National Specialist on Farm Level Sustainability Indicators

Provide technical expertise to review and align the farmer scoring system with international best practices.

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FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline 7 months ago: Thursday 20 Nov 2025 at 22:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide technical expertise to review and align the farmer scoring system with international best practices.

You have:

  • Advanced degree in Agricultural Science, Rural Development, Economics, Political Science, Environmental Economics, Geography or related field
  • Seven years of work experience in agricultural development projects, preferably with international organizations or government agencies
  • Working knowledge of English, fluency in Azerbaijani
  • National of Azerbaijan or resident of the country with valid work permit

Organizational Setting

FAO Azerbaijan Partnership and Liaison Office, in close cooperation with the government and its in-line Ministries/Agencies, contributes to the sustainable agri-food systems, and supports the government with addressing issues food security, agriculture and rural development, natural resource management in the country. FAO’s technical assistance, provided mainly through projects, includes institution building, development of knowledge and competencies, and exchange of experience among FAO member countries.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative of FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Azerbaijan, the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), REU Policy Officer, direct operational supervision of the AFAOR Azerbaijan and in close consultation with the project team, the National Specialist on Farm Level Sustainability Indicators will specifically carry out the following functions.

Technical Focus

The National Specialist on Farm Level Sustainability Indicators will provide technical expertise to review and align the farmer scoring system with international best practices, propose feasible new sustainability indicators, and support the development of an improved and integrated scoring framework.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Under the leadership of the International Expert and in close coordination with the LTO and national expert(s), gather feedback on the farmer scoring system and its alignment with international best practices in farmer scoring and review the current scoring system, including the analysis of methodology, criteria, sub-criteria, data sources and implementation tools. • With the support of LTO and experts, gather inputs on potential additional indicators (e.g., related to orchards, livestock, aquaculture/fisheries, etc.) and prepare a consolidated document of proposed new indicators, in close coordination with the International Expert, LTO, and government counterparts. This will strengthen the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of farmer sustainability, including sector-specific aspects such as orchards, livestock, and fisheries. • Ensure that the proposed indicators are feasible in the national context and can be integrated in the existing scoring framework. • Prepare and present findings and recommendations for next steps • Based on the above, develop the following documents: o An overview report on the current farmer scoring system, including analysis of efficiency, challenges and recommendations for improvement o A proposal document containing new or refined indicators for economic, environmental, and social sustainability dimensions, based on justification for their selection, data requirements and integration guidelines o Draft and final proposal (a briefing note that contains key findings, proposals, and next steps) that will be presented in a stakeholder workshop.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in Agricultural Science, Rural Development, Economics, Political Science, Environmental Economics, Geography or related field • Seven years of work experience in agricultural development projects, preferably with international organizations or government agencies • Working knowledge of English, fluency in Azerbaijani • National of Azerbaijan or resident of the country with valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners developing effective working relationships • Experience with UN system is considered an asset.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with agricultural development projects and how it relates to sustainability indicators? This question assesses the depth of your relevant project experience. Highlight specific projects you've worked on, the roles you played, and the indicators used.
What strategies would you propose to improve the current farmer scoring system? This explores your innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure the feasibility of new sustainability indicators in local contexts? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a diverse team. What was your approach? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you keep yourself updated with international best practices in agriculture? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a successful proposal you developed and the impact it had? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you prioritize the indicators that need development or refinement? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What role do you see technology playing in farm-level sustainability assessments? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 7 months ago - Updated 7 months ago - Source: fao.org