Organizational Setting

The Sub-Regional Office for Central Asia of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-SEC) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing strategies for addressing food security, agriculture and rural development priorities in the sub-region. The Organization’s technical assistance includes institution building, development of knowledge and competencies, and exchange of experience among countries facing the challenges of transition.

FAO SEC is implementing a five-year project entitled “Strengthening regional collaboration and national capacities for management of wheat-rust diseases and resistance breeding in Central Asia and Caucasus (CAC Rust)” (GCP/SEC/016/TUR)” funded by the Government of Turkey started in January 2020. The expected outcome of the project is improved productivity and resilience of wheat productions against emerging wheat rust epidemics and races by strengthening national capacities and regional collaboration. The improvement of productivity and resilience of wheat productions against the threats of pest sand diseases are amongst the priorities for FAO’s work in the Central Asia. In this regard, the project aims to prevent spread of wheat rust diseases and their integrated management at national and regional levels.

Reporting Lines

The Regional Expert will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for Central Asia (SRC, SEC), the guidance and technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the Project and operational guidance from SEC Field Programme Unit (FPU) and in close collaboration with FAO Representatives of the countries where the work will be implemented. He/she will cooperate closely with relevant national authorities and other stakeholders.

Technical Focus 

Agriculture, plant production, plant protection or plant pathology / Wheat-rust diseases management
Under the overall supervision of the Sub-Regional Coordinator for Central Asia (SEC-SRC) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the technical supervision of the Agricultural Officer of FAO-SEC (LTO), operational guidance from SEC Field Programme Unit (FPU), in coordination with other International and National Consultants and the LoA Partners, Regional Expert will provide support to the project implementation by performing the following main duties:

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Act as the focal point and assist in coordinating project activities in the target countries with project staff, FAO Country Offices, government authorities, FAO assigned service providers and contractors, and relevant national and international institutions for the smooth implementation of the CACRust project (GCP/SEC/016/TUR) including facilitating sharing experiences between the project countries in Centra Asia.
•    Assist in identification of stakeholders working on wheat rust diseases, formulation, and preparation of national events.
•    Plan, coordinate and monitor, in collaboration with national partners and consultants, project activities with regards to monitoring, surveillance, prevention, and management of wheat rust diseases including the following:
o    Conduct of field demonstrations and trainings for farmers and public officers by the FAO country offices and national institutions and consultants
o    Conduct of national workshops and meetings by the FAO country offices and national institutions and consultants
o    Development of national strategic programmes and contingency plans by the FAO country offices and national institutions and consultants
o    Preparation and review of workshop and project reports
•    Translate technical documents as required between English and Russian and vice versa.
•    Monitor the implementation of project activities in the countries to ensure that all operational activities are carried out in line with the work plan.
•    Monitor progress of implementation in relation to annual work plan in particular timeliness, achievement of project objectives regularly through progress reports, web resources, activity bulletins, and implement corrective measures when required.
•    Provide support to promote the image of FAO through advocacy of the Organization’s mandate, programmes, national priorities and activities including the contribution to development and maintenance of communication tools (e.g., web postings, press releases and publications) in coordination with Communication Officers of the project.
•    Contribute to the preparation of various written products, e.g., draft background papers, analytical notes, presentations, sections of reports and studies and other inputs for publications.
•    Undertake outreach activities; participate in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; and make presentations on assigned topics/activities.
•    Provide administrative support as required including the preparation of technical specification, requests, reports in consultation with FPU and SEC administrative unit.
•    Facilitate the flow of information to stakeholders by regular meetings and emails.
•    Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in plant pathology, plant protection or agriculture
•    5 years of progressive experience in plant protection sector preferred in Central Asia
•    Working knowledge of English and Russian

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Analysis of quantitative international and national databases
•    Professional of plant pathology, plant protection or agriculture
•    Experience on wheat rust work is an advantage.

Selection Criteria 

•    Demonstrated ability to liaise with multiple stakeholders including national governments and regional organizations, effectively building an understanding and partnership with them.
•    Excellent communication skills in English and Russian, both orally and in writing, and ability to draft technical reports in English