Local Expert for GLOBALG.A.P Training

Information

Common information

OBJECTIVE 

In collaboration with the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Enterprises in Kyrgyzstan (APE), USAID TCA seeks to facilitate the GLOBALG.A.P standard adoption by the export-oriented horticulture enterprises in Kyrgyzstan. In this regard, TCA will assist in strengthening the expertise of the Kyrgyz National Technical Group (NTG) and relevant stakeholders in GLOBALG.A.P for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FV) Production (GLOBALG.A.P Standard v. 6.0) and engage a GLOBALG.A.P Local Expert to deliver the training.  This initiative aims to bolster the food safety practices and compliance to boost exports and access new markets.

Qualification requirements

Qualifications of the GLOBALG.A.P Local Expert must be the following: 

    •    A relevant academic background in agricultural sciences, agronomy, or a related field. 

    •    Substantial expertise and professional experience in the specific domain of water management, integrated pest management, laboratory analysis, or equipment and devices related to fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) production. 

    •    In-depth understanding of the GLOBALG.A.P Standard v. 6.0, particularly the requirements related to water management, integrated pest management, laboratory analysis, and equipment and devices in FV production. 

    •    Familiarity with local and international regulations and standards governing water management, pest control, laboratory analysis, and equipment use in agriculture, ensuring alignment with GLOBALG.A.P standards. 

    •    Proven experience in conducting assessments and gap analyses in the specified areas, identifying deficiencies and proposing actionable recommendations for improvement. 

    •    Strong ability to develop comprehensive guidelines, training materials, and presentations tailored to the specific needs of the National Technical Group (NTG) members. 

    •    Demonstrated skills in organizing and facilitating capacity-building workshops, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and engagement among participants. 

    •    Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences. 

    •    Ability to collaborate with other experts and stakeholders, fostering a positive and constructive working relationship within the Kyrgyz NTG and the broader agricultural community.

Duties

The selected GLOBALG.A.P Local Expert will develop and deliver a four-day training program in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Specifically, the expert will deliver the following tasks: 

Water Management (May 2024) 

    •    Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current water management practices in Kyrgyzstan's fruit and vegetable production. 

    •    Analyze the relevance of current practices to meet GLOBALG.A.P Standard v. 6.0 requirements. 

    •    Review existing water management regulations and policies relevant to the agricultural sector in Kyrgyzstan. 

    •    Identify any discrepancies between current regulations and GLOBALG.A.P standards. 

    •    Propose recommendations for aligning local regulations with GLOBALG.A.P requirements. 

    •    Create training materials, including presentations, handouts, and visual aids, to facilitate effective knowledge transfer on water management principles. 

    •    Develop detailed guidelines for efficient water management practices in fruit and vegetable production, aligning with GLOBALG.A.P Standard v. 6.0. 

    •    Include specific recommendations for irrigation, water conservation, and quality control measures. 

    •    Organize a one-day capacity-building workshop on water management for the Kyrgyz NTG members. 

Integrated Pest Management Measures. Plant Protection Products (June 2024) 

    •    Conduct a preliminary assessment of current pest management practices in fruit and vegetable production in Kyrgyzstan. 

    •    Identify common pests affecting the sector and the prevailing plant protection measures in use. 

    •    Review existing regulations and policies related to integrated pest management and the use of plant protection products in Kyrgyzstan. 

    •    Assess the alignment of current regulations with GLOBALG.A.P Standard v. 6.0 requirements. 

    •    Develop comprehensive guidelines for integrated pest management tailored to the specific needs of Kyrgyzstan's fruit and vegetable producers. 

    •    Include information on pest identification, monitoring techniques, and the responsible use of plant protection products in adherence to GLOBALG.A.P standards. 

    •    Emphasize alternative and sustainable pest control methods to minimize environmental impact. 

    •    Prepare training materials, including presentations, handouts, and visual aids, focusing on integrated pest management measures and the responsible use of plant protection products. 

    •    Organize a one-day capacity-building workshop on integrated pest management for the Kyrgyz NTG members. 

Laboratory Analysis (September 2024) 

    •    Conduct an assessment of existing laboratory infrastructure related to fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) production in Kyrgyzstan. 

    •    Evaluate the capacity, equipment, and capabilities of laboratories that may be involved in quality and safety testing. 

    •    Review international and national standards and protocols related to laboratory analysis for fruits and vegetables. 

    •    Identify specific parameters and testing methodologies aligned with GLOBALG.A.P Standard v. 6.0 requirements. 

    •    Perform a gap analysis to identify any deficiencies or gaps in the current laboratory practices compared to GLOBALG.A.P standards. 

    •    Provide recommendations for enhancing laboratory capabilities to meet the necessary standards. 

    •    Develop comprehensive guidelines for laboratory analysis specifically tailored to the requirements of GLOBALG.A.P Standard v. 6.0. 

    •    Include information on sampling procedures, testing methodologies, and result interpretation relevant to FV production. 

    •    Prepare training materials, including presentations, manuals, and practical guides, focusing on laboratory analysis for the Kyrgyz NTG members. 

    •    Organize a one-day capacity-building workshop on laboratory analysis for the Kyrgyz NTG members. 

Equipment and Devices (September 2024) 

    •    Conduct a thorough assessment of the existing equipment and devices used in fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) production in Kyrgyzstan. 

    •    Evaluate the condition, functionality, and compliance of equipment with GLOBALG.A.P Standard v. 6.0 requirements. 

    •    Familiarize with the equipment and device standards outlined in the GLOBALG.A.P Standard v. 6.0. 

    •    Identify specific requirements and criteria that equipment should meet for adherence to the standard. 

    •    Perform a gap analysis to identify any deficiencies or gaps in the current equipment and devices concerning GLOBALG.A.P standards. 

    •    Provide recommendations for upgrading or acquiring equipment to meet the necessary standards. 

    •    Develop comprehensive guidelines for the selection, maintenance, and usage of equipment and devices, aligning with GLOBALG.A.P requirements. 

    •    Include information on calibration, regular maintenance schedules, and quality control measures. 

    •    Prepare training materials, including presentations, manuals, and practical guides, focusing on the proper use and maintenance of equipment for the Kyrgyz NTG members. 

    •    Organize a one-day capacity-building workshop on equipment and devices for the Kyrgyz NTG members. 

DELIVERABLES 

The GLOBALG.A.P Local Expert will be responsible for timely delivery of the following deliverables: 

    •    Comprehensive water management guidelines and training materials tailored to Kyrgyzstan's agricultural context. 

    •    Guidelines and training materials, including best practices for pest management. 

    •    Comprehensive guidelines and training materials for laboratory analysis procedures. 

    •    Training modules and guidelines on equipment handling and maintenance. 

EXPECTED RESULTS 

The expected results from this GLOBALG.A.P training for the Kyrgyz National Technical Group (NTG) will be the following:  

    •    Improved understanding among the Kyrgyz NTG members regarding sustainable water use in accordance with GLOBALG.A.P standards. 

    •    Enhanced knowledge and application of integrated pest management principles within the Kyrgyz NTG. 

    •    Improved capacity within the Kyrgyz NTG to ensure compliance with laboratory analysis requirements. 

    •    Increased proficiency among the Kyrgyz NTG members in managing and maintaining production-related equipment.

Conditions

LEVEL OF EFFORT  

The GLOBALG.A.P Local Expert is expected to provide services worth 4 staff days (32 Hours). 

REPORTING 

The Local Expert will report to TCA Regional Trade Policy Advisor

Please send your CV and letter of interest to the email address tca_recruitment@dai.com with vacancy title “Local Expert for GLOBALG.A.P Training” in the subject line. Deadline for applications is 24 June 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. No phone inquiries, please.