National Digital Agriculture Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist Governments to develop 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 National Digital Agriculture Specialist will work under the overall supervision of FAO Representative (FAOR) in Tajikistan, under the technical guidance and direct supervision of the Lead Technical Officer based in Sub Regional Office in Ankara (SEC).

Technical Focus

The National Digital Agriculture Specialist will be responsible to implement, facilitate and monitor the implementation of project activities according to the TCP/TAJ/3810/C8 “Provision of Technical Assistance on E-agriculture to the Ministry of Agriculture” Project”.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Prepare a stock taking report on the state of digital technologies in agriculture in Tajikistan and a draft roadmap for digital transformation of the sector; • Validate the content of the report and roadmap with key stakeholders through a technical working group and a validation workshop; • Finalize the Roadmap document; • Based on the above and the interactions with various stakeholders, identify i) potential technologies that could be supported on a pilot basis under the TCP; potential topics for training of key stakeholders; • Review relevant documents including policies and regulations, ongoing and pipeline projects of the Ministry of Agriculture and Development Partners; • Identify and set up meetings with key stakeholders including relevant public entities, private actors (technology and service providers, farmers and agribusiness), providers of extension services; entities in education and research; • Synthesize the key content of the meetings held; • Interact with the technical working group for digital agriculture; • Support the organization and implementation of the consultation and validation workshop

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in IT Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, Economics, or a related discipline from a recognized university; • Nationality of Tajikistan or resident in the country with a regular work permit. • Good knowledge of Tajik, Russian and English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Familiarity with the digital technologies and their current and potential applications in agriculture; • Proved communication skills with national, regional and district authority, national experts and local communities; • Excellent computer skills including MS Office applications, Internet, etc.; • Experience with international projects, UN agencies and regional donor organizations is an advantage. • Good knowledge of the agricultural sector and the key actors and institutions; • Good knowledge of digital technologies and their current and potential applications in agriculture; • Preferably, practical working experience in the field of IT technologies and operations; • Strong computer and communications skills (oral, written, presentation); • Strong interpersonal skills;