Beekeeping Consultant

Organizational Setting

FAO's office for Iraq is responsible for designing, promoting, implementing, and monitoring strategies that enhance food security, sustainable agricultural development, and rural livelihoods across the country. It works in close partnership with national institutions, ministries, and local stakeholders to ensure alignment with Iraq’s agricultural priorities and development strategies.
The project “BeeData: Enhancing Apiculture through Farm Registration Systems in Iraq” (TCP/IRQ/4002) aims to modernize and strengthen the beekeeping sector by establishing a comprehensive, digital registry system for beekeepers and apiaries across the country. The initiative supports improved planning, regulation, and service delivery in the apiculture value chain by generating accurate, real-time data and improving coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture, regional authorities, beekeepers’ associations, and private sector actors.
To support the achievement of these objectives, the services of a National Beekeeping Consultant are required. The consultant will provide technical input, continuous advisory support, and coordination across all phases of project implementation. In particular, the consultant will lead the Good Beekeeping Practices (GBP) and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) activities, ensuring the integration of sustainable and climate-resilient beekeeping methods. This includes contributing to training curricula, supporting data collection and validation, delivering technical assistance to beekeepers and associations, and facilitating knowledge sharing among national and regional stakeholders to promote long-term sector development.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative
Work is performed largely autonomous, expressing initiative and independent judgment. Supervision received is focused on the quality of work outputs and is facilitating service delivery.

Technical Focus 

The consultant will support the development and implementation of the Beekeeping Registry System as part of the new TCP project, aimed at enhancing the beekeeping sector in Iraq. The consultant's main focus will be on providing technical assistance, facilitating workshops, consultations, and providing continuous follow-up to ensure the finalization of the first draft of the beekeeping registry system

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Coordination and Technical Assistance:
Coordinate with key stakeholders including MOA, MOAWR-KRG, local authorities, and beekeeping associations to ensure alignment of project activities.
Provide technical Inputs to the development of the Beekeeping Registry System, ensuring it meets the needs of beekeepers and stakeholders.
•    Needs Assessment and Survey Design:
Conduct a needs assessment to identify the requirements for the Beekeeping Registry System.
Design and implement a survey for apiaries to gather baseline data for the registry system.
•    Beekeeping Registry System Development:
Assist in finalizing the first draft of the Beekeeping Registry System, ensuring it is user-friendly and practical for beekeepers.
Work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the registry system is aligned with local beekeeping practices and the project's goals.
•    Workshop and Consultation Facilitation:
Organize and facilitate workshops on the use of the registry system, beekeeping practices, and related topics.
Conduct consultation sessions with beekeepers, extension workers, and stakeholders to refine the system.
Ensure feedback from workshops and consultations is incorporated into the system's development.
•    Digital System Development:
Support the creation of a digital management system for monitoring and reporting beekeeping activities, including production, health monitoring, and pest control.
Ensure the digital system is compatible with smartphone devices for easy access by beekeepers.
•    Capacity Building and Training:
Provide training to beekeepers and extension workers on the use of the Beekeeping Registry System and best practices in apiary management.
Conduct practical and theoretical training sessions on the topics of pest and disease control, hive management, and honey production.
•    Monitoring and Reporting:
Assist in monitoring the progress of the registry system’s implementation and the capacity building activities.
Provide quarterly progress reports on the development of the Beekeeping Registry System and training outcomes in both English and Arabic.
Submit a final report at the end of the consultancy period, summarizing achievements, challenges, and recommendations for future steps.
•    Other Tasks:
Support in organizing awareness workshops on beekeeping and its role in agriculture.
Any other tasks related to the development of the Beekeeping Registry System as assigned by the FAO team.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in Beneficial Entomology, Agricultural Sciences, or related fields
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in the field of beekeeping and agriculture
•    Working knowledge (level C) of Arabic and limited knowledge (level B) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

•    Extensive experience in beekeeping and apiary management
•    Proven experience in working with government representatives and agricultural authorities.
•    Familiarity with gender-sensitive approaches in agriculture and beekeeping.