The Sustainable Farming & Agroecology Expert will provide technical and strategic advisory support to Emirates Nature-WWF's Sustainable Farming & Agroecology Programme through a six-month consulting assignment. The consultant will bring expertise in sustainable farming and agroecology, combined with a strong understanding of small-scale farming communities, particularly in the UAE's mountain and wadi landscapes, to strengthen the programme's evidence base and inform its future strategic direction.  The consultant’s role is to  to sharpen the programme's strategic focus, so that the Programme’s approach and activities are aligned with national priorities, grounded in evidence, and demonstrate a clear value proposition for farming households.

The role will support the programme through a combination of desk-based research, field engagement, community and stakeholder consultations, socio-economic analysis, and synthesis of findings into practical programme recommendations. The consultant will contribute to developing a locally relevant understanding of sustainable farming and agroecology and small-scale farming sector in the Northern Emirates of UAE, including its economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions and its relationship with surrounding ecosystems. This includes the role of farming in household livelihoods and the perspectives of younger generations. The consultant will also develop knowledge products that build understanding of small-scale farming in the UAE.

The consultant will advise the programme on priorities related to sustainable farming practices in demonstration farms, farmer engagement and capacity building, youth engagement, biodiversity and ecosystem outcomes, livelihood and heritage-product opportunities, market access , strategic partnerships, evidence and monitoring, and potential future geographic expansion.

The role requires the ability to bridge technical knowledge with community-based research, socio-economic analysis and programme strategy, and to translate complex evidence into clear, practical and decision-oriented recommendations. The consultant will work closely with the Head - Climate & Conservation and the programme team.

Programme Context
The Sustainable Farming and Agroecology Programme is enabling farmers to build adaptive and sustainable farming systems that respond to national priorities on community development and nature-positive growth. In delivering impact, Emirates Nature-WWF is working in partnership with – and with the support of multiple public and private partners and stakeholders. The work under the Sustainable Farming and Agroecology Programme is built around four primary objectives:

Objective 01. Demonstrate and scale agroecology practices across model farms, building a replicable evidence base.

Objective 02. Build farmer capacity and foster traditional knowledge through hands-on workshops and field demonstrations.

Objective 03. Enhance biodiversity by planting native trees, monitoring recovery, and establishing pollinator habitats through beekeeping.

Objective 04. Enhance viability of small-scale farming through exploration of value chains for native crops and allied income streams such as agritourism.

Strategic Advice to the Programme:

•    Provide overall strategic advice to the Sustainable Farming & Agroecology Programme positioning it within the wider context of small-scale farming in the Northern Emirates, including national priorities and market dynamics, to help shape its direction for the next phase of engagements.

•    Advise on what the programme should prioritise, test, deepen or avoid, through clear and prioritised recommendations.

•    Advise on the design of demonstration farms as platforms for testing and showcasing viable farming models, priority agroecological practices to test or promote, approaches to farmer engagement and capacity building, and potential geographic expansion within the UAE.

•    Identify opportunities to strengthen the economic viability of local farming, including farm-to-market linkages.

•    Help ensure the programme's approach is locally appropriate, culturally grounded and delivers strong farming, livelihoods, and nature outcomes.

•    Map key stakeholders across government, the private sector, research institutions and communities, and advise on strategic partnerships that can help sustain and scale the programme's impact.

Defining Sustainable Farming and Agroecology in the UAE Context:

•    Review global literature and frameworks on sustainable farming and agroecology and assess how core principles apply to the UAE's environmental, social and farming realities. Develop a practical, UAE-specific understanding of sustainable farming for mountain farming communities, setting out a distinctly UAE-relevant approach.

•    Identify sustainable farming principles and practices already present in traditional or locally adapted farming systems, rather than treating them as concepts to be introduced.

•    Drawing on available evidence, local conditions and prevailing trends, consider water, soil, biodiversity, circular resource use, crop and livestock systems, climate resilience and the links between farms and surrounding ecosystems, to provide a conceptual and practical basis for the programme and its demonstration farms.

Understanding Small-Scale Farming in the Northern Emirates as a Sector and Socio-Economic Assessment of Farming Households:

•    Focusing on a small number of priority farming communities agreed with EN-WWF, build an evidence-based understanding of what small-scale farming is in the Nothern Emirates, who takes part in it, and the economic, social, cultural and environmental roles it plays. Examine why households continue to farm, and the economic, cultural, food, social, environmental and heritage values attached to farming.

•    Document the crops, livestock and related activities on small farms, and how farming is organised and managed.

•    Identify and document traditional and locally adapted farming practices, knowledge and technologies, including water and soil management, seeds and planting material, crops, livestock, pest management and circular use of farm resources.

•    Assess farming costs and economic constraints; access to labour, water, inputs, knowledge and markets; and examine profitability and viability of farming while assessing the costs and benefits to farmers of adopting sustainable farming practices. Utilize findings to guide development and strengthening of programme impact metrics.

•    Understand how farm produce is used, gifted, exchanged, sold or processed, existing routes to market, and what limits farmers' access to markets and value addition.

•    Explore farmers' main challenges, motivations and aspirations, and what influences their decisions to continue, expand, change or stop farming.

•    Understand how younger generations see farming, whether as a livelihood, inheritance or hobby, and what shapes their willingness to take part.

•    Consider differences in perspectives by gender, where relevant.

Market Opportunities, Value Chains and Local Heritage Products:

•    Identify crops and farm products with local, cultural or heritage significance, and assess opportunities for small-scale value addition, processing, branding, and premium or local markets, highlighting practical enablers for development.

•    Explore how sustainable farming could form part of the proposition for local heritage products, and allied income streams such as agri-tourism.

Farmer, Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

•    Engage farmers, communities and stakeholders through interviews, field visits and observation, EN-WWF-led majlis-style engagements and other participatory approaches, starting with farming communities in Fujairah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.

•    Building on EN-WWF's ongoing socio-economic and farming-practices work, work with the team to define assessment methodologies, including survey questions, target groups and the format of data collection.

•    Validate emerging findings with EN-WWF and, where appropriate, with participating farmers and stakeholders.

Knowledge Products and Reporting:

•    Develop 2–3 technical and non-technical knowledge products that build understanding of small-scale farming in the UAE and inform the programme's strategy.

•    Report findings to EN-WWF through interim and final reports.

•    Keep reports concise, evidence-based and decision-oriented, clearly documenting evidence gaps and limitations, with research tools and supporting analysis included as annexes

•    Ten or more years of experience in sustainable agriculture, farming systems, regenerative or nature-positive agriculture, or a closely related field.

•    Strong practical knowledge of farming conditions in the UAE, with direct familiarity with small-scale farms and farming communities. Knowledge of farming in Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and/or UAE mountain and wadi landscapes is particularly valuable.

•    Strong understanding of the relationship between agriculture and natural systems, including water, soil, biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate resilience and the ecology of arid and mountain environments.

•    Demonstrated experience in research and evidence generation, including desk research, qualitative and quantitative data collection, socio-economic or livelihood assessments, field-based research, stakeholder interviews, community engagement, participatory approaches, and analysis of farming systems and local knowledge.

•    Experience in synthesising research and stakeholder findings into clear, practical recommendations and knowledge products, with the ability to translate complex technical, socio-economic and community-level evidence into programme strategy, reports and decision-oriented recommendations.

•    Experience working with smallholder or small-scale farming communities and understanding farming as both an economic activity and a social, cultural and heritage practice.

Skills:

•    Strong technical knowledge of sustainable farming, agroecology, sustainable agriculture, regenerative or nature-positive agriculture.

•    Strong research, analysis and report-writing skills, with the ability to turn complex technical, socio-economic and community findings into clear, practical recommendations.

•    Ability to translate global agroecology principles into approaches that work in the UAE context.

•    Strong interpersonal skills, with a culturally-grounded, participatory way of working with farming communities and diverse stakeholders.

•    Able to work independently, manage multiple workstreams and deliver high-quality work on time.

•    Excellent written and spoken English. Fluency in Arabic and the ability to engage directly with local farming communities is essential.

Emirates Nature-WWF Focus:

Acts as a member of Emirates Nature-WWF, placing higher priority on Emirates Nature-WWF goals than own goals and anticipating the effects of own area’s actions on others to ensure holistic Emirates Nature-WWF outcomes.

External Orientation:

Looks outward to ensure EN–WWF remains relevant, anticipates environmental and societal trends, and aligns its programmes to emerging opportunities in the UAE and region.

Delivering Quality Outcomes:

Establishes stretch goals, plans, using best judgment and takes responsibility for planning to and delivering on outcomes.

Building Working Relationships:

Builds collaborative relationships across internal teams and with external partners through mutual trust, cultural understanding, and open communication.

Communicating Effectively:

Conveys complex ideas clearly and concisely, tailors communication to diverse audiences, and actively listens to ensure mutual understanding.

Leading Change:

Encourages innovation, embraces new ideas, and brings stakeholders on board constructively and empathetically to adapt to evolving circumstances.

Managing Resources:

Makes the right judgments based on financial and resource availability.

Analytical mindset:

Champions data-driven marketing. Understands the significance of key digital marketing metrics and has the ability to translate data into actionable insights to optimize digital marketing practices and identify trends.

Pragmatic approach:

Approaches interpersonal communication as well as strategy in a sensible manor. Has the ability to utilize existing resources to deliver impact making sure plans are feasible and prioritize the achievement of agreed KPIs within timelines and resource limitations. 

 

Value	Behaviours
Impact Driven	Results oriented and focused We passionately seek impactful solutions to overcome the planets greatest challenges Uses a science-based approach and applies facts, logic and professional knowledge to create impact, displaying a strong understanding of the issues Demonstrates focus, determination, efficiency and accountability Consistently delivers high-quality work
Integrity	Acts and communicates openly, constructively and ethically, and is sensitive to other people and cultures Treats others fairly and respects others points of view, creating an environment of trust Is consistent, honest and transparent in what one does and says Demonstrates self-awareness, manages own emotional response, and is aware of the impact of own behaviour on others Demonstrates professionalism and upholds a high regard for the reputation of the organization We live the principles and standards we call on others to meet, and hold each other accountable
Together We’re Stronger	Shows empathy, listens, asks questions and shows consideration and understanding for others Is approachable, empowers others, provides trust and mutual respect We remain optimistic, light-hearted and participates in celebrating success together Recognizes the value that each individual brings to the collective impact of the organization Embraces diversity and inclusion Speaking with one voice, unified by one mission, shared values and common priorities Seeks to build powerful and aligned networks with government, organizations and communities
Courage	Demonstrates perseverance and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization Acts with confidence and from a position of strength Takes measured risks and encourages action Inspires hope and optimism
Adaptable	Stays informed of external developments and trends and adapts accordingly Pursues avenues for continuous learning and development Stays open-minded, seeks innovative and creative solutions Flexible and open to change and others view-points, remains calm and confident during change Embraces feedback

 

Internal:

Works closely with the Head – Climate & Conservation, the Sustainable Farming & Agroecology programme team, and conservation and field-team colleagues, as well as Communications and other teams as needed.

External:

Engages with farmers and farming communities, government entities, agricultural and environmental stakeholders, agribusinesses, market actors, technical experts and programme partners

Emirates Nature–WWF is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and supportive workplace where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an environment built on respect, collaboration and equal opportunity.

We are proud to be recognised as a Parent-Friendly Plus Employer, an accreditation endorsed by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) and awarded under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, in recognition of our commitment to family-friendly workplace practices and employee wellbeing.

As a collaborative organisation, all employees are expected to actively contribute to organisational initiatives, events and cross-functional activities that support Emirates Nature–WWF's mission, values and strategic objectives, irrespective of whether such activities fall directly within their primary job responsibilities.

Please send your application consisting of a cover letter explaining why you are the right candidate to work with EN-WWF and your CV with the subject ‘Application: Consultant - Sustainable Farming & Agroecology Expert’ to the attention of Ms Magdalena Tayoun on [email protected] before 6th November 2026.

Emirates Nature reserves the right to appoint a candidate prior this date.