Program Facilitator | Uzbekistan Agricultural Training Program

Teaching Opportunity

The School of Continuing Studies is recruiting a program facilitator for the Uzbekistan Agricultural Training Program in Fall 2026.

Program Description

The Uzbekistan Agricultural Training Program is a customized 8-week training program designed for the Uzbekistan civil service. The program combines Canadian expertise in sustainable agriculture, agri-food innovation, artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, commercialization, and value chain development. Participants will gain direct exposure to leading Canadian research institutions, government agencies, innovation hubs, agricultural enterprises, and commercialization ecosystems. The program consists of three stackable University of Guelph micro-credential courses.

Program Objectives

The program will:

• Strengthen technical, managerial, policy, and leadership capabilities
• Support agricultural modernization and innovation initiatives in Uzbekistan
• Facilitate knowledge transfer between Canadian and Uzbek institutions
• Create opportunities for long-term collaboration in research, policy development, and commercialization
• Provide participants with practical tools and frameworks that they can implement immediately within their organizations

Position Timeline

The School of Continuing Studies is recruiting a program facilitator to develop and facilitate the Uzbekistan Agricultural Training Program during the Fall 2026 semester. Course development will begin in October 2026. The eight-week program will run from October 26, 2026, to December 18, 2026, with in-person course hours Monday to Friday. Hours of teaching and coordination will vary each week.

Program Facilitator Responsibilities

Course Development and Instruction

Reporting to the program manager, Global Initiatives, the program facilitator will be engaged as an independent contractor to develop and teach three micro-credential courses at the School of Continuing Studies.

In collaboration with the instructional design team, the program facilitator will be responsible for developing course content, course resources, learning activities, case studies, course outline, and assessments that align with the course learning outcomes.

The Program Facilitator will:

• Facilitate the three micro-credential courses based on a set schedule, creating a supportive, inclusive and engaging learning environment that promotes student success and active participation
• Leverage subject matter expertise to share relevant real-world experiences and practical examples that enhance student understanding and meet diverse learner needs
• Respond to student inquiries and provide academic support in a timely manner to ensure students remain engaged and supported throughout the course
• Assess and evaluate student work in accordance with established rubrics and grading criteria, providing timely, constructive, and meaningful feedback throughout the semester
• Submitt final grades within two weeks of each course end date
• Participate in academic processes such as reassessing student work, attending grade appeals, and participating in cases of academic misconduct which may occur after the end of a course
• Participate in required meetings, orientations, and training sessions to support course administration and instructional excellence

Program and Course Coordination

As part of the course instruction, the program facilitator is responsible for coordinating, facilitating, and participating in:

• Academic lectures and seminars across agriculture, engineering, food science, and policy
• Policy and strategy discussion sessions
• Case study analyses of Canadian agricultural modernization
• Farm, lab, and research station tours
• Visits to ag tech and food tech companies
• Networking events with different individuals or groups
• Extracurricular program activities, as needed

Qualifications and Experience

You have:

• A graduate degree (PhD preferred) with expertise in the agricultural sciences
• Relevant experience in the agricultural industry (agricultural operations, agri-business and corporate supply chain, agri-food, agricultural policy and regulation)
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, course instruction, and program coordination
• A strong understanding of adult learning principles and learner-centred course design
• Excellent intercultural, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into engaging learning activities
• An ability to collaborate effectively with SCS staff, faculty, academic departments, industry partners, and government agencies
• Experience effectively coordinating large projects while balancing competing priorities and meeting prescribed timelines
• Strong computer and technology skills with the ability to learn new software and tools
• Previous experience utilizing D2L Brightspace or other learning management systems (an asset)
• A valid G Driver’s Licence
• An ability to use personal cell phone with data for work purposes (required)
• Flexibility for overnight stays for field excursions (required)

To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant education and expertise by September 21, 2026.

Resumes must be submitted to:

Lisa Blenkinsop, Program Manager, Global Initiatives, School of Continuing Studies, University of Guelph
Email: lblenkin@uoguelph.ca

Instructor Coordinator Fee: $14,000 - 16,000