National Consultant - Technical Support For Conservation Agriculture (zero Tillage) Pilot Implementation

Organizational Context

IOM, a UN-related organization established in 1951, is the leading agency in migration. It collaborates with partners to promote humane migration, protect people on the move, and support governments. This consultancy is within IOM Iraq’s Climate Programme, focusing on conservation agriculture and zero tillage pilot implementation in the Qushtapa sub-district.

Job Purpose

This consultancy provides specialized technical expertise for IOM Iraq’s Climate Programme, specifically supporting the pilot implementation of conservation agriculture, including zero tillage practices. The role is crucial due to the lack of in-house expertise in this area. The consultant will contribute to enhancing climate resilience, improving soil health, and promoting sustainable agriculture in the Qushtapa sub-district. The purpose is to guide the design, initial implementation, and capacity-building efforts for a pilot project involving 3-4 small agricultural plots, ensuring the technical quality of outputs and facilitating the adoption of these practices among local farmers.

Responsibilities

The consultant will manage the full cycle of the zero tillage pilot intervention. Key responsibilities include developing a detailed implementation roadmap, identifying and validating pilot plots, and providing technical specifications for inputs and equipment. They will coordinate with local authorities, government entities, and community representatives, working closely with IOM project staff. A significant part of the role involves developing and delivering training materials and sessions for farmers and government trainers on all aspects of zero tillage. The consultant will also provide hands-on supervision during field implementation, guide farmers on practical application, ensure proper equipment use, and conduct demonstrations. Additionally, they will manage risks, promote awareness of benefits, monitor progress, document lessons learned, and submit a comprehensive final technical report.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in implementing zero tillage or conservation agriculture projects is required. The consultant must have a strong background in farmer training and capacity building, with experience working with rural communities and smallholder farmers. Experience in Iraq or similar contexts is considered an asset.

Skills

Ability to translate technical concepts into practical, field-level applications. Demonstrated experience in developing training materials and conducting field demonstrations. Strong communication and facilitation skills. Proficiency in English and Kurdish is required; Arabic is an advantage.

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