Organizational Setting
The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) enables the transition to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable plant production and protection through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices to increase production in a sustainable manner to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.
The post of Agricultural Officer (Sustainable Cropping Systems) is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the Ecosystem Approach to Crop Production Intensification Team (NSPED), one of the six teams in the Division. NSPED's work in particular, is focused on developing, adapting, validating and disseminating agroecological practices, and strengthening of requisite institutional and human capacities, and enables the transition of cropping systems, especially of smallholder farmers (including family farmers), to sustainability and enhanced resilience. The incumbent is part of a Team of subject matter specialists that includes expertise on sustainable agriculture, cropping systems, plant nutrition, soil health, ecosystem services, agrobiodiversity, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. In cooperation with staff within and outside the Division, the incumbent contributes to a programme of work on sustainable crop production systems, with emphasis on the greater incorporation of ecosystem-based approaches.
Reporting Lines
The Agricultural Officer (Sustainable Cropping Systems) reports to the Senior Agricultural Officer/Team Leader, in the Ecosystem Approach to Crop Production Intensification Team (NSPED) of the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP).
Technical Focus
Cropping systems in the context of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31, with foci on integrated and cross-sectoral agroecological and other innovative approaches, in particular the efficient use of resources; conservation, protection and enhancement of natural resources; protection and improvement of rural livelihoods and social wellbeing; enhancement of the resilience of people, communities and ecosystems; and responsible and effective governance mechanisms.
Key Results
Technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Key Functions
• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates in Organization-wide, cross-divisional 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, analysis, assessment, monitoring and/or 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 cross-sectoral approaches, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist/advice and expertise.
• Responds to Members' requests for technical and/or policy assistance; provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices; 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, supports increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.
Specific Functions
• Promotes enhanced transitions to sustainable cropping systems, especially by implementing FAO's framework on agroecology, including through the upscaling of validated practices and fostering of synergies in relevant interdisciplinary communities of practice within the Organization and with external partners.
• Collaborates in developing, validating and disseminating context-specific methodologies, guidelines and standards to enhance the sustainability of diverse cropping systems, including through strengthened institutional and human capacities, and the development and implementation of associated national and regional strategies, programmes and plans.
• Provides appropriate inputs, supports and training to enhance the implementation of relevant international agreements, conventions and platforms including the Convention on Biodiversity; Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES); the Agroecology Coalition; FAO's Family Farming Network and Agroecology Knowledge Hub.
• Liaises with research and development institutions; private sector, and civil society organizations; and academia, and facilitates south-south cooperation, to develop and validate knowledge products that enable the transition, in particular of smallholder farmers, to sustainable crop production systems.
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in agriculture or agronomy with emphasis on one of the following: agroecology, food systems, ecology and/or rural development.
• Seven years of relevant experience in sustainable cropping systems, including agroecology in the context of sustainable agrifood systems, and preferably in developing countries.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of knowledge of sustainability transitions in cropping systems, including through the development and deployment of agroecological practices, among others.
• Extent and relevance of experience in developing and implementing strategies, programmes or projects to enhance the sustainability of cropping systems.
• Ability to provide evidence-based technical and policy advice on sustainability of cropping systems, including agroecological approaches/practices, for governments and inputs to international and intergovernmental processes.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
This vacancy is archived.