Junior Land Consolidation Specialist

Organizational Setting

The position is located at the FAO Representation in Georgia, based in Tbilisi. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by the FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop 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.

The Junior Land Consolidation Specialist will be recruited under the UTF/GEO/034/GEO-F project titled: “Formulation and design of Land Consolidation in Georgia (hereafter referred as “UTF Project”)”. 

The overarching goal of the project is to support the introduction of a fully operational land consolidation instrument in Georgia integrated with irrigation rehabilitation in the World Bank Georgia Resilient Agriculture, Irrigation, and Land (GRAIL) Project. The project is expected to contribute to future increased agricultural production and investments, more efficient use of land and of water for agricultural purposes, more dynamic agricultural land markets, improved access to credit, and improved access to land and strengthened land rights, including for women who own land alone or jointly with men. 

Land consolidation in Georgia is expected to result in more efficient farm structures through reduction of land fragmentation and the voluntary facilitation of farm enlargement and in this way contribute to local agricultural development. Land consolidation is planned to be introduced in a multi-purpose approach, integrating the objective of agricultural development with additional public objectives related to nature, environment and climate change adaptation and mitigation depending on the situation in the project areas. 

The project will result in a National Land Consolidation Strategy document, draft legal framework for land consolidation, initiation of implementation of land consolidation pilot projects and the initial development of technical and administrative capacity for implementation of land consolidation projects and management of a future national land consolidation programme.  

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall responsibility of the FAO Representative for Georgia, and the direct supervision of the National Project Coordinator, and in close collaboration with all relevant units of the FAO Country Office in Georgia and international experts.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide technical support to the implementation of the UTF Project with focus on all land consolidation related activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Assist in all operational tasks related to the team designated to work on Land Consolidation from FAO and within the Land Management Agency (LMA);
•     Support the implementation of land consolidation activities under the GRAIL Project to ensure timely delivery of outputs and adherence to project workplans;
•     Facilitate effective communication and coordination among the LMA, MEPA, the GRAIL irrigation component, and with the FAO Team;
•     Support the preparation, updating and overseeing the implementation of detailed workplans for the land consolidation component of the GRAIL Project;
•     Assist the National Project Coordinator to organize regular meetings to review progress and ensure alignment with the overall project workplan; 
•     Maintain a centralized and well-organized database of all project-related documentation and correspondence;
•     Support experience capitalization and contribute to organizing trainings for LMA staff and other stakeholders, national and local (in pilots) workshops and general awareness raising related to land consolidation;
•     Assist in planning and organization of international missions, including scheduling meetings, field visits and other activities;
•     Support the coordination of field activities and travel to project sites as needed to support effective implementation and inter-agency collaboration;
•     Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and deliverables, and perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree in Land Administration, Geomatics, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Law, Economics or any related field.
•     Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in land administration, GIS, agriculture, law or a related area.
•     Working knowledge of English is required (C - level for both speaking and writing).
•     National of Georgia.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Computer literacy with spreadsheets, databases, data and analytical information management, Microsoft 
•     Excellent communication and coordination skills

Selection Criteria

•     Basic understanding of land governance, tenure systems, and legal frameworks related to land administration will be an asset.
•     Experience in working with international organizations, government agencies and development partners is an asset; working experience at a UN organization is an asset.
•     Experience working with rural communities and farmers is an asset.
•     Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION