FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Professional Vacancy Announcement No: 2241-NRR
Deadline For Application: 6 November 2009
Position Title Senior Officer (National Agricultural Research Systems)
Duty Station Rome
Grade Level P-5
Duration 3 years
CCOG Code: 1H01
Organizational Unit Research and Extension Division (NRR) Natural Resources Management and Enviroment Department (NR)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Research and Extension Division (NRR), the incumbent will provide support in the development and implementation of FAO policies, strategies and integrated programmes for food security in the field of research, technology development, assessment and transfer, natural resources conservation and enhancement and sustainable development. In particular, will:

  • advise member countries on agricultural research and technology policy formulation and strategic planning, and institutional set-up of agricultural research and innovation systems;
  • develop policies and strategies for developing and strengthening of national, regional and international capacities for research and technology generation, assessment and adoption in reference to food security, sustainable rural development and natural resources management;
  • assist member countries in the development and strengthening of effective and sustainable agricultural research and innovation systems for the generation, adaptation and adoption of appropriate technologies for food security and natural resources management;
  • contribute to the preparation of studies, position papers and conceptual frameworks to assess, develop and strengthen agricultural research and innovation capacities at national, subregional and regional level;
  • provide liaison with the Consultative Group for the International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) system, the Secretariat of the Global Forum for Agricultural Research (GFAR), science and technology organizations of the UN system, regional and international research systems and organizations, as well as relevant governmental and non-governmental research and innovation organizations;
  • promote and advance national and regional initiatives, projects and programmes in research and technology adoption;
  • provide technical backstopping to national and regional projects and programmes, as required;
  • perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should meet the following:

  • University Degree with post-graduate studies in agricultural sciences, or a related field
  • Ten years of relevant experience in planning, managing, organizing and evaluating agricultural research and innovation systems and programmes in developing countries
  • Working knowledge of English and French

SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates will be assessed against the following:

  • Extent of experience in an advisory capacity at national and international levels in the field of agricultural research policy development, research planning, organization and management in developed and developing countries, particularly in Africa
  • Extent of knowledge and experience in project formulation and funding requirements of major multilateral and bilateral funding agencies
  • Familiarity with international agricultural research systems and organizations
  • Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others
  • Excellent analytical and oral and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of a third official UN language is an asset

Please note that all candidates should possess computer/word processing skills and should be capable of working with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
* The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

REMUNERATION

Level P-5 carries a net salary per year (inclusive of a variable element for post adjustment) from US$ 133,153 US$ 153,327 (without dependants) and from US$ 143,329 to US$ 166,397 (with dependants)

TO APPLY: Carefully read and follow the Guidelines to applicants

Send your application to:

V.A 2241-NRR
Director, Research and Extension Division (NRR)
FAO Via delle Terme di Caracalla 00100 Rome ITALY
Fax No: +39 06 570 55731
E-mail: VA-2241-NRR@fao.org

This vacancy is open to male and female candidates. Applications from qualified women candidates and applications from qualified candidates from non/under-represented member states are encouraged. Please note that FAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director-General and may be assigned to any activities or office of the organization.

  FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

  Post Number: 0442593