FAO recruits 01 Agricultural Officer (Plant Production)
FAO
Cairo, Egypt
Humanitaire (ONG, Associations, …), Projet/programme de développement
Job Description – Agricultural Officer (Plant Production) (2302019)
Job Description: 2302019
Agricultural Officer (Plant Production)
Job Posting: 10/Jul/2023
Closure Date: 31/Jul/2023, 11:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: RNE
Job Type: Staff position
Type of Requisition: Professional
Grade Level: P-4
Primary Location: Egypt-Cairo
Duration: Fixed-term: Two years with possibility of extension
Post Number: 2002085
CCOG Code: 1H01
• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
Organizational Setting
The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with Centres, Divisions and Offices at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RNE develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).
The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.
The post is located in the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) in Cairo, Egypt.
Reporting Lines
The Agricultural Officer (Plant Production) reports to the Senior Programme Officer/Team Leader of the Regional Priority on Rural Transformation.
Technical Focus
Sustainable plant production, including plant genetic resources conservation and efficient utilization, plant breeding and seed systems; soil, crop and nutrient management; agroecology; field crops; horticulture and integrated cropping systems; ecosystem-based and climate-smart approaches; protected, precision, conservation, dryland, urban and peri-urban agriculture.
Key Results
Comprehensive technical, statistical, analytical and/or policy analysis services and the development of specialized tools, methodologies, systems and/or databases to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programme of work and related products, projects, publications and services.
Key Functions
• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams; leads and/or participates in internal committees, project teams and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies;
• Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services;
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise;
• Responds to Member’s requests for technical and policy assistance; provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects;
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Members such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events, including preparation of related information, learning materials and on-line tools;
• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue; provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings;
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.
Specific Functions
• Contributes to the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework, global actions and initiatives through implementation of plant production related activities for sustainable transformation of agrifood systems in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region; in particular, supports the framework of the Integrated Programme on Rural Transformation and Climate-Smart Agriculture;
• Provides policy and technical support to the implementation of FAO field programme on the promotion of agricultural innovation and adaptation of innovative practices and technologies through formulation and implementation of national and regional projects;
• Supports and advises Members in reinforcing the enabling environment for sustainable plant production, development of policies, strategies, standards and institutional setup, with due consideration to aspects of gender equality and specifics of small-scale farming in the context of inclusive agrifood systems and rural transformation;
• Provides support to governments on developing national and institutional capacities on sustainable plant production, agricultural innovation and climate resilient practices;
• Strengthens partnerships with FAO stakeholders (national ministries, international and regional organizations and research centres, academia, universities, public and private entities, civil society organizations, etc.), organizes regional events and policy dialogues, develops and manages regional knowledge exchange networks, platforms and joint programmes on plant production and agricultural innovation;
• Designs and conducts periodic reviews and appraisals of plant production in the region, supports countries in defining the priorities, develops and contributes to the corporate and regional initiatives, flagship documents and programming frameworks;
• Develops studies, methodologies, tools and approaches covering diverse aspects of sustainable plant production in the region, to generate evidence, inform policies, develop capacities and facilitate uptake and scale up;
• Acts as a focal point for the coordination with FAO headquarters and other offices on plant production-related issues and ensures that regional priorities are well reflected in corporate initiatives;
• Performs other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in agriculture, plant production, plant sciences or related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in plant protection or pesticide management in the field, preferably including experience on main crops of the region.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in agronomy and plant sciences, including innovative approaches to sustainable agricultural production.
• Extent and relevance of experience in working in multidisciplinary teams and formulation, implementation and reporting on projects, programmes and studies.
• Extent of experience in providing policy advice at the local, national and regional levels.
• Extent of knowledge in international instruments related to sustainable plant production.
• Ability to organize and conduct technical meetings, conferences and workshops and manage technical networks.
• Extent of knowledge of cooperation with international organizations and national governments.
• Experience in private sector is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Arabic and/or French is considered an asset.
FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection
FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help, or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENTPOSTULER