Organizational Setting
FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
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 in order to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.
The post is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, within the Secretariat of the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) n the Office of the Director, Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP).
Reporting Lines
The Agricultural Officer reports to the Coordinator of the OCOP Secretariat and Technical Adviser in NSP.
Technical Focus
Implementation and coordination of programmes of work for the project GCP /INT/1110/CPR Promotion of One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative through the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme (SSC).
Key Results
Collection and analysis of information, data and statistics and support to programme projects, products and services.
Key Functions
• Collects and analyses relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and/or statistics to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services.
• Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits/revises technical/scientific documents.
• Participates in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems.
• Updates databases and web pages.
• Participates on multi-disciplinary project/work teams.
• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars etc.
• Participates in the organization, conduct and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.
Specific Functions
• Participates in the inception workshop of the OCOP project and follow-up meetings with the project countries.
• Supports the establishment of Technical Working Group and relevant network for OCOP through FAO-China SSC.
• Facilitates project countries in implementing the OCOP by identifying the needs for technical support, facilitates implementation of Letters of Agreement (LoAs) and/or related contracts, and reportss implementation progress.
• Participates in the capacity development activities at global and country levels in collaborations with the technical partners and supports identification and application of innovation for Special Agricultural Products (SAP) production, processing, storage and marketing to address key challenges and obstacles of SAP development.
• Assists the implementing partners, SSC experts, national consultants, and value chain specialists to conduct value chain analyses of selected SAP and develops reports in the project countries.
• Promotes the work of the OCOP through building partnerships and formulating proposals and enhancing resource mobilization with international, regional and national organizations, as well as the private sector and research institutes, as appropriate.
• Supports the project countries in establishing National Task Forces and conducting the OCOP national meetings and workshops.
• Facilitates OCOP meetings, webinars and workshops, and represents the Organization in internal and external meetings and related events.
• Provides technical support in the production of communication and advocacy materials, updating OCOP database and OCOP global website contents, and carrying out outreach activities.
• Undertakes field missions as and when required.
• Organizes the mid-term workshop of the project to review the project results and to discuss the way forward.
• Consolidates and finalizes the mid-term report of the project.
• Carries out any other activity relevant to the implementation of the project.
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in crop science, agronomy, agricultural sciences, plant production, plant protection, plant sciences, sustainable agriculture, or other related fields.
• Three years of relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: agricultural sciences, plant production and protection, plant sciences, sustainable agriculture, or other related fields.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - 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
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in collecting and analysing technical information and data.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in related fields such as agricultural sciences, plant production and protection, plant sciences, sustainable agriculture.
• Good knowledge of the coordination and implementation of FAO One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation, editing and revision of technical/scientific documents and in organizing meetings and workshops.
• Extent and relevance of experience in developing training tools and information materials.
• Extent and relevance of experience in corporate policy and procedures for financial, travel, human resources is desirable.