Terms of Reference (ToR)

Short-Term Experts to Deliver Training Modules & Prepare Educational Materials on Climate-Smart Agriculture

Project: “Climate Resilient Communities in Azerbaijan”

Location: Baku, Azerbaijan

Timeframe of training sessions: 2-5 April, 2025

Background

The project “Climate Resilient Communities in Azerbaijan” aims to strengthen climate resilience in local communities by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering community-initiated innovations. As part of the project, we will organize three days of training (two modules per day) in Baku for members of the Innovation Group. These members primarily include farmers and representatives from farmers’ associations.

While Module 1 (Introduction to Innovation Groups) will be conducted by the project coordinator, we are seeking qualified experts to develop and deliver the remaining five modules, which address key aspects of climate-smart agriculture and rural development. Each module will also require educational materials (handouts, presentations, reference documents) that will be used to provide necessary knowledge for the members of Innovation Group during the trainings.

Training Modules in Need of Experts

Module 2: Negative Implications of Climate Change on Agriculture & Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices

• Overview of climate change impacts on agriculture (weather variability and long-term impacts, soil degradation, flood driven salinization, water scarcity, pest proliferation, etc.).
• Introduction to climate-smart agricultural techniques suitable for Azerbaijan’s Salyan district context (e.g., drought-tolerant varieties, efficient water management, sustainable soil management, crop rotation).
• Strategies for adaptation and mitigation at the farm level

Module 3: Main Aspects of Vegetable Crop Fertilization

• Soil fertility management principles with a focus on vegetable crops.
• Feasibility of using various organic and inorganic fertilizers, appropriateness and best application methods, timing, and rates.
• Sustainable practices to minimize environmental risks and enhance soil health.

Module 4: Principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

• Key IPM strategies (prevention, monitoring, biological control, responsible use of pesticides).
• Common pests and diseases in the region’s vegetable production.
• Safe handling, storage, and disposal of agrochemicals.

Module 5: Types and Importance of Irrigation Systems in Vegetable Crops

• Various irrigation techniques (drip, sprinkler, furrow), their effectiveness and suitability for different farm sizes and conditions.
• Water use efficiency, scheduling, and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Cost-benefit analysis of different irrigation methods.

Module 6: Economic & Social Outcomes of Women and Youth Engagement in Agriculture & Rural Development

• Role of women and youth in agricultural value chains and rural economies.
• Gender-responsive and youth-inclusive approaches for sustainable community development.
• Successful case studies and best practices in economic empowerment.

Scope of Work & Deliverables

The selected expert(s) will be expected to:

Training Session Delivery

• Engaging and interactive training session on the assigned module(s) will be prepared and delivered.
• Each module will be presented in a dedicated half-day slot (approx. 3–4 hours including Q&A and group exercises).

Educational Materials Preparation

• Develop training materials in Azerbaijani (and English if possible) such as PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and practical guides.
• Each selected expert will be required to prepare a 10-page handout that summarizes and distills the key information from their training module(s). These handouts should provide clear, concise, and practical guidance for farmers and Innovation Group members, covering all major topics and best practices introduced during the training. They will serve as a reference tool for participants to revisit the training material, apply it in their local settings, and guide them in brainstorming solutions. Once finalized, the handouts from all modules will be combined into a single booklet. By providing this comprehensive handout, experts will help ensure that knowledge is not only shared in the training sessions but remains accessible and actionable for the interested parties.

Coordination & Reporting

• Coordinate with the project team to finalize the training agenda and logistical details.
• Submit a brief training report summarizing the session’s content, participant feedback, and key observations or recommendations.

Qualifications

General Requirements

• University degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Rural Development, Social Sciences, or related fields relevant to the module(s) of interest.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in the module’s thematic area (e.g., climate-smart agriculture, IPM, irrigation, agricultural economics, gender and youth empowerment in rural contexts).
• Proven experience in delivering trainings or capacity-building workshops, preferably in rural development or agricultural settings.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with local conditions in Azerbaijan, including climate challenges and agricultural practices.

Module-Specific Expertise

• Module 2: Experience with climate change adaptation/mitigation in agriculture and climate-smart practices.
• Module 3: Expertise in soil fertility management, fertilization techniques, especially for vegetables.
• Module 4: In-depth knowledge of Integrated Pest Management principles and implementation.
• Module 5: Proven understanding of irrigation systems, water management strategies, and related technologies.
• Module 6: Background in community-based development, socioeconomic empowerment, gender mainstreaming, and youth engagement in rural contexts.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following by February 21st to [email protected]

Cover Letter (max. 1 page)

• Indicate which module(s) you wish to apply for.
• Briefly summarize your expertise related to the chosen module(s).

Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a short Bio (max. 3 page) 

• Documenting relevant experience, professional background, and references.

Proposed Approach (Optional, max. 1 page)

• Outline how you plan to structure the module(s).
• Propose methodologies or tools you will use for training and material preparation
• What kind of teaching materials (files) you will prepare and provide before the training

Financial Proposal

• Show a fee estimate (daily rate or lump sum) for delivering each selected module, including the preparation of educational materials and reporting including taxes.

Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple modules if their background and experience demonstrate proficiency in more than one area. However, each module requires clear documentation of relevant expertise. A selection committee will assess the applications, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussion.

Timeline & Compensation

• Training Dates: The sessions will be conducted over three days in Baku, April 2nd to 5th  (two modules per day). The exact schedule will be confirmed in consultation with selected experts.
• Contract Duration: Short-term, covering preparation, training delivery, and reporting (expected total engagement: approx. 5 weeks).
• Payment Terms: Negotiated based on agreed scope and daily rate, subject to project budget and donor regulations.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Relevant Experience & Expertise (30%)
• Quality & Clarity of Proposed Approach (25%)
• Past Training/Workshop Experience (25%)
• Financial Proposal (20%)

Contact Information

For any inquiries regarding the application or the modules, please contact our e-mail address with the subject title “Inquiry – Short term experts in Azerbaijan”