Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist Governments for developing policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

The Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in the Republic of Tajikistan and Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO), National Project Coordinator, National Gender Specialist and in close collaboration with the FETAJ Office team.

Technical Focus

Under the overall guidance of FAO Tajikistan, the Oyster Mushroom Cultivation Specialist, in close collaboration with the FETAJ office team, will provide technical support and guidance to rural women in Hisor district for the successful cultivation of oyster mushrooms, aiming to improve local livelihoods, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Specific responsibilities include:

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Develop a comprehensive training module and agenda focused on skills development in oyster mushroom production.
•    Ensure the training covers all necessary aspects of mushroom cultivation, including preparation, growing, harvesting, and maintenance.
•    Determine the suitability of sites for oyster mushroom production and identify any resource gaps that need to be addressed.
•    Assist in preparing the appropriate areas for growing mushrooms and provide ongoing support throughout the growing process.
•    Conduct practical, on-site training sessions for selected beneficiaries.
•    Provide hands-on experience and demonstrate best practices in mushroom cultivation.
•    Provide personalized consultations to selected beneficiaries.
•    Ensure the beneficiaries are following best practices and achieving optimal results.
•    Prepare reports on progress, challenges, and success stories for FAO and other stakeholders.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum requirements

•    Must hold a university degree in agriculture or a related field.
•    In-depth knowledge and previous experience in oyster mushroom production are required, including familiarity with the latest techniques and best practices.
•    At least five years of experience in delivering agriculture-related training, with specific experience in oyster mushroom cultivation.
•    Proficiency in both spoken and written Russian and Tajik is essential.
•    National of Tajikistan

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    In-depth knowledge of the complete lifecycle of mushroom cultivation, including substrate preparation, inoculation, incubation, fruiting, and harvesting.
•    In-depth knowledge and previous experience in oyster mushroom production, including the latest techniques and best practices.
•    Strong understanding of food safety and quality control standards related to mushroom production
•    Extensive experience in mushroom cultivation, with a focus on oyster mushrooms and working with rural communities, especially rural women.
•    Ability to develop and deliver training programs for rural communities on mushroom cultivation techniques.
•    Proficiency in communicating technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including writing reports and creating instructional materials.
•    Strong analytical, training, and technical skills; excellent communication and report-writing abilities.
•    Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office, Internet, etc;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION