National Consultant on Farmer Field School and Sheep Feed Production

Baku

Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Location: Baku
Grade: Consultancy - Consultant - Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Education, Learning and Training
- Food Security, Livestock and Livelihoods
- FEAZE
Closing Date: Closed

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

Organizational Setting:

In Azerbaijan, small ruminant production plays an important role in the livestock sector as it provides income for rural families and contributes to the livelihood of many households. Currently the sheep production sector faces many challenges simultaneously, which hinder the further development of the sector. Increased demand from local consumption as well as from the export market offers new opportunities for sheep farmers. Improved and sustainable livestock production is one of the national priorities for agricultural development. The improvement of agricultural value chains and the development of sustainable livestock production are also among the priorities for FAO’s work in Azerbaijan. Taking these conditions, FAO Azerbaijan office is implementing “Development and Application of Sustainable Sheep Production and Food Value Chains” project that aims to improve rural livelihoods and food security through enhanced sheep productivity and strengthened human capacities.

Reports to:

Mr. Bariz Mehdiyev , Assistant to the FAO Representative

Technical Focus

Under the overall supervision of the Head of FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Azerbaijan, under the direct supervision of the assistant of FAO Representative, and under the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer and, the consultant will work closely with the international consultants in development and implementation of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and will undertake the following:

Tasks and responsibilities:

Undertake a field assessment in the country to identify the current feeding practices and the needs to improve sheep feed production and provide the relevant report;
Provide support to the International consultant before, during and after his missions to the country in accordance with the international consultant terms of reference.
Identify potential agricultural by products and develop recommendations on how to implement them in the feed value chain and feeding practices;
Lead the establishment of Farmer Field School (FFS) activities to provide hands-on practical training and disseminate technical information regarding the construction of effective modern silos for silage production, use of crop residues, and agriculture industry by-products;
As part of the FFS activities , provide trainings and provide technical guidance for the staff of the MoA, selected smallholders and farmers on production, processing, and marketing of feed, fodder, silage and concentrate as well as other husbandry good practices that aim at improving the sheep production at the flock level;
Lead the selection and establishment of sheep demonstration farm on sheep good feeding practices, silage production, use of crop residues and agroindustry by-products;
As part of the FFS activities, train and support selected trainees from the extension services in targeted areas on fodder crops, crop processing, crop residues, fodder conservation and sheep feeding good practices including agroindustry by products as well as other good husbandry practices;
Provide support for timely implementation of project related activities;
Make sure women are encouraged to participate in the improvement of the feed sector at all levels;
Provide final report
Perform any other related tasks as requested by the LTO and FAPP Project Manager.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements:

A university or technical degree in agricultural sciences or other relevant field;
At least 5 years of experience in the areas related to agriculture, livestock feeding, trainings for farmers;
Proven expertise working in a team environment and in the field;
Computer skills, in particular applications of the MS Office package and internet search will be an asset;
Writing and communication skills in English are required.
Nationals of Azerbaijan.

FAO Core Competencies:

Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building Effective Relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Completes tasks in a timely, cost-effective way and/or escalated properly

Technical/Functional Skills

Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills and applies them in the work