Junior Officer for Sustainable Agriculture
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan aims to end poverty, foster democratic governance, and promote inclusive institutions. Agriculture is vital for the country's economic diversification, food security, and sustainable resource management. Kazakhstan faces challenges in increasing agricultural productivity while preserving its natural resources, exacerbated by climate change impacts like soil degradation and extreme weather. UNDP supports the government in promoting sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture, integrated land-use planning, and restoring degraded landscapes.
Job Purpose
This role supports UNDP Kazakhstan's initiatives in sustainable agriculture and food systems. The Junior Officer will focus on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land and soil management, agricultural value chains, and nature-positive production. The assignment involves working across UNDP programmes and projects, interacting with government counterparts, research institutions, farmers, private sector actors, and development partners. The goal is to contribute to evidence-based approaches for enhancing the environmental and economic sustainability of agricultural production in Kazakhstan, providing practical experience at the intersection of agriculture, climate change, land management, and development cooperation.
Responsibilities
The Junior Officer will support the analysis and development of approaches for sustainable, climate-resilient, and nature-positive agricultural production. This includes identifying and assessing sustainable practices such as climate-smart agriculture, soil conservation, and agro-forestry. The role involves researching international best practices, technologies, and policies relevant to Kazakhstan. Responsibilities also include analyzing agricultural value chains for improved sustainability and economic viability, and identifying opportunities to integrate environmental considerations into agricultural policies and projects. The officer will assist in research on soil health, land degradation, and carbon sequestration in agricultural landscapes, and contribute to the review of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) approaches. Preparation of analytical briefs, concept notes, and project proposals, as well as supporting resource mobilization efforts, are key tasks. Engagement in consultations, workshops, and field missions with various stakeholders, and supporting knowledge-sharing and capacity-building activities are also required.
Work Experience
A minimum of one month of relevant experience is required, with no prior professional experience mandated. Demonstrated interest or experience in sustainable agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, agro-ecology, food systems, natural resource management, or related fields is beneficial. Experience through academic projects, internships, research, or volunteering in agricultural production systems, sustainable land management, soil health, agricultural value chains, or rural development is desirable. Familiarity with GIS, remote sensing, or other digital tools is an asset.
Skills
Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, commitment, communication, creativity, ethics, integrity, knowledge sharing, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, technological awareness, vision, and teamwork. Essential skills involve a basic understanding of sustainable agriculture and food systems, awareness of environmental and climate challenges in agriculture, strong research and analytical abilities, and the capacity to translate findings into practical recommendations. The ability to contribute to project development and communicate technical concepts clearly is important. Familiarity with natural resources management, project management, and programme development is also valuable.