Consultant for Climate-Smart Agriculture

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 works in over 130 countries worldwide, employing approximately 12,000 staff members. 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. The FAO's mission includes promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving nutrition, which is particularly relevant in regions like the Fergana Valley, where agricultural productivity is threatened by climate change and resource scarcity.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Climate-Smart Agriculture will play a pivotal role in supporting the FAO Subregional Office and the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) in implementing and coordinating activities under the FAO project UNUN/SEC/028/UND. This position is crucial for enhancing climate resilience and agricultural sustainability in the Fergana Valley, which spans Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The consultant will provide technical guidance on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices throughout the project cycle, ensuring that the project aligns with FAO technical standards and objectives. The role requires collaboration with national consultants and country offices to foster regional knowledge exchange and build climate-adaptive agricultural systems that improve livelihoods in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing technical guidance on CSA practices and climate-resilient agriculture throughout the project cycle.
• Overseeing the design and development of training modules and materials for CSA practices, innovations, and improved technologies.
• Establishing and operating demonstration sites in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Supporting regional coordination and collaborating with national coordinators and service providers to assess training needs and develop tailored capacity-building programs.
• Participating in and contributing to inception workshops, national workshops, and field days.
• Supporting the development of materials for the dissemination of CSA practices.
• Conceptualizing and facilitating regional workshops and knowledge-sharing events to promote innovative CSA strategies.
• Carrying out any other activities related to the subject as requested by the Project Manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agronomy, horticulture, chemistry, plant protection, life sciences, or any related subject. Additionally, candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in agronomy, CSA, or a similar approach. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A working knowledge of English and Russian is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as agronomy, horticulture, chemistry, plant protection, life sciences, or any related subject. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of climate-smart agriculture and its implementation in diverse agricultural contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in agronomy, climate-smart agriculture, or similar approaches. This experience should include proven work across multiple locations and/or areas of work, demonstrating the ability to operate effectively in diverse operational contexts. For those with a bachelor's degree, an additional two years of relevant professional experience is necessary to meet the minimum requirements.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English and Russian is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders across the Fergana Valley, where these languages are commonly used. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The consultant will be engaged in a project that focuses on enhancing climate resilience and agricultural sustainability in the Fergana Valley. The role is expected to involve full-time commitment, with a focus on collaboration with national consultants and country offices in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process, and the consultant will be expected to adhere to FAO's core competencies and technical skills.