Horticulture Specialist

Job Description
Role Purpose :
The Agriculture Team will be responsible to lead the development of agricultural food production at specified locations across the region. A key element of this responsibility will be the need to develop production systems within which commercial crops can be grown efficiently and sustainably over the longer term
The Horticulture Specialist will offer technical, and science-based strategic leadership for the Agriculture Teams crop
production planning and development program that will be rolled out to support the commercial food production plan in identified areas in Food Valley, Magna Farms, and the Water Food Innovation Hub. Responsible for assisting in developing the planning of and sequencing of crop production at existing locations identified as being likely food production areas, planning and overseeing subsequent activities to establish realistic production regimes. Plans will incorporate advanced technologies and modern efficient and highly effective technologies that will enhance productivity, efficiency, soil fertility, and enhanced water use. Provide day-to-day management in the implementation of projects and activities in the horticulture and crop production initiatives by supervising specific project activities and supporting project leaders Contribute to the Food Sector Circular Economy development.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and ACTIVITIES
Position description and responsibilities:
Assess current options for crop planning and production at identified Agriculture Production sites
Develop and implement proposed production management regimes and techniques; such as crop planning, production
resource requirements, site preparation, soil, and general soil fertility in accordance with agriculture and food production
plans.
Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil and water science, and soil water management to achieve both production and conservation objectives.
Actively participate and contribute to Agriculture Team workstreams, but also the Food Sector and generally to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving crop production planning and implementation, overall environmental aspects, soil and groundwater resources, and the Circular Economy principles in general
Analyze results of technical investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore modern crop production management in line with sustainability and environmental targets.
As appropriate, identify or recommend integrated weed and pest management (IPM) strategies, such as resistant plants, cultural or behavioral controls, soil amendments, etc.
Prepare clear and compelling intelligence reports on innovative approaches to enhanced crop production, including resource management and usage, pest and disease control, and environmental issues impacting crop production, especially in challenging climates.
Support the delivery of sustainability solutions in the agricultural and food sector.
Support the Agriculture Team in the development of planning and strategy documents as required.
Prepare clear and accurate reports, presentations of analyses, and recommendations as directed by managers
Desired Candidate Profile
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
• Display horticultural competence
• Knowledge of the principles of Horticulture and Agricultural Science.
• At least 20 years of sector experience (Horticulture or Greenhouse experience preferred)
• Understanding of regional research capability for the horticulture sector
• Proven experience with quality systems in the fresh produce industry
• Knowledge of modern marketing for fresh products within MENA and beyond
• Knowledge of a variety of production techniques in hot arid climates under open fields and protected cropping regimes.
• Fluent English
• Arabic ability is a bonus

Qualifications :
• Master's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field AND at least twenty years of experience in the horticulture sector; understanding and experience of management of commercial horticultural production and marketing

Note that we are looking for an experienced professional (consultant) who has the strong commercial and technical knowledge,
is capable of collating and analyzing data, preparing in-depth written detailed analyses on aspects of commercial horticulture production and research in the horticulture industry.
Experience in landscaping, turf management, and maintenance are not relevant qualifications or experience or qualifications for this role.
Our expectation is that any relevant applicant should have at least 20 years of experience in commercial food crop production, primarily fresh fruits and vegetables, this should be in a Middle East context under dry arid weather conditions and include both indoor and outdoor production. A full understanding of hydroponic crop production is necessary as well as broader production in soils and the preparation of soils for such crop production. We would also expect any relevant candidate to have significant experience in the fresh fruit and vegetable value chain in KSA and the Middle East region, with hands-on experience in marketing to markets in the region and preferably to Europe (or other major export markets). Knowledge of (and preferably qualification) in Global GAP standards application would be preferable. Furthermore, the person must be capable of carrying out in-depth analysis and producing scientifically based written analysis in both English and Arabic as well as the confidence to make presentations in both languages.

Salary: As per Market Rate
Working Hours: As per Saudi Labor Law
Contract Duration: 01 year
Air Ticket: Yearly
Vacation: 30 calendar days every year