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FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality

People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

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Organizational Setting

The agricultural practices in Iraq in general are considered traditional practices. Conservation Agriculture for example, is a farming system that promotes maintenance of a permanent soil cover, minimum soil disturbance (i.e. no tillage), and diversification of plant species. It enhances biodiversity and natural biological processes above and below the ground surface, which contribute to increased water and nutrient use efficiency and to improved and sustained crop production. It is based on three fundamental principles of minimal soil disturbance through Zero Tillage (ZT), permanent organic soil cover and diversified crop rotations. . Conservation agriculture in Iraq is new and limited to a few demonstration sites focusing on zero-tillage implementation and a few projects implemented by international development partners at the specific locations. At the same time, FAO broadly defines agroecology as “applying ecological concepts and principles to optimize interactions between plants, animals, humans and the environment while taking into consideration the social aspects that need to be addressed for a sustainable and fair food system. Agroecology is the basis for evolving food systems that are equally strong in environmental, economic, social and agronomic dimensions.”

For this, the Government of Iraq with support from FAO has secured funding from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) for a GEF6 project on Sustainable Land Management for Improved Livelihoods in Degraded Areas of Iraq.

Reporting Lines

Under overall supervision of FAO Representative for Iraq, technical guidance from the project LTO and the technical teams at FAORNE and FAO HQ and in close collaboration with the national project team.

Technical Focus

The project aims to reverse land degradation processes, conserve and sustainably manage land and water resources in degraded marshland ecosystems in Southern Iraq for greater access to services from resilient ecosystems and improved livelihoods. The project has four expected results, which will be achieved through implementation of 12 project outputs. The incumbent will lead in particular the work that contributes to the achievement of project outcome 3 - Measures to restore and sustainably manage marshland ecosystems and he/she will contribute as well to the other three outcomes.

• Assess the conventional; agriculture practice in the southern governorate of Iraq in general and in the project sites in particular;
• Conduct diagnostic studies in the project area, covering both CA and Agro ecological aspects to identify critical hotpots for the project to pilot CA intervention;
• Undertake benchmarking on international best practices and technologies for CA and AE and deduce lessons learnt especially in countries with similar context as Iraq;
• Undertake comprehensive review of any relevant strategies, and possible policies and regulatory frameworks, assess their implications for CA and AE and document gaps, challenges and opportunities;
• Prepare and update guidelines and support the project in the application of tools and methodologies for the assessment of conservation agriculture and agro ecology and best practices for implementation in demonstration areas;
• Support, through FFS approach in coordination with the extension teams, the implementation of CA and AE good practices in demonstration sites, monitors the pilot demonstration sites and documents the results of the different AC & AE practices tested.
• Undertake assessment of capacity development needs in areas of CA and AE , prepare a need based technical training programme, including training syllabus, modules and sessions, and delivers technical assistance support and capacity development training for the government staff and other relevant stakeholders in addressing CA and AE and wetlands in holistic way.
• Contribute to the development of training modules and sessions to be used for assessments and decision support for mainstreaming CA and AE in related national and sub-national strategies and initiatives;
• Contribute to identification of a relevant country/institution for delivering one-week intensive training program on best practices related to agriculture and wetlands management, including in fields related to agroecology, conservation agriculture, wetlands and integrated water resources management, and the incorporation of wetlands conservation within FFS curriculum and programming;
• Assist in the development of the national agriculture strategy and action plan through consultation with relevant stakeholders, following participatory and multisector approach, and provides guidance for its implementation;
• Advise on responsive partnerships to benefit Iraq in mobilizing investment from both public, private and external funding sources and/or in introducing proven innovation and good practices on CA and AE from other countries of the world;
• Provide support, as needed, to the country in monitoring and reporting on their voluntary Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) targets;
• Perform other tasks as required by the project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in land management, soil sciences, natural resources.
• At least Five years of relevant work experience in combating desertification and land.
• Working knowledge of English, and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian).

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork, including leading, engaging and empowering others
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is
• desirable
• Hands-on experience and proven records of successfully completing SLM assignments
• is essential.
• Demonstrated work experience related to successful implementation and management
• of technical assistance for capacity strengthening in the field of SLM.
• Demonstrated capacity to coordinate country level activities and to organize and
• lead consultative processes involving several partner institutions and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered
• a strong asset.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and working in multicultural environment.
• Degradation and/or implementation of CA and AE programmes; technical assistance for capacity
• Strengthening in the fields of halting LD and wetland management.
• Management or related fields.

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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

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