INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIST ON AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION AND ADVISORY SYSTEMS

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The project “Development of sustainable and inclusive local agri-food systems in north-west region of Azerbaijan” aims to establish local agri-food systems that integrate sustainable food production, processing, marketing, distribution and consumption supported by a demand driven agricultural advisory services system in the north-west region of Azerbaijan (Gakh, Zagatala and Balakan).

Reporting Lines

Mr. Bariz Mehdiyev, Assistant to FAO Representative in Azerbaijan

Technical Focus

In this context, under the overall supervision of the Head of FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Azerbaijan, direct supervision of the Assistant to FAO Representative and the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer and FAO Agricultural Officer, and in close cooperation with the Agrarian Research Center, the consultant will provide consultation and contribute to the implementation of activities 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 of the project works plans.

In the light of the above, this consultancy aims to contribute to the establishment and support of Multi-Actors Innovation Platforms for local inclusive and efficient agriculture and food systems within selected food value chains

Tasks and responsibilities

• Advise on technical, institutional, and organizational change through innovation in agricultural practices of beneficiary communities.
• Provide consultation in design of multi-actor agricultural innovation platforms (MAIP) along the selected value chains based on the survey and analysis as outlined in Concept Note on MAIP establishment developed by FAO;
• Provide consultation on value adding to the existing agri-food systems.
• Assist in promotion of interaction and access to knowledge.
• Promote technological and institutional learning.
• Provide advice on establishment of extension and advisory services that are flexible, user-driven, and focused on local problems.
• Assist in implementation of institutional innovations including new ways of organizing production, input management, marketing, or sharing common resources.
• Provide consultation on utilization of different dimensions of interaction and learning processes such as farmer to farmer, market actors to farmers, input suppliers to farmers, processors to farmers, public & private Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) to farmers in accordance with FAO-developed Concept Note on MAIP establishment to facilitate MAIP activities.
• Provide consultations on the establishment and facilitations of the MAIPs for the selected 6 value chains.
• Provide technical supports to promote innovation agendas identified in the MAIPs for the selected 6 value chains.
• Perform any other related duties and activities as required by the LTO and project manager

The considered travel to the country can only be organized if the Covid-19 precautions at the relevant countries and FAO corporate guidelines allow it.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in relevant field, such as agronomy, agribusiness, agro-industry, food processing, agriculture, and marketing.
• A minimum of 5 (five) years of progressively responsible professional experience in agronomy, agribusiness, application of innovation, or provision of extension and advisory services.
• Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong capabilities in formulating complex scopes of work.
• Excellent computer skills especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to take on assignments that require travel, mission and/or appointment to field locations.

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