Agronomist

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Position Title: Agronomist
Location: Dushanbe
Country: Tajikistan
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, valuing the multiplicity of nations and cultures in which it operates. UNDP is committed to ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission and that equity and fairness are maintained in all actions. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination, ensuring rigorous reference and background checks for selected candidates. UNDP's projects, such as the one in Tajikistan, focus on enhancing climate resilience and improving livelihoods for vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of climate change.

Job Overview:
The Agronomist position is integral to the UNDP project aimed at enhancing the climate resilience of small-scale farmers and pastoralists in the Kofirnighan River Basin of Tajikistan. The role involves providing technical expertise and support to improve agricultural practices, enhance crop resilience, and promote sustainable land management. The Agronomist will work closely with local farmers, project staff, and stakeholders to implement and monitor effective agronomic interventions that align with the project's objectives. This includes developing and disseminating best practices for climate-resilient farming, conducting training sessions for local farmers, and facilitating capacity building activities. The Agronomist will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of agronomic interventions, ensuring stakeholder engagement, and contributing to knowledge management and dissemination efforts. The position requires a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and fostering sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Agronomist will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing Technical Expertise and Support: Offering guidance on sustainable agricultural practices such as crop rotation, pasture management, soil fertility management, and integrated pest management. Developing best practices for climate-smart agriculture and supporting the implementation of ecosystem-based adaptation interventions. Conducting field visits to monitor agronomic interventions and providing hands-on assistance.
• Facilitating Capacity Building and Training: Conducting training sessions, workshops, and farmer field days for local farmers and extension service providers. Developing tailored training materials and facilitating activities on established demonstration plots.
• Ensuring Monitoring and Evaluation: Implementing monitoring systems to assess the effectiveness of agronomic interventions, collecting and analyzing data, and providing progress reports.
• Ensuring Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: Collaborating with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs to promote sustainable agriculture and build resilience.
• Facilitating Knowledge Management and Dissemination: Documenting lessons learned and success stories, contributing to reports and publications, and disseminating information for communication purposes. The Agronomist will also perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office and organization.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a combination of education and experience. A secondary education is required, while a university degree (bachelor’s degree) in Agronomy, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates should possess excellent computer skills, including proficiency in text and spreadsheet programs and databases. Desired skills include experience working with government bodies, UN agencies, and international organizations in natural resource management and climate adaptation. Relevant experience in sustainable land management and community engagement, particularly with marginalized groups, is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have at least a secondary education, with a university degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a related field being advantageous. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in agricultural practices and environmental science, equipping the candidate with the necessary knowledge to address the challenges faced by small-scale farmers and pastoralists in the context of climate change.

Experience:
The Agronomist position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience with a secondary education or 4 years with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy, sustainable agriculture, or related fields. Experience should preferably be in the context of climate change adaptation or environmental projects, with a focus on measurable climate adaptation outcomes and improved agricultural practices. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging communities and stakeholders in project interventions, particularly in promoting inclusive approaches that empower women and marginalized groups.

Languages:
Fluency in Tajik and Russian is required for this position, as these are the primary languages used in the region. Knowledge of English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the candidate's ability to engage in broader discussions related to climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.

Additional Notes:
The Agronomist position is a full-time role based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The contract duration and seniority level may vary based on project needs and funding availability. The position may involve international recruitment, and candidates should be aware that UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and are expected to adhere to the organization's standards and principles.