National Consultant/Facilitator on winemaking of the Farmer Filed School (FFS)

Organizational Setting

FAO mandate in Georgia is to support national efforts to promote food security and sustainable development of agricultural sector. FAO priorities in Georgia reflect the objectives and priorities of the Government set in the strategy papers related to agricultural development. In essence FAO assists the Government in creating and implementing an institutional, legal and regulatory environment. At the same time, FAO supports individuals working in agriculture – farmers, cooperatives, companies etc. by providing technical and financial assistance.

Reporting Lines

The National consultant/Facilitator on winemaking of the Farmer Field School shall operate under the overall guidance and responsibility of the FAO Representative in Georgia; the direct supervision of the GCP/GEO/012/AUS National Project Coordinator and in close collaboration with other international and national consultants of the project.

Technical Focus

FAO with the financial support of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) is implementing the project entitled “Strengthening capacities of stakeholders for the implementation of the Strategy for Agricultural Development in Georgia 2015-2020 and the Rural Development Strategy of Georgia 2017-2020”. The duration of the project is 4 years (2018-2022) and it primarily comprises the provision of technical assistance by national and international experts. Throughout the project implementation, the approach adopted is one of inclusive participation, engagement and ownership.

The main project stakeholders are:

• At national level - the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA) and agencies under the MEPA auspices;
• At local level- local authorities, local education institutions, local health care providers, agricultural service providers and vocational education centres, farmers, farmers’ organizations, rural families and other private sector stakeholders.

The project aims to contribute to increased competitiveness of the agricultural sector, increased food production and reduction of rural poverty with a specific focus on reduction of inequalities.

At outcome level, the project will contribute to increased competitiveness of agriculture and rural development by supporting the implementation of the Strategy for Agricultural Development in Georgia 2015-2020 and the Strategy for Rural Development 2017-2022 through policy support and small-scale investment measures.

The expected outputs of the project are:

• Capacity of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and other relevant staff related to gender-sensitive and socially inclusive rural development policy and community development planning improved.
• Agricultural extension services improved through enhanced capacity of central and decentralized Information and Consultation Centres to provide community needs-based services and brokerage in an inclusive and participatory manner.

Policies and practices related to environmentally friendly agriculture and sustainable ecosystems in rural areas developed based on promotion of Good Agricultural Practices, new environmentally friendly practices as well as establishment of demonstration plots and Farmer Field Schools.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the project team in establishing FFS farmer groups on winemaking per both selected area of the project, including the final selection of the participants from the registered farmers;
• Upon formation of the FFS group, assess the knowledge needs of member farmers via onsite introductory meeting, practical discussions, through inspection of their final product (wine) and production cycle;
• Develop a training plan/consultancy calendar based on the collected information during the introductory meeting and inspection;
• Conduct the planned trainings/consultations based on the developed plans to FFS farmer group for the season 2022, by respecting the practical activities of the production cycle;
• Conduct consultancy meetings as per the calendar and ensure maximum interaction among participants during practical demonstration; showcase and address specific learning topics in need;
• Provide on-demand assistance over meetings to the FFS group according to the production cycle during the season;
• Distribute learning materials and guidelines to FFS participants whereas applicable;
• Provide feedback (if any) to project team upon completion of the consultancy.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• National of Georgia or resident in the country with a regular work permit;
• Advanced Academic degree in wine technology;
• 5 years of relevant experience at international/national level on related fields;
• Working knowledge of English would be a preference;
• Working experience with international organizations would be a preference;

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong practical knowledge on the subject
• Good oral, listening and facilitation skills, good understanding of the participatory learning process.