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Vacancies (21)
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Economist for Ecosystem Service Accounting ExpertEmployer FAO Uzbekistan |
| Information on vacancy | |
| Period of publication | 06.03.2026 - 20.03.2026 |
| Field of activity / position: |
Finance, accounting, consulting / Analyst |
| Duties | Position holder will be located at Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan and reports to the Ministry Background: The Global Food Systems, Land-Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program (IP) aims to promote sustainable integrated landscapes and efficient food value chains at scale. This initiative targets the transformation of global food systems to become positive contributors to planetary health, biodiversity, and ecological function. The FOLUR Impact Program, supported by a significant financial commitment from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and co-financing partners, will be implemented across 27 countries with a focus on sustainable integrated landscapes and agricultural commodity value chains. Within this framework, Component 3 of the FOLUR Project in Uzbekistan addresses the "Conservation & Restoration of Natural Habitat." This component aims to enhance conservation and restoration of high nature value ecosystems/habitats within production landscapes, ultimately improving ecosystem services that support agriculture in an equitable and sustainable manner. Objective The Economist will support the ecosystem service accounting aspect of the project by evaluating the economic benefits of ecosystem restoration activities. This includes calculating the return on investment (ROI) from ecosystem services, assessing non-monetary contributions, and exploring market-based mechanisms like Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES). The findings will inform decision-making, promote equitable benefit-sharing, and ensure the inclusion of marginalized communities in restoration efforts. Scope of Work Ecosystem Service Valuation • Identify and assess key ecosystem services provided by restored habitats, including water regulation, carbon sequestration, erosion prevention, and biodiversity support. • Quantify both market and non-market values of ecosystem services, with an emphasis on benefits to local communities, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. • Conduct cost-benefit analysis comparing the scenarios of "action" (restoration) versus "no action" (degradation). Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) and Market-based Instruments • Explore and propose PES schemes suitable for Uzbekistan's context, focusing on incentivizing ecosystem restoration and conservation efforts, especially for vulnerable groups. • Develop financial models for PES, including potential returns for local communities and mechanisms for equitable benefit sharing. • Study international and national PES models and assess their applicability to the local context in Uzbekistan. Return on Investment (ROI) Calculations • Evaluate the ROI for ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management (SLM) activities. • Assess the economic impact of ecosystem restoration on local communities, with attention to income generation, employment, and alternative livelihoods. • Provide clear economic indicators that support policy recommendations for scaling ecosystem service restoration. Stakeholder Engagement and Benefit-Sharing Models • Work with local communities, including women, youth, and marginalized groups, to assess their involvement and benefits from ecosystem restoration activities. • Propose gender-responsive, inclusive benefit-sharing models that promote equity in resource use and conservation. • Collaborate with stakeholders to pilot at least two benefit-sharing systems that align with the project's goals and promote sustainable livelihoods. Collaboration with other Experts within the FOLUR Project: o Collaborates with Data Management Expert (M&E) responsible for Component 4 (monitoring and evaluation) to measure project impact. o Collaborates with Conservation Agriculture Experts (FFS/APFS/SLM facilitators) for training exercises, workshops, and support in logistics. o Collaborates with International Agriculture Policy Expert (wheat knowledge) for market trends and value chain development. o Collaborates with Knowledge Management Expert (Communications/Advocacy) for document and promote project results, to gather data, case studies, and outputs from different components for communication and advocacy purposes. o Collaborates with PES Ecosystem Restoration Expert to support ecological restoration, monitoring and economic modelling outputs. o If actual issues related to the effective achievement of project goals are identified, Economist for Ecosystem Service Accounting Expert collaborates with all Experts of the FOLUR Project. The Expert will focus to Outputs 1.2.1. / 1.2.4. / 1.3.1. / 1.3.2. / 2.1.2. / 2.2.1. / 2.2.3. and will collaborate with other Outputs within the Project: Output 1.2.1.: Assessment of existing and potential incentive mechanisms for ILM from national and international experiences carried out, including identification of innovative business models to encourage public and private investments in sustainable wheat production. Based on results, a detailed list and explanation of selection criteria to be applied is developed, which includes participatory feedback and recommendations for incentive programmes, number of potential male and female beneficiaries and economic indicators. Output 1.2.4.: Economic case for scaling-up at national and regional levels for integrated management of sustainable wheat production landscapes and ILM developed, tested, and adopted by the Task Force. Economic indicators for process established and approved by IMTF. Intial results from project activities, especially those resulting from Output 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 are collected and structure of economic reports, promotional activities and support materials to be developed presented to and approved by Inter-Ministerial Task Force (1.1.2). Data from project activities and other sources are used to map potential economic indicators and trends. Results from process are used to develop economic models outlining potential return on investment for promotion of FOLUR principles at district and regional scales. Potential investment models showcasing economic and ecosystem service flows are published and shared with regional and global partners, with attention to gender and equal access to natural resources, financial services and markets. Output 1.3.1.: Integrated landscape and wheat VC life cycle assessments (e.g. EX-ACT VC tool or others) and wheat production suitability analysis conducted based on agro-climatic conditions to inform ILM, farm and value chain level interventions, including effective and inclusive biodiversity, and climate-smart options developed, tested, and demonstrated. Where relevant, establish step-wise procedures to guide processes related to and supporting Output 1.3.1, with special attention to bio-physical, social and economic parameters. Use incentive programmes and policy breaks developed through other project outcomes to create demonstrations of SLM and water-saving approaches, crop diversification, reductions in GHG and improvement of soil conditions and compare with Land Suitability outcomes and Economic indidcators established under Output 1.2.4. Document throughout process with special attention to links with Output 1.2.4 for Economic Case development. Output 1.3.2.: ILM plans using FAO Land Resources Planning Toolbox elaborated, consulted, and adopted by authorities in accordance with Land Code. Use FAO Land Resources Planning Toolbox together with land suitability analysis and project findings to develop draft plans that cover at least 50,000 ha and make recommendations for land-use based on bio-physical and socio-economic parameters, optimally for all 6 project districts, but at least for 4 project districts. Output 2.1.2.: Diversification approaches to maintain diversity of production systems (diversification, crop rotation and inter-cropping, improved wheat germplasm) demonstrated. Demonstrations (minimum 1 site per district target district) of temporal and spatial diversification of the cropping space are completed and economically quantified. Diversification should include alternative crops, as well as innovative or locally adapted (landrace) wheat and alfalfa varieties. Participatory baseline indicators are examined regularly with training participants and land-owners. Documentation of results inform other project activities regarding crop diversification options and potential economic returns. Output 2.2.1.: Menu of "inclusive and sustainable wheat contract" models with attributes that satisfy heterogeneous needs of different segments of the wheat value chain (producers, millers) and farmers introduced, responsive to needs and capacities of men and women producers With close support from IMTF and other key documents, policy papers and stakeholder engagement activities outlined in supporting Outputs, build economic case for selected alternative contract models. Within this group, consider options that allow and provide incentives for restorative models aimed at lands that have been uncultivated due to LD and other management issues. Present economic results and contract models to key stakeholders, identifying incentive and PPP opportunities among principal project VCs. Output 2.2.3.: Locally appropriate and equitable agro-environmental incentives adopted to link small holder outputs to local and potentially regional markets for sustainably sourced commodities from sustainably managed landscapes by leveraging wide stakeholder involvement, including the private sector. With stakeholders, regional government and private sector contacts and VC actors to structure potential incentive programmes and integrate economic indicators with those selected under Output 1.2.3. Expected Outputs Deliverables Ecosystem Services Valuation Report: o Comprehensive report on the economic value of ecosystem services, including both market and non-market benefits. o ROI analysis for the restoration activities. PES Scheme Proposal: o A well-researched PES model tailored to Uzbekistan's local conditions, with potential funding and implementation strategies. Economic Impact Assessment: o Detailed analysis of the economic benefits of ecosystem restoration for local communities and agriculture. Benefit-Sharing Model Design: o Design and pilot two gender-responsive benefit-sharing models, with scaling potential. Workshops and Stakeholder Consultations: o Organize workshops with stakeholders to present findings and develop consensus on benefit-sharing and PES models. Timeline: within 80 days from the Effective Date of the Consultancy Agreement |
| Requirements to the candidate | |
| Age: | Irrelevant |
| Gender: | Irrelevant |
| Residence: | Tashkent, Uzbekistan |
| Education: | Unfinished higher |
| Professional requirements | Minimum requirements Education: • Bachelor's degree in economics, environmental economics, or a related field. Experience: • Expertise in ecosystem service valuation, sustainable land management, and natural resource economics. • Experience with Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) and market-based conservation strategies. • Proven ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including local communities and government agencies. • Experience in Central Asia or similar contexts is an asset. • Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analysis software. • Fluency in Uzbek is required; knowledge of English is an advantage, (Knowledge of Russian language can be taken into account). Competencies: • Proven ability to apply gender analysis frameworks and tools to program design and implementation. • Strong commitment to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in multicultural settings. • Ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and meet deadlines. Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Site visits: Project locations Karakalpakstan, Khorezm and Kashkadarya Reporting The Economist for Ecosystem Service Accounting Expert will report to the Team Leader of Component 3 of the FOLUR Impact Program in Uzbekistan and work in close collaboration with the Project Management Unit (PMU), district authorities, and technical experts. |
| Working conditions | |
| Region | Tashkent |
| Employment | Full |
| Salary offered | TBD |
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