Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Nature of the consultancy:  


The consultancy is for a specialized technical role supporting Conservation Agriculture activities within IOM Iraq’s Climate Programme. The consultant will provide targeted technical expertise, support the design and initial implementation of conservation agriculture interventions, deliver capacity-building and training, and ensure the technical quality of outputs. 

 The consultancy is required due to the need for specialized technical expertise in conservation agriculture and zero tillage systems, which is not available within the current project team. The consultant will provide time-bound technical support for the design, piloting, implementation, and capacity-building activities related to the specific conservation agriculture intervention.

Project Context and Scope

The Consultant will be supporting Conservation Agriculture activities within IOM Iraq’s Climate Programme. The consultant will provide targeted technical expertise, support the design and initial implementation of conservation agriculture interventions, deliver capacity-building and training, and ensure the technical quality of outputs. The project aims to enhance climate resilience, improve soil health, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the Qushtapa sub-district, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The intervention is part of a broader Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) approach to address water scarcity, land degradation, and pressures on local livelihoods.

As part of this effort, the project will pilot zero tillage practices on selected agricultural lands. Approximately 3–4 plots (each 3–5 Iraqi dunams) will be identified in collaboration with local farmers, who will voluntarily allocate portions of their land for demonstration purposes.

The selected consultant will provide specialized technical support for the design, pilot implementation, and capacity-building activities related to zero tillage practices in the targeted area. The assignment is limited to the implementation period of this specific pilot intervention.


 
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

 

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Mission, the overall supervision of the Head of Division and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator and the technical guidance of the relevant programme unit.

The consultancy is open to national consultants and will be primarily remote. However, field missions to Erbil and Qushtapa District in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will be required.

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract:

The consultancy is designed to support a specific, time-bound pilot intervention. The consultant's responsibilities are linked to defined outputs and deliverables within the consultancy period and do not constitute an ongoing programme function

The consultant will be responsible for the full cycle of design, implementation, coordination, and capacity building related to zero tillage practices, including but not limited to:

A. Planning & Technical Design (1 Sep 2026- 30 Sep 2026)

  • Develop a Zero Tillage Implementation Roadmap, including timeline, cropping calendar, input requirements, and operational steps
  • Identify and validate pilot plots (3–4 sites, 3–5 Iraqi dunams each) in coordination with farmers and project team
  • Provide technical specifications for required inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, and machinery (zero tillage seeder)

  • Provide Bill of Quantities for required materials and inputs for the piloting process.

B. Stakeholder Coordination(1 Sep 2026- 30 Sep 2026)

  • Support IOM-facilitated coordination with relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, government entities, and community representatives, to ensure alignment with project objectives and activities.
  • Engage with the Directorate of Agriculture in Qushtapa facilitated by IOM staff  to ensure alignment with local agricultural practices and policies 
  • Work in close collaboration with IOM project staff to support plan and implement all activities

  • Participate in engagements with farmers as arranged by IOM project staff, to support the scheduling .trainings, field visits, and implementation activities

C. Training & Capacity Building (1 Oct 2026 - 30 Apr 2027)

  • Develop comprehensive training materials tailored to local context (manuals, presentations, practical guides)
  • Through facilitated IOM staff Facilitate  training sessions for:
    • Pilot farmers (landowners)
    • Broader farming community in the target area
    • Government trainers (probably Agriculture Extension Services Staff)

  • Train farmers on all aspects of zero tillage, including:

    • Timing of planting and seasonal planning
    • Harvesting practices
    • Selection of appropriate crop varieties and seeds
    • Types, quantities, and timing of fertilizer use
    • Proper use of machinery and inputs
    • Input measurement units and application techniques

D. Technical Guidance & Field Implementation(1 Oct 2026 - 30 Apr 2027 )

  • Provide hands-on supervision during implementation of zero tillage practices on pilot plots
  • Guide farmers step-by-step through the practical application of zero tillage
  • Ensure proper use and maintenance of equipment and inputs

  • Conduct field demonstrations and farmer field days to promote wider learning

E. Risk Management & Adaptation(1 Oct 2026 - 30 Apr 2027 )

  • Clearly explain to farmers the potential challenges and limitations of zero tillage, particularly during the first 1–2 years (e.g., yield variability, weed management issues)
  • Provide practical solutions and mitigation measures to manage and reduce these challenges

  • Support farmers in adapting practices based on field conditions and feedback

F. Awareness & Behavioral Change(1 Oct 2026 - 30 Apr 2027 )

  • Explain in detail the importance and benefits of zero tillage, including:
    • Soil health improvement
    • Water retention and efficiency
    • Cost reduction over time
    • Climate resilience

  • Promote understanding and long-term adoption among farmers

G. Monitoring, Reporting & Knowledge Sharing(1 Oct 2026 - 30 Apr 2027 )

  • Monitor progress of implementation and farmer adoption
  • Document lessons learned, challenges, and success stories
  • Provide regular updates to the project team
  • Submit a final technical report including:
    • Baseline and endline records
    • Evaluation between traditional and zero tillage for same farmers’
    • Results of pilot implementation
    • Farmer feedback and adoption potential
    • Recommendations for scaling up
The timeline is indicative and may be adjusted based on the actual commencement date of the consultancy, while maintaining the overall duration and sequence of deliverables.

The consultant will carry out the assignment through four main phases:

  • Phase 1 (by 30 September 2026): Submission of the inception report, including the training methodology, detailed workplan, training materials, and coordination plan with relevant stakeholders and rights holders.
  • Phase 2 (by 31 December 2026): Delivery of initial farmer training sessions on conservation agriculture (zero tillage), including submission of training reports, attendance records, and supporting documentation.
  • Phase 3 (by 28 February 2027): Completion of follow-up and advanced training sessions, as well as on-site technical support to farmers, demonstrating the practical application of zero tillage practices.
  • Phase 4 (by 30 April 2027): Submission of the final report, including an assessment of training outcomes, farmer adoption, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for scaling up.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
  • Timely Delivery: All agreed deliverables (technical plans, reports, and field outputs) are submitted within the agreed timeline. 
  • Technical Quality: Conservation agriculture approaches and recommendations are context-appropriate, technically sound, and aligned with best practices (including zero tillage and soil health improvement). 
  • Field Implementation & Demonstration: Successful establishment and proper implementation of demonstration plots in coordination with selected farmers, meeting agreed technical standards. 
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building: Effective coordination with stakeholders and delivery of awareness or training activities that enhance understanding and readiness to adopt conservation agriculture practices.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Bachelor degree  in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agriculture, or related field

  • Specialized knowledge in conservation agriculture and zero tillage systems

Experience

  • Proven of 5 years of relevant professional experience in implementing zero tillage or conservation agriculture projects

  • Strong background in farmer training and capacity building

  • Experience working with rural communities and smallholder farmers

  • Experience in Iraq or similar contexts is an asset

Skills

  • Ability to translate technical concepts into practical, field-level applications

  • Demonstrated experience in developing training materials and conducting field demonstrations

  • Strong communication and facilitation skills

Travel required (Yes): 

The consultant will be required to travel regularly to Qushtapa to oversee field implementation, conduct trainings, and engage directly with farmers and stakeholders.

All costs related to transportation, including travel to and within the project area, accommodation, and other associated expenses, shall be the responsibility of the consultant and must be included in the financial proposal.

Note:  As part of your application, please submit a financial proposal outlining your approach and fees to complete the assignment.

Languages

For this consultancy, English and Kurdish are required.

Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
  • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
  • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
  • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

  • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
  • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
  • Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
  • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. 

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 8 Months
Org Type: Country Office - Sub Office
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.