Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAcontributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAis a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough highquality food to lead active, healthy lives.

UTF Project Development Consultant will provide support to the FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Reporting Lines

UTF Project Development Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Lead Technical Officer

Technical Focus

Lead the preparation of the fullyfledged UTF project document on plant breeding and seed production.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    In close collaboration with involved international and national technical specialists, national authorities, and the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan (Molead design and development of the fullyfledged UTF project document focusing on the development of plant breeding and seed production ensuring strong coordination with the International Consultant on plant breeding and seed production.
•    Prepare a draft project document, finalize it based in the inputs of the IC on plant breeding and seed production and submit for review by the FAO and national designated authorities.
•    Engage with key stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, agricultural organizations, and other relevant parties, to gather insights and ensure the project aligns with national priorities and needs.
•    Incorporate feedback and make necessary revisions throughout the project document preparation process to ensure the document meets all requirements and expectations.
•    Elaborate the arrangements for the Investment component in the design of the UTF project document, including possible mechanisms for financing and implementation, which will be instrumental in leveraging catalytic resources from International Financial Institutions (IFI, private sector, climate funds, etc.
•    Provide technical oversight to the preparation of the Comprehensive Assessment of Kazakhstan’s Agricultural Borrowing Policy from IFIs.
•    Coordinate with the Lead Technical Officer (LT, Plant Production and Protection (NSdivision of FAO HQs and FAO Investment Centre (CFin Rome for technical support and guidance in the development of the UTF project document.
•    Ensure that the project design incorporates considerations for environmental sustainability, gender equality, and social inclusion.
•    Design and execute at least one 6 days long mission to Kazakhstan with the support of the project team, meet with relevant stakeholders and collect the necessary information. The mission should be done jointly with the IC on plant breeding and seed production.
•    Prepare and submit regular progress reports to FAO and relevant stakeholders.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

•    Advanced degree in economics or related fields.
•    At least 10 years of relevant work experience in project document preparation, particularly in the context of international development and agriculture, liaising with IFIs and developing investment projects in agriculture
•    Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work
•    Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment
•    Proven ability to work collaboratively with international and national experts and stakeholders.
•    Strong analytical, communication, and reportwriting skills.

Selection Criteria

•    Limited knowledge of one of the official UN languages (Russian, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinesis an asset.