FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Professional Vacancy Announcement No: 2153-SLS
Deadline For Application: 8 July 2009
Position Title Plant Production and Protection Officer
Duty Station Santiago, Chile
Grade Level P-4
Duration Fixed Term: 3 years
CCOG Code: 1H01
Organizational Unit MultiDisciplinary Team for South America, SLS

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Subregional Coordinator (SLS) and the functional guidance of the Director, Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP), the incumbent will provide support on matters related to the field of sustainable plant production and protection to the Subregional Multidisciplinary Team, which will lead FAO’s response to the needs of the Subregion, including those of the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). Specifically to:

  • Advise FAO Members in the identification, formulation and implementation of plant production (including plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), seed policy, seed systems, biosafety and biotechnology) and protection development programmes and projects; and ensure that plant production and protection are adequately integrated into the work of the Multidisciplinary Team;
  • Act as focal point for information exchange and support for national and subregional capacity building required for the support and the implementation of relevant international conventions and agreements, in particular the IT-PGRFA, and the Global Plan of Action on PGRFA, the International Rice Commission, the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides, the IPPC, and the Rotterdam Convention;
  • Act as the technical secretary and information focal point of the Technical Cooperation Network on Ag-Biotechnology (REDBIO/FAO);
  • Conduct periodic reviews and appraisals of the current plant production and protection situation in the Subregion, through studies and surveys;
  • Provide technical backstopping to projects dealing with the strengthening of plant production (including urban and peri urban agriculture, sustainable intensification and diversification of cropping systems, breeding, use and conservation of PGRFA, seed production and policy) and plant protection in the Subregion;
  • Act as focal point for Subregional plant production and protection programmes, including provision of Subregional perspectives on thematic crosscutting initiatives such as: biodiversity, biotechnology, bio-security, good agriculture practices and organic agriculture;
  • Prepare technical documentation, papers and training material;
  • Contribute to and participate in the planning and execution of FAO regular programme activities on plant production and protection in the subregion and support FAO global and regional plant production and protection programmes;
  • Liaise on technical matters with relevant officers at Headquarters, other Subregional offices and the Regional Office;
  • Liaise with academic/research institutions and “centres of excellence” in the Subregion and with national, regional and subregional institutions, organizations and bilateral assistance agencies in order to promote subregional cooperation in plant production and protection;
  • Plan, organize and participate in subregional meetings, conferences, seminars dealing with plant production and protection;
  • Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should meet the following:

  • Advanced University Degree in one of the following: Agriculture, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Crop Physiology, Crop Protection or a closely related field
  • Seven years of relevant experience in crop production/ agronomy and/ or integrated crop production or protection, including the main crops of Latin America
  • Working knowledge of Spanish and English

SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates will be assessed against the following:

  • Extent of experience in crop production and crop protection in Latin America
  • Extent of experience in project/programme/networks/technical groups development and facilitation
  • Extent of experience in coordinating implementation in crop studies and in providing policy advice at local, national and subregional levels
  • Extent of experience and knowledge of the relevant international conventions and agreements and understanding of the work of international organizations and national governments
  • Demonstrated ability to analyse, interpret and synthesize scientific information
  • Demonstrated ability to organize and conduct technical meetings, conferences and workshops at community, national or subregional levels
  • Demonstrated negotiating and advisory skills and excellent oral and written communications skills (including ability to write concise reports)

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-4 carries a net salary per year (inclusive of a variable element for post adjustment) from US$ 90,910 US$ 111,390 (without dependants) and from US$ 97,625 to US$ 120,307 (with dependants)

TO APPLY: Carefully read and follow the Guidelines to applicants

Send your application to:

V.A 2153-SLS
Vacancy Manager, Plant Production and Protection Division
FAO Via delle Terme di Caracalla 00153 Rome ITALY
Fax No: +39 06 570 56347
E-mail: VA-2153-SLS-AGP@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: C/Unidentified