Senior Technical Officer (Conservation & Sustainable Use Of PGRFA – Farmers’ Rights)

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The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments

• 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.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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.

FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) performs the tasks established under the Treaty, and arranges for and provides administrative support for sessions of the Treaty's Governing Body and for any subsidiary bodies, as may be established, and assists the Governing Body in carrying out its functions, including the performance of specific tasks that the Governing Body may decide to assign to it.
The Senior Technical Officer leads a team or supports other teams within the Secretariat to provide advice, technical support and guidance to the Secretary on the implementation of the International Treaty related, in particular, to the conservation and sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) and Farmers' Rights.

The position is located in the Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment (OCB) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Technical Officer (Conservation and Sustainable Use of PGRFA - Farmers' Rights) reports to the Secretary (ITPGRFA), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), OCB.

Technical Focus
Support the Secretary (ITPGRFA) in the implementation of the International Treaty and the work of its Governing Body and intersessional bodies, especially to enhance the functioning of the Treaty's mechanisms, programmes and strategies related to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, Farmers' Rights and capacity development, in cooperation with other organizations, funds and treaty bodies. Support the Secretary (ITPGRFA) in coordinating and implementing programmes of work on capacity development.

Key Results

Leadership and technical expertise for the planning, development and implementation of programmes of work, projects, related products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of technical issues of assigned programmes/projects; directs the review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
• Coordinates programmes and reviews the assessment of issues and trends for the implementation of programmes and projects, as well as the preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies.
• Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports, as well as studies, and inputs to publications.
• Directs substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences, to include the proposition of agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops and seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties.
• Provides advice to develop policies and strategies, as well as national protocols and guidelines for projects with specific domains related to FAO's work.

Specific Functions

• Provides technical leadership for and overall coordination of the implementation of the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA and the work of the relevant subsidiary body of the Governing Body of the International Treaty.
• Provides technical leadership to support negotiations amongst Contracting Parties to enhance the implementation of Farmers' Rights and the work of the relevant subsidiary body of the Governing Body of the International Treaty.
• Leads and/or coordinates teams to improve the implementation of the Treaty and the development of technical products and documents on the Conservation and Sustainable Use, Farmers' Rights and Capacity Development including the preparation of all the documents for the Governing Body of the Treaty and relevant subsidiary bodies and processes.
• Supports the Secretary in establishing, promoting and maintaining relationships with relevant FAO Technical Units and Decentralized Offices in order to enhance the Organization's policies, plans and strategies related to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, and Farmers' Rights and to ensure synergies between policy and operational work in support of the Contracting Parties.
• Maintains a broad, strategic overview of international developments related to conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, sustainable agriculture and food security, and Farmers' Rights, and supports the Secretary (ITPGRFA) in elevating the profile and leadership of the International Treaty, including further efforts to strengthen the International Treaty as a leading forum for biodiversity policy and multilateral cooperation in these areas.
• Supports programmes and processes on partnership and membership for the International Treaty.
• Conducts, designs and oversees research and analysis on technical reports, publications and/or on-going programme on conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA.
• Supports the Secretary (ITPGRFA) and/or participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.
• Represents the Secretary (ITPGRFA) at conferences, official functions and other occasions as may be decided by the Secretary.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in agronomy, biological sciences with specialization in plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Doctoral degree in those fields would be an asset.
• Ten years of relevant experience at international level in supporting development and implementation of policies and technical programmes for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Leading, Engaging and Empowering
• Communication
• Partnering and Advocating
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.
• Extent and relevance of experience in facilitating intergovernmental negotiations for the development and implementation of international policies on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture;
• Extent and relevance of experience in leading or supporting the development and operation of global strategies and programmes on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture;
• Extent and relevance of experience in leading and participating in multidisciplinary teams to develop science-based/technical analysis to improve the implementation of the Treaty and the functioning of its mechanisms;
• Extent of experience in developing, or participating in, cooperation programmes with the international institutions relevant to the International Treaty, such as the Convention on Biological' Diversity (CBD), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), the Global Crop Diversity Trust (GCDT), the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA), and other international mechanisms, funds and bodies;
• Demonstrated capacity to prepare documentation for intergovernmental bodies and processes in English;
• Extent of experience in the provision of technical support and policy advice to countries and relevant stakeholders on Treaty implementation is considered an asset;
• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of French or Spanish, is desirable.

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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
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GENERAL INFORMATION

• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment

• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds

• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
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CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp
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

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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;
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided on your online profile;
• 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/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• 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 create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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