National Fruit Tree Nursery and Capacity Development Expert

The National Fruit Tree Nursery and Capacity Development Expert will support the implementation of the UTF/TAJ/023/TAJ “Strengthening Resilience of the Agriculture Sector Project” in Tajikistan, focusing on enhancing the performance, management, and productivity of fruit tree nurseries. The expert will provide technical assistance, conduct needs assessments, deliver trainings, and offer extension services to improve nursery operations and seedling production systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support in developing methodology and questionnaire for conducting a comprehensive needs assessment and skill gap analysis of the 13 farm nurseries supported by the project.
• Conduct field monitoring visits in close collaboration with SUE “Tojikniholparvar” under the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) to collect needs assessment data, evaluate current nursery practices, and identify capacity gaps.
• Prepare a capacity and skills development plan for the 13 farm nurseries, based on identified needs and assessment findings, including recommendations for improving fruits trees nursery management, propagation techniques, and seedling production systems.
• Conduct trainings for registered farm nurseries based on the needs assessment carried out.
• Provide extension services and targeted technical support to the 13 farm nurseries to strengthen their knowledge and skills in nursery operations, including seed sourcing, fruits seedling seedling production, pest and disease management, irrigation and nutrient management, and other relevant practices.
• Introduction procedures of issue the quality certification of fruits trees seedlings for local nursery farms.
• Prepare regular technical reports summarizing field visits, needs assessment outcomes and recommendations for improvement.
• Other related tasks, as per request.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Pomology, or a related plant science discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of practical field experience in fruit tree nursery management, seedling production systems, or intensive orchard development projects.
• Proven expertise in clonal rootstock management, advanced budding/grafting techniques, field-level pest/disease diagnostics, and precision drip irrigation/fertigation setups.
• Deep understanding of national seedling certification procedures, quality standards, and state phytosanitary requirements.
• Working knowledge of English (for report writing) and full professional fluency in Tajik and Russian (for field and institutional communication).
• National of Tajikistan or resident of the country with a valid work permit, based locally and ready for immediate, regional field travel (Khatlon, Sughd, and DRS clusters).
• Strong computer literacy including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and digital communication tools.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills, including preparation of technical and progress reports.
• Experience working with international organizations, UN agencies or international NGOs.
• Experience coordinating with national stakeholders including government institutions and development agencies.
• Knowledge of agricultural development and rural development in Tajikistan.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Understanding of gender considerations in agricultural development programmes.

Skills

• Fruit Tree Nursery Management
• Seedling Production Systems
• Intensive Orchard Development
• Clonal Rootstock Management
• Budding and Grafting Techniques
• Pest and Disease Diagnostics
• Precision Drip Irrigation
• Fertigation Systems
• Seedling Certification Procedures
• Phytosanitary Standards
• Technical Report Preparation
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Digital Communication Tools
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Agricultural Development
• Rural Development Policy
• Needs Assessment
• Training Delivery
• Extension services
• Gender Considerations in Agriculture

Languages

English, Tajik, Russian