National Climate-Smart Agriculture Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and manage natural resources sustainably.

Job Overview:
The National Climate-Smart Agriculture Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the execution of project activities aimed at enhancing climate-smart agricultural practices in Tajikistan. This position requires close collaboration with government partners and national stakeholders to ensure that project objectives align with national work plans. The specialist will be responsible for conducting training needs assessments, designing and delivering training programs, and facilitating the establishment of demonstration sites. The role also involves monitoring the adoption of climate-smart practices among farmers and ensuring that gender-sensitive approaches are integrated into all activities. The incumbent will report directly to the FAO Representative and work under the supervision of the Lead Technical Officer, ensuring that all project activities are executed effectively and in compliance with FAO standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the National Climate-Smart Agriculture Specialist include:

• Supporting the execution of project activities in accordance with the national workplan and project objectives.
• Revising and providing input for site-specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP).
• Collaborating with stakeholders to identify priority crops and regions for climate-smart agriculture.
• Conducting participatory training needs assessments to determine the training requirements of farmers and extension officers.
• Designing and delivering comprehensive training programs and Farmer Field Schools (FFS) to enhance farmers' skills.
• Facilitating Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions to empower extension officers and farmers.
• Supervising the selection, establishment, and operation of three demonstration sites, including greenhouses and arable land.
• Monitoring the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and providing follow-up support to trained farmers.
• Ensuring that all activities incorporate gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches. 1
• Contributing to the development of site-specific ESMPs and ensuring compliance with FAO’s Environmental and Social Standards. 1
• Organizing inception workshops, field days, and national dissemination events for climate-smart technologies. 1
• Submitting timely progress reports and contributing to terminal reporting. 1
• Acting as a liaison between international consultants and national stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Economics or a related discipline from a recognized university. Additionally, they should have at least five years of relevant work experience in the field of agriculture or environmental management. A working knowledge of English or Russian is essential, and proficiency in the local language will be considered an advantage. Candidates must also be nationals of Tajikistan to ensure a deep understanding of local agricultural practices and policies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in Economics or a related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the economic aspects of climate-smart agriculture and for developing effective policies and programs that promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of work experience in the field of agriculture, environmental management, or a related area. This experience should include practical knowledge of climate-smart agricultural practices and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, farmers, and international organizations.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Russian. A good command of the local language is considered an added advantage, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of training programs.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The role is expected to be full-time, and candidates will be assessed based on their qualifications and experience. The FAO offers a competitive compensation package, which may include benefits such as health insurance and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of their background.