National Agriculture and Land Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency 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. The FAO Representation in Georgia focuses on assisting the government in developing policies, programs, and projects to enhance food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Job Overview:
The National Agriculture and Land Management Specialist will play a crucial role in the UTF/GEO/034/GEO-F project, which aims to formulate and design land consolidation strategies in Georgia. This position is pivotal in supporting the introduction of a fully operational land consolidation instrument integrated with irrigation rehabilitation efforts. The specialist will be responsible for analyzing local agricultural conditions, assessing crop suitability, and reviewing soil productivity and irrigation networks. The role requires collaboration with local agronomists and coordination with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of land consolidation activities, which are expected to enhance agricultural production, improve land use efficiency, and strengthen land rights, particularly for women. The incumbent will also contribute to the development of a National Land Consolidation Strategy and engage in capacity-building initiatives for local stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will provide technical support for the implementation of land consolidation activities under the GRAIL Project, ensuring alignment with agricultural support programs and government policies. Key responsibilities include supervising local agronomists, engaging in discussions with government institutions regarding state-owned agricultural land, participating in training sessions, and contributing to the drafting of the National Land Consolidation Strategy. The specialist will also be involved in quality assurance of deliverables related to land consolidation, including feasibility studies and pilot projects, and will support the development of the National Land Consolidation Programme based on pilot experiences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in agriculture, land management, or a related field, along with a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in agronomy, horticulture, plant protection, or soil management. A working knowledge of English at a C level for both speaking and writing is required, and candidates must be nationals of Georgia. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in agriculture, land management, or a related field is essential for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge required to understand complex agricultural systems and land management practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as agronomy, horticulture, plant protection, or soil management. This experience should include working with rural communities and farmers, as well as supervising teams and providing technical guidance to agronomy staff or field teams. Experience in working with international organizations, government agencies, and development partners is highly desirable, particularly within the context of large-scale development projects.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory, with a C level proficiency required for both speaking and writing. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the agricultural sector.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must have their higher educational qualifications recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. This position is likely to be full-time and may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions and local communities.