Farming Soil Scientist (National Consultant) SSA8

The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

JOB TITLE: Farming Soil Scientist (National Consultant)

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Special Service Agreement SSA8

UNIT/DIVISION: RAM Unit, Kyrgyzstan Country Office

DUTY STATION (City, Country): Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

DURATION: 01 January 2023 – 31 March 2023

BACKGROUND:

The WFP Kyrgyz Republic Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for 2023–2027, approved in November 2022 by the Executive Board, focuses on four Strategic Outcomes (SO):

1. By 2027, food-insecure and vulnerable populations in the Kyrgyz Republic have enhanced access to diversified employment, income opportunities and human capital development.
2. Vulnerable populations in crisis-affected areas in the Kyrgyz Republic can meet their food and nutrition needs, enabling early recovery during and in the aftermath of crises.
3. By 2027, vulnerable communities in the Kyrgyz Republic exposed to the impacts of climate variability and change are better able to cope with shocks and benefit from more resilient food systems.
4. By 2027, schools in the Kyrgyz Republic have strengthened capacity to provide healthy meals to children and create sustainable school feeding solutions for improved health, nutrition, education and food security outcomes.

Within the Strategic Outcome 1 and 3, to enhance the economic wellbeing of smallholder farmers, the WFP CO in the Kyrgyz Republic, with the assistance of the WFP China Centre of Excellence (COE), is looking to facilitate knowledge, skills and technology exchange between China and the Kyrgyz Republic. Smallholder farmers need non-invasive and cost-effective methods and technologies to make evidence-based decisions on what crops to plant where to fully optimize production levels; to monitor the soil condition on water and fertilizer content; to use the information to adequately allocate resources. There are increasingly available technologies and methods that could solve and address the difficulties faced by local farmers.

Therefore, the Consultant will lead the feasibility assessment of the climate smart technologies in agriculture, supporting the mandate and strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture in the Kyrgyz Republic. Feasibility assessment should inform on applicability of smart agriculture technology based on context country and Chinese experience.

The overarching objective of this engagement are to assist in the effective implementation of the National Food Security and Nutrition Programme of the KR for 2019-2023 and the national concept of digital agriculture of the KR for 2022-2027. Capacity strengthening will result in the development and utilization of an information tool that not only improves and enhances monitoring of agriculture fields, but also generates the recommendations for agriculture smallholders with a focus on vulnerable populations.

To identify the best cost-effective and sustainable solutions for agriculture smart management, WFP is recruiting a Soil Scientist in Farming to carry out critical work.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Under the direct supervision of a Deputy Director and close coordination of Research, Assessment and Monitoring expert and the overall directions by the Head of Programme, the Consultant will implement the following activities:

1. • • Feasibility Assessment of Chinese technology for fertigation and geospatial analysis for establishing the portal on crop monitoring and forecasting to support the farmers
2. Literature and desk review (including legal frameworks)
3. Preparing & carrying out discussions with key stakeholders (Academia, Government, private sector, and farmers) to screen the demand of country, farmers, and relevant partners to use the innovative technologies for smart agriculture management.
4. Identify key partners in the Kyrgyz Republic
5. Discussion with Chinese academia, private sector and government, farmers

1. Review applicable Chinese methods and technologies (supported by Chinese Consultant/University)
2. Liaise with Chinese Experts and engage during their visits in-country
3. Leading the technical Workshop/ Discussion on the applicability and relevance of Chinese methods in Kyrgyz Republic
4. Drafting of Feasibility Assessment
5. Final Dissemination

1. • • Prepare pilot implementation plan
2. Identification of key stakeholders and partners for the pilot
3. Strategy for pilot deployment and any required technical document for pilot implementation (targeting, land requirements, sensor characteristics or any other recommended technology under the Feasibility Study);
4. Workplan for pilot deployment

Perform other related activities as required.

DELIVERABLES:

• Feasibility Assessment report for fertigation and geospatial portal
• Strategy for pilot deployment and any required technical document for pilot implementation (targeting, land requirements, sensor characteristics or any other recommended technology under the Feasibility Study);
• Workplan for pilot deployment

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• University degree in Agriculture, Soil science, Farming, Agricultural Chemistry, Remote Sensing, or related Earth sciences field, Information Technology
• Minimum 5-7 years of work experience in Soil science, Farming, Agricultural Chemistry, Remote Sensing
• Experience in conducting feasibility assessment is desirable

Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of institutional structures withing government of the Kyrgyz Republic are required
• Ability to lead engagement with government partners on agriculture topic
• Experience working with United Nations agencies is strongly preferred
• Fluency in Kyrgyz, Russian and English is required including strong communication skills in each of the three languages

TALENTED WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

We look for applicants with the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian values. We commit to promote diversity, gender parity and equality between men and women.

WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organisation.

WFP strives to build a work environment that is safe and respectful, and free of sexual harassment and abuse of authority. We believe in open communication, and every individual at WFP is treated with respect regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religious and political beliefs, etc.

Closing date: 18 December 2022

This position is open ONLY to Kyrgyz citizens or those authorized to live and work in the Kyrgyz Republic according to national regulations. Applicants who do not meet this criterion will not be considered for this position.

WFP does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process.

Only candidates who are short-listed will be contacted.

Apply For Job