
• Coordinate pilot implementation and user testing of selected digital solutions.
• Document lessons learned, challenges, and recommendations for scale-up.
• Contribute to the development of practical guidance materials and knowledge products.

Digital Nutrition Awareness and Food Systems Innovation

• Assess priority nutrition and local food system challenges that can be addressed through digital approaches.
• Assist in developing digital awareness materials and tools, including SMS content, videos, QR-based information resources, and other innovative communication products.
• Support field testing with farmers, vendors, women, youth, and other target groups.
• Collect, analyse, and report user feedback.
• Refine tools based on stakeholder feedback and pilot results.
• Develop learning briefs and recommendations for wider adoption.

Project Coordination, Monitoring and Reporting

• Prepare implementation plans and schedules.
• Support consultant and stakeholder coordination activities.
• Monitor progress against project indicators and deliverables.
• Prepare monthly and interim progress reports.
• Maintain project records and evidence of implementation.
• Contribute to final project reporting and knowledge management activities.

Expected Deliverables

The consultant will contribute to, among others:

• Stakeholder and farmer-enabler mapping.
• Linkage matrix documenting collaboration opportunities.
• Communication channel assessment and mapping.
• Nutrition and food systems challenge assessment.
• Development and testing of digital advisory and nutrition tools.
• Monthly and interim progress reports.
• Documentation of lessons learned and recommendations.
• Practical guides for replication and scaling of project interventions.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Rural Development, Nutrition, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in agricultural extension, digital agriculture, ICT4D, rural communication, community engagement, or related programmes.
• Experience working with government institutions, development partners, and community stakeholders.
• Strong report writing, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital communication platforms.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of Solomon Islands agricultural systems and extension services.
• Experience with digital advisory platforms, mobile communication tools, or innovation pilots.
• Experience in nutrition awareness or food systems initiatives.
• Previous experience working with FAO, UN agencies, government-funded, or donor-funded projects.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit:

1. Cover Letter.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
3. Copies of relevant qualifications.
4. Contact details of at least three professional referees.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated based on:

• Relevant education and technical qualifications.
• Demonstrated experience in digital agriculture, extension services, nutrition, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience managing or supporting multi-stakeholder projects.
• Quality of written communication and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of the Solomon Islands context.

Closing Date: October 5, 2026 at 4:30 PM

Applications should be submitted to:

Director: Sharon Nanau

Information and Communication Department
Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development
ATL Building
Kukum Highway
PO Box G13
Honiara Solomon Islands
+677 48972/42988
Email: SNanau@mal.gov.sb