Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
Nature of the consultancy
The consultancy is for a specialized technical role supporting Conservation Agriculture activities within IOM Iraq’s Climate Programme. The consultant will provide targeted technical expertise, support the design and initial implementation of conservation agriculture interventions, deliver capacity-building and training, and ensure the technical quality of outputs.
The consultancy is required due to the need for specialized technical expertise in conservation agriculture and zero tillage systems, which is not available within the current project team. The consultant will provide time-bound technical support for the design, piloting, implementation, and capacity-building activities related to the specific conservation agriculture intervention.
Project Context and Scope
The Consultant will be supporting Conservation Agriculture activities within IOM Iraq’s Climate Programme. The consultant will provide targeted technical expertise, support the design and initial implementation of conservation agriculture interventions, deliver capacity-building and training, and ensure the technical quality of outputs. The project aims to enhance climate resilience, improve soil health, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the Qushtapa sub-district, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The intervention is part of a broader Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) approach to address water scarcity, land degradation, and pressures on local livelihoods.
As part of this effort, the project will pilot zero tillage practices on selected agricultural lands. Approximately 3–4 plots (each 3–5 Iraqi dunams) will be identified in collaboration with local farmers, who will voluntarily allocate portions of their land for demonstration purposes.
The selected consultant will provide specialized technical support for the design, pilot implementation, and capacity-building activities related to zero tillage practices in the targeted area. The assignment is limited to the implementation period of this specific pilot intervention.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
Under the general guidance of the Chief of Mission, the overall supervision of the Head of Division and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator and the technical guidance of the relevant programme unit.
Tasks to be performed under this contract:
Education
Bachelor degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agriculture, or related field
- Specialized knowledge in conservation agriculture and zero tillage systems
Experience
- Proven of 5 years of relevant professional experience in implementing zero tillage or conservation agriculture projects
- Strong background in farmer training and capacity building
- Experience working with rural communities and smallholder farmers
- Experience in Iraq or similar contexts is 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
Travel required (Yes)
The consultant will be required to travel regularly to Qushtapa to oversee field implementation, conduct trainings, and engage directly with farmers and stakeholders.
All costs related to transportation, including travel to and within the project area, accommodation, and other associated expenses, shall be the responsibility of the consultant and must be included in the financial proposal.
Languages
For this consultancy, English and Kurdish are required.
Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
Notes
IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.