Organizational Setting

The Fergana Valley, shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, is Central Asia’s most fertile agricultural region, producing cotton, wheat, fruits, and vegetables. However, climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity threaten agricultural productivity and food security. The FAO-led project under South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), UNUN/SEC/028/UND South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) for sustainable agriculture in Fergana Valley, which aims to enhance climate resilience and agricultural sustainability through Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and innovative technologies. The project focuses on strengthening technical capacities, mainstreaming CSA technologies, and fostering regional knowledge exchange to build climate-adaptive agricultural systems and improve livelihoods.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision by the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Central Asia, FAO Budget Holder, the direct technical supervision by the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), with the operational guidance by the Field Programme Unit, SEC, the consultant will work closely with the national consultants and country offices in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Technical Focus

The Consultant will support the FAO Subregional Office and the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) in the implementation and coordination of activities under the FAO project UNUN/SEC/028/UND. The assignment includes providing technical guidance to the FAO country offices in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and climate-resilient agriculture throughout the entire project cycle. The Consultant will ensure effective regional coordination, as well as the coordination and supervision of project implementation, in line with FAO technical standards, project objectives, and agreed implementation arrangements.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Provide technical guidance on CSA practices and climate-resilient agriculture throughout the project cycle.
•     Oversee the design and development of training modules and materials for CSA practices, innovations, and improved technologies.
•     Oversee the establishment and operation of demonstration sites in all three countries.
•     Support regional coordination, collaborate with national coordinators and service providers to assess training needs and develop tailored capacity-building programs.
•     Participate in and contribute to inception workshops, national workshops, and field days.
•     Support the development of materials for dissemination of CSA practices.
•     Conceptualize and facilitate regional workshops and knowledge-sharing events to promote innovative CSA strategies.
•     Carry out any other activities related to the subject as requested by the Project Manager.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     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.
•     At least 7 years of relevant experience in agronomy, CSA or similar approach. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience. 
•     Working knowledge of English and Russian

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Proven work experience across multiple locations and/or areas of work, with the ability to operate effectively in diverse operational contexts.
•     Strong expertise in CSA approach, particularly within the framework of sustainable natural resource management initiatives.
•     Demonstrated ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue, foster collaboration, and build consensus among diverse partners and stakeholders.
•     Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, including coordination with regional and country-level teams.

Selection Criteria

•     Strong understanding on climate smart agriculture, project coordination and monitoring.