Terms of Reference (ToR)
Agriculture Specialist – Situational Analysis
Position Summary
- Position Title: Agriculture Specialist
- Project: Climate-Resilient Integrated Water Resources Management (CR-IWRM) in the Zarafshan River Basin
- Assignment Title: Comprehensive Analysis of the Agricultural Sector to Inform the Zarafshan River Basin Development Plan
- Duty Station: Home-based, with required travel to Samarkand, Navoi, Bukhara, Kashkadarya, and Djizzakh Provinces (Zarafshan River Basin)
- Duration: August – November 2025 (up to 45 working days)
- Reports to: Zarafshan River Basin Council Board and designated Technical Advisors from Caritas Switzerland and CAREC
- Type of Contract: Individual Consultant
- Background
Caritas Switzerland, in partnership with the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), is implementing the “Climate-Resilient Integrated Water Resources Management in the Zarafshan River Basin (CR-IWRM)” project. The initiative supports the development of a sustainable, integrated approach to water resource planning, with agriculture identified as the largest water user and a central driver of socio-economic activity in the basin.
A detailed assessment of the agricultural sector is essential for informing the Basin Development Plan (BDP), ensuring that agricultural development aligns with environmental sustainability, water efficiency, and climate resilience.
As part of the broader technical team, the consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Expert Group Coordinator – Water Resources Management Specialist, who is responsible for consolidating sectoral findings into a unified Basin Development Plan. All experts will collaborate closely to ensure alignment and consistency across thematic assessments.
- Objective of the Assignment
To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current state of agriculture in the Zarafshan River Basin, identifying key challenges, risks, and opportunities. The consultant will produce evidence-based recommendations for sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, improved water use efficiency, and reduced environmental impacts — all to be integrated into the BDP.
- Scope of Work and Key Tasks
The Agriculture Specialist will carry out the following tasks:
- Assess the agricultural landscape in the Zarafshan River Basin:
- Structure and trends in crop and livestock production;
- Farming practices and agro-ecological zoning.
- Evaluate water use in agriculture:
- Efficiency of irrigation practices and condition of irrigation infrastructure;
- Accessibility and equity in water allocation.
- Analyze environmental impacts of agricultural activity:
- Salinization, erosion, soil degradation, and water pollution.
- Identify institutional, technical, and socio-economic constraints affecting agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
- Propose strategic recommendations for:
- Sustainable intensification and climate-smart agriculture;
- Reducing water-related pressures and improving water productivity.
- Assess the implications of climate change for agriculture and suggest appropriate adaptation measures.
- Review policies, regulations, scientific literature, and agro-statistics relevant to water use and agriculture.
- Engage stakeholders through consultations, interviews, and field surveys with farmers, agronomists, irrigation managers, and local officials.
- Prepare a comprehensive analytical report consolidating findings and recommendations.
- Deliverables and Timeline
- Inception Report – Methodology and work plan
Due: Within 3 weeks of contract start - Interim Report – Preliminary findings and data analysis
Due: By the end of October - Final Report – Full analytical report
Due: By the end of November
Must include:- Current agricultural conditions and trends
- Assessment of irrigation and water use
- Analysis of environmental impacts
- Climate risk analysis and adaptation options
- Strategic recommendations
- Maps, diagrams, and summaries of land/irrigation infrastructure
- Presentation of Results – Delivered to stakeholders for discussion and feedback
Language and Format: All deliverables must be submitted in English or Russian, both in digital and printed formats.
- Required Qualifications and Experience
- Education:
Advanced degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Water Resources, Hydrology, Ecology, or a closely related field. - Professional Experience:
- At least 5 years of experience in agricultural development, irrigation systems, or water resource management;
- Demonstrated experience conducting agricultural sector assessments and advising on water efficiency.
- Technical Skills:
- Familiarity with GIS tools and agro-environmental data analysis;
- Capacity to deliver policy-relevant strategic reports.
- Other Competencies:
- Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation skills;
- Knowledge of the Zarafshan River Basin or similar Central Asian contexts is an asset.
- Duration, Reporting, and Logistics
- Duration and Level of Effort:
August – November 2025, with a level of effort up to 45 working days. - Duty Station and Travel:
The consultant will work from a home-based office, with field visits to Samarkand, Navoi, Bukhara, Kashkadarya, and Djizzakh Provinces.
The consultant is responsible for travel arrangements, accommodation, and all field-related logistics. - Supervision and Reporting:
As part of the broader technical team, the consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Expert Group Coordinator – Water Resources Management Specialist, who is responsible for consolidating sectoral findings into a unified Basin Development Plan. All experts will collaborate closely to ensure alignment and consistency across thematic assessments.
The consultant will report to the Zarafshan River Basin Council Board and technical advisors from Caritas Switzerland and CAREC. The consultant is also expected to coordinate closely with other sectoral experts involved in the situational analysis process.
- Support and Coordination:
While the project will help establish initial contacts with key stakeholders, the consultant is responsible for managing all data collection, field arrangements, and communications necessary for fulfilling the assignment.
