Agricultural Mechanization Expert

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist Governments for developing 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 incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in the Republic of Tajikistan and Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO)/ Agricultural Engineer, NSP (HQ) in close collaboration with the FETAJ Office.  

Technical Focus
 
Under the overall supervision of the FAOR in Tajikistan, and under the technical guidance and supervision of the Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO)/ Agricultural Engineer, NSP (HQ) in close collaboration with the FETAJ Office and the l Agricultural Machinery Expert will support in strengthening the capacity for digitalization of the agriculture machinery registration system in the context of the FAO project TCP/TAJ/3906/C5 “Strengthening the capacity for digitalization of the agriculture machinery registration system”  Project with the following specific tasks:

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Coordinate activities of international consultants and national specialists to be recruited for the implementation of the project; 
•    Overall responsibility for preparation of the reports related to the TCP project; 
•    Assist Project team in designing a database for registration of agricultural machinery;
•    Assist Project team in designing the survey for data collection to create the database;
•    Coordinate and assist the Project team in the selection process of the project beneficiaries including machinery service providers; 
•    Design training for capacity building for improving national agricultural machinery registration systems
•    Design training for mechanization service provision;
•    Guide implementation partners and technical service providers in the identification, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Mechanization related activities;
•    Assess technical and institutional capacities of the machinery service providers involved in the project;
•    Summarize the findings of the survey on agricultural machinery and equipment and submit it to the MoA and its regional agricultural offices;
•    Provide recommendations and prepare quality manual to ensure institutional, technical and logistical capacities of registration system in the country;
•    Provide recommendations for improving the efficiency and profitability of mechanization service providers in the country;
•    Draft the roadmap for development of mechanization in the country and submit it to the MoA for discussion and approval; 
•    Undertake any other duties assigned by the Budget Holder and/or LTO;
•    Perform any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced degree in Agricultural Engineering, Machinery Engineering, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, Economics, or a related discipline from a recognized university;
•    At least 10 years working experience in the field of agricultural development or related areas, 3 of which should be in senior management/coordination position;
•    Working knowledge of English or Russian. A good knowledge of local language will be an added advantage;

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Computer literacy with spread sheets, databases and electronic programmes is required;
•    Quality of both oral and written communication skills;
•    Excellent communication abilities (oral and written);
•    Excellent computer skills including Windows, Microsoft Office, Internet, etc;
•    Experience in working for or with international development organizations or United Nations agencies;
•    Experience in a general administration with international organization will be an asset;
•    Experience in liaising with national stakeholders, including relevant line ministries and development agencies working in the rural Tajikistan; 
•    Working experience with government institutions, universities, research institutions, national or international agencies;
•    Able to work in an interdisciplinary team;
•    Understanding of gender issues in the field of agriculture;
•    Excellent computer skills, including command of MS Word and Excel;
•    Excellent analytical and report writing skills (including technical reports). 

Selection Criteria 

•    Evidence of experience in the design, operation and/or assistance to agricultural machinery service centres (e.g. “machinery rings”);
•    Demonstrated practical experience (at least 5 years) in management or implementation of agricultural machinery operations, international trade with agricultural machinery and equipment.  
•    Experience in the private sector will be considered a plus;
•    Practical experience in TA implementation in the field will be an added advantage.
•    Knowledge management and best practices in machinery and leasing operations and/or related business development;
•    Strong computer and communications skills (oral, written, presentation);
•    Strong coordination, leadership and interpersonal skills.