Purpose and Objectives: Agriculture is crucial to Pakistan’s economy, contributing 19.2% to GDP and providing livelihoods for a large portion of the population. However, climate change threatens the sector, affecting water availability, soil moisture, and crop productivity. Pakistan is highly vulnerable, with rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns posing risks to food security.
Precision agriculture offers a promising solution by optimizing resource use and minimizing environmental impact through technologies like GPS-guided equipment, automated irrigation, and drones. These innovations improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance yields. Capacity building and knowledge management are vital to the widespread adoption of these technologies, aligning with national goals such as the Agriculture Policy, National Climate Change Policy, Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plan, and Sustainable Development Goals. Investments in these areas will modernize agriculture, ensuring sustainability and resilience against climate change.
The goal of the project is to build capacity for precision agriculture by creating a centralized knowledge management system in both Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. .
This system will store and organize information to support education and practical applications through workshops and webinars. A comprehensive Readiness Action Plan will be developed to enhance institutional capacities, address policy gaps, and promote climate-smart agriculture using precision tools
The National Consultant- Resilient Agricultural Specialist will be required to develop and implement climate-resilient agricultural practices, integrating precision agriculture technologies and ensuring alignment with GCF goals to enhance productivity, sustainability and adaptive capacity of farming systems in Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Expected Outputs: The Consultant will be expected to produce the technical and research-based deliverables in line with the terms of reference of this assignment by performing specific tasks as outlined in the Responsibilities and Tasks section and the deliverable plan of the project.
Responsibilities and Tasks:
The consultant will be responsible for the following (timeline for each deliverable will be determined during the inception phase of the project):
Deliverables 1 – 30%
Gaps and Needs Assessment
1.1 Conduct a comprehensive gap analysis and highlight areas where improved information sharing is most critical. Sub-outputs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A detailed gap analysis report identifying key weaknesses in existing information-sharing mechanisms within the sector.
- A complete climate risk assessment (CRA) report for the agriculture sector by considering climate hazards, vulnerability, and exposure including drought and flood for risk-based decision-making in agricultural production systems for Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Assessment of data availability, accessibility, and dissemination gaps, highlighting critical areas where improved information sharing is needed.
- Identification of key stakeholders, technologies, and institutional bottlenecks affecting efficient information exchange.
- Actionable recommendations for enhancing data-sharing frameworks, including potential digital solutions, policy improvements, and capacity-building initiatives.
- A roadmap for upscaling and institutionalization of agricultural climate risk assessments nationwide.
1.2Establish information repositories for stakeholders to access reports, research papers, guidelines, and other relevant documents on precision agriculture. Sub-outputs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A centralized digital repository containing reports, research papers, guidelines, policy documents, and other relevant materials on precision agriculture.
- User-friendly online access portal enabling stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, farmers, and private sector actors, to retrieve and contribute relevant information.
- Categorized and searchable database with metadata tagging to facilitate efficient access to precision agriculture resources.
- Repository management guidelines outlining data submission, update protocols, and stakeholder access rights to ensure sustainability and relevance.
1.3.Organize workshops and webinars to share information on precision agriculture technique-related policies, procedures, project updates, and other relevant topics. Sub-outputs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Organize a national level workshop and webinars engaging key stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, agri-tech companies, and farmers.
- Develop Workshop and webinar materials, including presentations, policy briefs, technical guidelines, and case studies on precision agriculture techniques and related policies.
- Comprehensive event report summarizing key discussions, participant feedback, lessons learned, and recommendations for future knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Deliverables 2 – 20%
Knowledge Sharing and Learning
2.1 Facilitate in development of a knowledge management system (KMS) to organize, store, and retrieve information related to precision agriculture in the public Agriculture University. Sub-outputs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A fully functional Knowledge Management System (KMS) designed for the public Agriculture University to systematically organize, store, and retrieve information related to precision agriculture.
- Database of research, policies, best practices, and case studies on precision agriculture, accessible to students, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
- User Guide and Training Materials to facilitate easy navigation and utilization of the system by stakeholders.
- A training workshop for relevant stakeholders on the effective use and application of the KMS.
- Integration roadmap outlining steps to link the KMS with national and provincial agricultural research institutions, extension services, and private sector initiatives for continuous knowledge exchange and updates.
2.2Develop a manual outlining best practices for integrating precision agriculture with climate-resilient farming techniques. Sub-outputs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Step-by-step guidance on adopting precision technologies (e.g., precision irrigation, remote sensing, AI-driven analytics) to enhance productivity and sustainability.
- Case studies and success stories from pilot projects and global examples demonstrating the effectiveness of precision agriculture in improving climate resilience.
- Practical recommendations for policymakers, extension workers, and farmers on scaling climate-smart precision agriculture solutions.
- Illustrated and user-friendly formats, ensuring accessibility for farmers, policymakers, and agri-tech stakeholders
Deliverables 3 – 30%
Strategic Frameworks
3.1 Conduct stakeholder mapping to identify all relevant entities and their roles in precision agriculture and organize an inception workshop on precision agriculture involving key stakeholders. Sub-outputs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A comprehensive stakeholder mapping report identifying all relevant entities (government agencies, private sector, research institutions, farmer groups, and civil society organizations) involved in precision agriculture, along with their roles, interests, and potential contributions.
- A summary report from the inception workshop, including key discussions, stakeholder inputs, identified challenges, opportunities for collaboration, and initial recommendations for advancing precision agriculture.
- A stakeholder engagement matrix outlining strategic partnerships and engagement pathways for promoting precision agriculture adoption.
3.2Develop procedures for transforming the traditional agricultural practices and implement these with climate-smart-enabled tools to build climate resilience. Sub-outputs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A comprehensive procedural guide outlining step-by-step methods for transitioning from traditional agricultural practices to climate-smart precision agriculture.
- Technical guidelines on climate-smart tools such as precision irrigation, remote sensing, soil health monitoring, and digital farming technologies**.** Implementation frameworkdetailing roles of key stakeholders, resource requirements, and timelines for rolling out climate-smart agricultural interventions.
3.3Develop guidelines for implementing precision agriculture, including practical advice for smallholder farmers, technology recommendations, and data management strategies. Sub-outputs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A detailed guideline document providing step-by-step instructions for adopting precision agriculture practices, tailored for smallholder farmers.
- Technology recommendations outlining suitable precision agriculture tools, such as remote sensing, GPS-guided machinery, precision irrigation, and soil health monitoring solutions.
- Data management strategies**,** including best practices for data collection, storage, and analysis to optimize farming decisions.
- Practical case studies and success stories demonstrating the benefits of precision agriculture adoption in similar agro-climatic conditions.
- User-friendly formats**,** such as illustrated manuals, infographics, and digital versions, to enhance accessibility for diverse farming communities.
- A national validation workshop for the Precision Agriculture Implementation Guidelines.
3.4Draft a National Precision Agricultural Policy that will outline strategies and actions to address the identified gaps and enhance precision agriculture, which also includes a Gender Action Plan. Sub-outputs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A comprehensive National Precision Agriculture Policy outlining strategic actions, policy recommendations, and implementation frameworks to address identified gaps and promote the adoption of precision agriculture.
- Integration of public-private partnership (PPP) strategies to enhance investment and technological adoption in precision farming.
- A dedicated Gender Action Plan within the policy, detailing specific interventions to improve women’s participation in precision agriculture, addressing barriers, and promoting inclusive access to resources, training, and technology.
- Implementation roadmap, including institutional responsibilities, timelines, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective policy execution.
- Policy dissemination strategyto ensure awareness and engagement among stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, farmers, and research institutions.
- A National Validation Workshop for National Precision Agriculture Policy and Gender Action Plan.
Deliverables 4 – 15%
Pipeline Development
4.1 Facilitate in preparing concept notes for priority sectors with the support of the RPSP for submission to the GCF and MoCC&EC for consideration for the upscaling of prioritized precision agriculture techniques in due consultation. Sub-outputs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A GCF concept note for the upscaling and implementation of prioritized precision agriculture techniques.
- Detailed project framework, including objectives, climate rationale, expected outcomes, and alignment with Pakistan’s climate resilience and agricultural policies.
- Consultation summary report, documenting inputs from external experts, key stakeholders, and GCF focal points.
- Financial plan and resource mobilization strategy, outlining proposed funding mechanisms, co-financing opportunities, and investment pathways.
- Implementation roadmap, detailing project phases, responsible agencies, key performance indicators (KPIs), and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) mechanisms.
4.2 Support Provincial Agriculture Specialist in establishing interdisciplinary Technical Working Groups (TWGs) within the Punjab Agriculture Department and the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Gilgit-Baltistan, which includes agriculture, climate science, economics, and technology experts to identify, prioritize, and develop precision agriculture projects for GCF funding. Submit a report confirming the following inputs and outputs:
- Official establishment of interdisciplinary TWGs within the Punjab Agriculture Department and the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Gilgit-Baltistan, including experts in agriculture, climate science, economics, and technology.
- TWG Terms of Reference (ToRs) defining roles, responsibilities, and objectives for identifying, prioritizing, and developing precision agriculture projects for Green Climate Fund (GCF) funding.
4.3 Facilitate in conduct of co-development write shops in Punjab and GB for local stakeholders. Submit a report confirming the following inputs and outputs:
- Successful organization of write shops in Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), engaging local stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and technical experts.
- Training materials and toolkits on developing GCF concept notes and proposals, with a focus on climate-smart and precision agriculture initiatives.
- Prioritized project pipeline, identifying key precision agriculture initiatives aligned with climate resilience strategies for Pakistan.
- Draft GCF concept notes during the write shops, outlining project objectives, climate rationale, expected impacts, and funding requirements.
Deliverables 5 – 5%
Collaborate with other team members to ensure that all project activities are informed by sound analysis and evidence-based decision-making.
In addition to the outlined deliverables, the consultant is expected to perform any other tasks related to the deliverables and assigned by the Team Lead. Also, the timeline of deliverables may be revised depending on the different operational factors and project priorities.
Working Principles: The consultant will report to the Team Lead/ Director of the Risk Governance and Financing department. In Addition, the consultant will work closely with the project team and receive support from the team members continuously to achieve completion of the listed deliverables. The consultant is required to have a weekly meeting with the project team of ADPC to update the progress in addition to any need-based meetings arranged under the project, either in-person or virtual.
Qualifications:
1. Master’s degree (a PhD is preferred) in agriculture, agronomy, soil and water conservation, environmental policy and management, climate change or any related fields.
2. At least 10 years of experience in resilient agriculture, sustainable farming practices, or precision agriculture with focus on climate adaptation and mitigation.
3. Experience in providing technical expertise to develop and implement climate-resilient agricultural practices, integrating precision agriculture technologies, and ensuring alignment with GCF goals to enhance productivity, sustainability and adaptive capacity of farming system.
4. Demonstrated leadership and experience in coordination with partners, technical experts, and advisory groups.
5. Similar work experience in Government/INGO/bilateral or multilateral development partner-funded projects is preferable.
6. Demonstrated ability and plan and organize work and time independently.
7. Excellent interpersonal skills, team-oriented work style, and experience in working in a multicultural environment.
8. Strong desire to learn, and undertake new challenges, must be a creative problem-solver, must have self-confidence, willing to work hard, and to deliver quality work.
Duty Station: Islamabad (Hybrid modality), Pakistan
Duration: The total time of the assignment and the period during which the work should be completed in a period of 18 months.
Itinerary: If the Consultant is required to travel for field work, consultations, meetings, and workshops the cost of official travel, if any, is to be borne by ADPC.
Condition of payment: Payment shall be made on an output-based basis, conditional upon the satisfactory delivery of services and subject to formal review and written approval by ADPC.
Selection Method
The consultant will be selected in accordance with ADPC’s recruitment process.
How to apply
Interested candidates can submit the completed ADPC application form, (downloadable from www.adpc.net), resume, copy of degrees/certificate(s) together with a cover letter, to: procurement@adpc.net
Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
ADPC encourages diversity in its workplace and supports an inclusive work environment.