International Consultant - Pasture Management Specialist

The purpose of the EU funded EC Clima East Pilot Project on “Ecosystem-based approach to climate change” is to support the design and application of sustainable pasture management practices in the country with the overall objective of improving pasture/soil condition in the selected target zones (Ismayilli region) that would ultimately result in improved soil condition and land management practices which leads to enhanced CO2 sequestration and absorption by the grasslands. The project has three inter-related major outputs: a) conducting inventory of the pasture areas in Ismayilli to obtain a clear picture on soil/vegetation/carbon conditions; b) preparation and application of sustainable land management models across 3,000 ha of selected pasture land (including rehabilitation and restoration works); c) design and application of carbon flow monitoring mechanism to assess changes in carbon sequestration/absorption and avoided CO2 emissions overtime. All components have built-in capacity building elements targeting local government representatives responsible for land management and agricultural policy, farmers and communities, as well as civil servants in the field of environment. 

Duties and Responsibilities

It is expected that the international consultant will take part in all stages of the process. His/her inputs are divided into below stages:

IC will provide the following services:

• Carry out assessment of the socio-economic dynamics of summer lease holders with support of local consultants;
• Assess impacts of socio-economic impacts of applying inventory recommendations and identify mechanisms to mitigate SE impacts and maximize practical application of inventory recommendations by herders during project timeframe;
• Develop participatory and consensual pasture user plans with 16 lease holders and support initial implementation (training, practical support, application of mechanisms / approaches for mitigating SE impacts, at least 2 trainings with 15 participants 5 days each);
• Provide ongoing monitoring and support to PM plans implementation;
• Carry out and in depth evaluation of the ecological, economic and social impacts, lessons learned and relevant policy issues resulting from the pilot activities.

Competencies

• Displaying cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills; Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills;
• Outstanding time-management, organizational and inter-personal skills;
• Sharing knowledge and experience, communicating ideas and managing information flow;
• Strong team building skills, team management;
• Respond positively to feedback and differing points of view;
• Planning, organizing and multi-tasking;
• Analytical thinking;
• Strong drafting, presentation, management and reporting skills;
• Strong computer skills;
• Excellent written communication and coordination skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• University degree in related field.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in the field of pasture management;
• Knowledge of pasture management practices;
• Working experience with UNDP in the past will be an asset.

Language:

• Fluent in written and oral communication in English;
• Knowledge of Russian will be an asset.