National Digital Agriculture Specialist

Overview

Support projects for digital transformation in Tajikistan's agriculture

You have:

• University degree in agriculture, international development, computer science, information technology, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of proven experience in agriculture, digital technologies or digital agriculture fields is required.
• Proficiency (Level C) in English and Tajik (both written and spoken) is required.
• Proficiency in Russian is an advantage.
• National or holder of a valid work permit in Tajikistan.

Organizational Setting

Tajikistan, located in Central Asia, is a country that is at an early stage of embracing digital technologies in the agricultural sector. Rural communities in Tajikistan, like in other parts of Europe and Central Asia, face challenges such as limited connectivity, insufficient infrastructure and digital divide. These factors contribute to the limited adoption of digital technologies in agriculture, thereby limiting economic opportunities and restricting access to essential services in rural areas. Addressing these barriers and promoting the use of digital technologies in agriculture through the right policies and partnerships is crucial for unlocking the sector's potential and enhancing rural development in Tajikistan.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has played a crucial role in supporting agricultural development and food security in Tajikistan. Through collaborative efforts with the government, FAO has implemented projects aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and food security, as well as at promoting sustainable practices and resource management. Recognizing the potential of digital agriculture, the FAO has been supporting the Ministry of Agriculture in the development of a national digital agriculture roadmap aimed at facilitating the widespread adoption of digital technologies throughout the agricultural sector. This roadmap encompasses initiatives such as establishing necessary infrastructure, promoting data-driven decision-making, enabling digital services, raising farmers’ awareness of digital solutions and fostering digital adoption in the sector. Additionally, under the Digital Village Initiative (DVI) in Tajikistan, FAO aims to accelerate the digital transformation of agriculture and rural areas in a pilot project focused on implementing tailored interventions for advancing the agri-food sectors and rural areas with the use of digital technology.

The incumbent is expected to engage on a full-time basis and for 11 months, with a trial period.

Reporting Lines

National Digital Agriculture Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Tajikistan, the day-to-day supervision of the Digital Agriculture Team Leader in Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU), and in close collaboration with the Digital Agriculture Analyst.

Technical Focus

The National Digital Agriculture Specialist will support the implementation of a number of digital agriculture projects initiated by the FAO in Tajikistan that aim to accelerate the digital transformation of the agricultural sector and rural areas. The incumbent will provide technical expertise and coordination support for the successful implementation of several projects, including:

- The “TCPF: Provision of Technical Assistance on E-agriculture to the Ministry of Agriculture” project that focuses on providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture in developing a national roadmap for the digitalization of the sector. - The “Piloting Digital Villages in Central Asia” project that aims to pilot digital villages in selected rural communities, fostering the implementation of digital solutions in agriculture and promoting knowledge exchange among rural communities. - The “Support to the implementation of the National Digital Agriculture Strategy of Tajikistan: Empowering Farmers through Data and AI Solutions” project, which includes conducting a large-scale farmer survey on ICT needs and barriers, as well as piloting an AI-based farming advice solution for smallholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and overall coordination for the implementation of the "Piloting Digital Villages in Central Asia" project in Tajikistan by closely collaborating with partners, a community mobilizer, the FAO country office, and the FAO regional office. Assist in the design and implementation of tailored interventions in an identified rural community of Tajikistan. • Provide technical expertise and overall coordination for the implementation of the "TCPF: Provision of Technical Assistance on E-agriculture to the Ministry of Agriculture" project in Tajikistan by working in close collaboration with a national technical partner. Contribute to the development of technical specifications for an e-agriculture solution. • Provide technical and operational support to a national technical partner in conducting a large-scale farmer survey on ICT needs and barriers. • Coordinate national service providers to ensure the implementation of projects’ tasks in alignment with beneficiary needs. Monitor the progress and results of cooperation. • Contribute to the development and coordinate piloting of an AI-based farming advice solution for smallholders in a collaborative effort with a national technical partner. • Support collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, NGOs, and local communities, for various purposes related to projects’ implementation. • Offer technical guidance and operational support to projects’ stakeholders, assisting them in effectively leveraging digital technologies in agriculture. • Support the organization and deliver capacity building activities, events and workshops for various stakeholder groups as needed. • Conduct field visits, actively contributing to the implementation of projects, monitoring progress, and engaging with stakeholders. • Prepare regular progress reports, technical documents, and presentations as required by FAO and project stakeholders. • Undertake any other duties as required to support the successful implementation of the projects.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum requirements:

• University degree in agriculture, international development, computer science, information technology, or a related field. • At least 2 years of proven experience in agriculture, digital technologies or digital agriculture fields is required. • Proficiency (Level C) in English and Tajik (both written and spoken) is required. Proficiency in Russian is an advantage. • National or holder of a valid work permit in Tajikistan.

FAO Core Competencies:

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

Technical/Functional requirements:

• Work experience in more than one area of work is desirable: - Experience in working directly with rural communities. - Experience in working with government representatives and staff. - Experience in the application of digital technologies in agriculture or rural settings. - Experience in project management. • Capacity to write technical reports in English. • Gender and Minorities Awareness.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org