National Specialist on Agriculture Policy, Rural Development and Family Farming

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

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

The National Specialist on Agriculture Policy, Rural Development and Family Farming will be assigned in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan and сontribute to the implementation of the TCP/KAZ/3802 project.

Reporting Lines

The National Specialist on Agriculture Policy, Rural Development and Family Farming will work under the overall supervision of the OiC for the FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan, under the direct technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer of the project, and with the day-to-day guidance of the FAO Kazakhstan office. The National Specialist will work under the guidance of the international consultants supporting the implementation of the project and in close cooperation with relevant national stakeholders and other national consultants.

Technical Focus

Ensure the smooth and efficient implementation of the assigned tasks, lead the assessments and development of policy recommendations to support enhanced rural development and support to family farms and young farmers, contributing to the project activities, and organize consultations within the project. In consultation with the international consultants supporting the project, lead the dialogue with relevant national authorities and other stakeholders dealing with matters related to family farming in Kazakhstan. He/she acts independently in routine matters and interacts with a wide variety of colleagues within the organization providing technical support.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Specialist on Agriculture Policy, Rural Development and Family Farming will perform the following tasks:

• Based on a pre-defined methodology, analyze national policies, legal and institutional frameworks governing agriculture and rural development with particular attention to family farming (household farms) and young farmers and prepare a comprehensive assessment report; • Develop a comprehensive assessment about the characteristics and status of family farming in Kazakhstan; • Map the relevant national stakeholders to be consulted related to the support of family farming in Kazakhstan; • Develop a concept note outlining the planned multi-stakeholder consultation process; • Assist in organization of a series of multi-stakeholder policy dialogues and consultations to collect inputs for the development of policy recommendations and a comprehensive set of actions for the support of family farming, and ensure relevant national and regional stakeholders are aware of, participate in and contribute to the multi-stakeholder policy dialogue; • Support the project team with the involvement of relevant ministry representatives working at national and regional levels on technical fields related to family farming (social security, agriculture, water use, education, etc.) in the planned multi-stakeholder policy dialogue and consultations; • Draft a comprehensive set of actions for the support of family farming, including small-scale family farms and young farmers, including a proposal for defining the concept of family farming in the context of Kazakhstan; • Draft policy recommendations related to the support of family farming; • In collaboration with the National Consultant on Land Tenure and Land Administration and the Research Specialist, contribute to the preparation of a methodology for a feasibility study (including selection criteria) with a focus on land market development, tenure security and development of family farming; • Travel to project sites when needed and prepare back to office reports after each mission; • Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Public Policy, Rural Development, Economics, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Social Science or related subjects. • Five years of relevant experience. • Working knowledge of English and Russian (Level C in oral and written). • National of Kazakhstan or resident in the country with a regular residence/work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• High degree of initiative and willingness to provide support to the international and national staff involved in the projects • Logical thinking and sound judgment • Attention to details and sense of urgency • Excellent communication skills and ability to explain procedures clearly (in speaking and writing) • Good level of knowledge of Agricultural Policy, Rural Development and Family Farming • Experience in working with multidisciplinary and multi-cultural teams with demonstrated strategic thinking skills • Ability to act at national and local levels • Strong planning, organization and time management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks • Proficiency of standard IT technology and equipment • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards; • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Selection Criteria

• Extent and relevance of experience in agriculture, rural development and family farming. • Work experience within the United Nations system is considered as an asset, but not mandatory • Good knowledge of the MS Office applications and other telecommunication tools and equipment