FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Professional Vacancy Announcement No: 2172-AGP
Deadline For Application:  2 June 2009
Position Title Senior Agricultural Officer (Seed Policy)
Duty Station Rome
Grade Level P-5
Duration Fixed term: 3 years
CCOG Code: 1H01
Organizational Unit Plant Production & Protection Division, AGP
 Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department, AG

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision of the Director, Plant Production and Protection Division and in close collaboration with various technical units in the Division and FAO decentralized Offices, the incumbent will be responsible for the development of policy and programmes to strengthen seed systems and its responses to global challenges, within the framework of the Global Plan of Action on Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. In particular, the incumbent will:

  • Advise governments in the development and implementation of seed sector policy and programmes to increase the sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture for food security;
  • Define and coordinate the work programme to strengthen national capacities in managing seed production and delivery systems, including varietal release, quality assurance and choice of seed certification systems with particular reference to crop types and facilities;
  • Lead the process of policy dialogue with national and regional partners aimed at creating a better institutional and policy environment for the implementation of international instruments for seed system development, including among others, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) and the International Plant Protection Convention;
  • Provide strategic orientation to the development of seed security, including improving on-farm and community-level seed and planting material production to support sustainable crop production intensification and address the effects of climate change;
  • Guide and supervise the development of effective emergency and rehabilitation response policies, information tools and operating frameworks for seed-related emergency assistance;
  • Collaborate with team members in the design, development and promotion of multi-disciplinary strategies and initiatives for enhancing linkages between plant genetic resources and seed delivery systems and their greater integration within national agricultural policies;
  • Develop and maintain contacts with other UN bodies, relevant international, regional, public and private sector organizations and networks; and foster information exchange and collaborations;
  • Represent the Organization at meetings, prepare guidelines, reports and publications; and provide technical backstopping for designated national and regional projects, as required;
  • Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should meet the following:

  • Advanced University Degree in Agronomy with specialization in seeds and seed technology
  • Ten years of relevant experience in the field of agricultural and/or rural development which included working experience with research institutions, international organizations and agencies with an emphasis on seeds and policy aspects in developing countries
  • Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian

 

SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates will be assessed against the following:

  • Extent of experience in strategy/policy formulation and programme development in the seed sector, which included managing, supervising and evaluating policies and projects at national, regional and global level
  • Extent of working experience with Government Officials, donors, and regional and international partners
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and in writing, in English
  • Extent of working experience in developing countries
  • Demonstrated ability to organize and conduct technical meetings, capacity building events, conferences and workshops
  • Proven ability to lead and work effectively in multidisciplinary team in the area of seeds and sustainable use of PGRFA

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$ 115,862 US$ 133,416 (without dependants) and from US$ 124,717 to US$ 144,789 (with dependants)

TO APPLY: Carefully read and follow the Guidelines to applicants

Send your application to:

V.A 2172-AGP
Kakoli Ghosh, AGP
FAO Via delle Terme di Caracalla 00153 Rome ITALY
Fax No: +39 06 5705 6347
E-mail: VA-2172-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/0078166