Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. FAO in Belarus (FAOBY) supports the Ministry of Agriculture and Food in sustainable agricultural development, food security, natural resource management, and rural development through technical assistance, policy support, and capacity building initiatives.

The Government of Belarus has prioritized the digitalization of the agri-food sector through key national initiatives, including the State Programme “Agrarian Enterprise” (2021–2025) and the State Programme “Digital Development of the Republic of Belarus” (2021–2025). As part of these efforts, several Technology Parks have been established to support the agricultural sector by promoting the adoption of digital technologies through activities such as educational seminars, fairs, and technology demonstrations.

The FAO project titled “Enhanced digital technology adoption among smallholder farmers” (TCP/BYE/4003) project aims to assess and analyse the current capacities of TechnoParks, understand the specific needs of smallholder farmers, and develop strategic recommendations with the objective to enhance the capacity of TechnoParks to facilitate adoption of digital technologies among smallholder farmers and act as hubs for digital agriculture transformation. In this context, the project will closely collaborate with Gorki Technopark, especially in piloting one of the key recommendations.

This position offers a National Personal Service Agreement (PSA.NAT) contract for an initial 40 days (during 11-month period). A break from duty of at least 30 consecutive days is mandatory within any twelve-month period after which the contract is renewable upon satisfactory performance and funds availability.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Digital Agriculture at REU, the incumbent will work in close collaboration with Project Implementation Team.

Technical Focus 

The National Digital Agriculture Specialist (Innovation Hubs) will contribute to Output 1 of the project “TechnoParks’s capacities are strengthened to stimulate digitalization, innovation and technology adoption by smallholder farmers”. The consultant will focus on assessing the digital technology needs of smallholder farmers, assess the capacity of TechnoParks to support technology adoption, and providing strategic recommendations and piloting interventions to help transform one TechnoPark into a vital hub for digital agriculture transformation in Belarus.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Support the development of data collection templates, interview guides, and methodologies to assess the current capacities of TechnoParks.
•    Conduct field visits to TechnoParks and gather comprehensive insights. Compile results into a report.
•    Support onboarding and coordination of the service provider to conduct a survey with farmers.
•    Support the service provider in developing a survey methodology aimed at assessing the digital technology needs, capacities, and barriers for adopting digital technologies among smallholder farmers of Belarus.
•    Support the international consultant in assessing and identifying the most appropriate Digital Innovation Hub model for Gorki Technopark, considering its specific context, strengths, and role in the Belarusian agricultural innovation ecosystem.
•    Based on research findings, support the drafting of strategic recommendations for enhancing TechnoParks’ role in advancing digitalization and innovation among smallholder farmers in Belarus.
•    Take stock of existing digital agriculture solutions and services in Belarus.
•    Support the international consultants in carrying out research, interviews and various analyses.
•    Support drafting of the recommendations for strengthening capacities of TechnoParks and piloting one of them in Gorki TechnoPark.
•    Support the organization of workshop dedicated to presentation of research results and validation of recommendations.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in Agricultural Science, Social Science, Computer Science, Rural Development, Business Administration, or a related field.
•    At least 5 years of relevant experience in digital agriculture, innovation systems, integration of technology, and related fields.
•    Working knowledge of English and Russian.
•    Must be a national of Belarus or a resident with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Experience with innovation hubs or similar structures, and their role in fostering technology adoption and supporting rural stakeholders.
•    Experience in conducting needs assessments and capacity-building initiatives.
•    Experience in agriculture and working with rural population and smallholder farmers.
•    Familiarity and experience working with digital solutions for agriculture, with farm advisory services, and/or training for farmers.