Organizational Setting

The main objective of FAO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), under the leadership of the FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist the Government in developing and implementing policies, programmes and projects to reduce hunger and malnutrition, ensure food security, develop agriculture, fisheries and forestry, as well as the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment.
To achieve this, the FAO Representation in the DRC adopted a Country Programming Framework in December 2019, which sets out the priorities in line with the Government’s national and sectoral policies, the strategic axes of the FAO intervention in the country, the resources to be mobilized and the framework for cooperation with other partners present in the DRC. As part of the implementation of the country programming framework, FAO is committed to supporting the country in developing and promoting value chains (Plant, Animal, Fisheries) (priority area 2) and the resilience of people’s livelihoods in the face of food and nutrition insecurity (priority area 4).
To meet these two activities, there is a permanent need for seeds, which ultimately represents a major challenge in the implementation of many projects. The Agricultural Officer (Seed Production and Distribution Expert) shall reinforce national capacities and provide a sustainable solution in the field of seed production and distribution.

Reporting Lines
The Agricultural Officer (Seed Production and Distribution Expert) reports to the FAOR in DRC.

Technical Focus
Seed policy and legislation; seed production; agro-economist.

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 country 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
•    Supports and facilitates the elaboration of policies, legal frameworks and strategies for the development of sustainable seed chains in the DRC.
•    Contributes to the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of projects and programmes with seed multiplication components.
•    Supports capacity building in the seed sector in cooperation with national and international research centers, extension services, producer organizations (POs), the private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and communities.
•    Supports coordination between the Government, FAO, research centers, the private sector, POs and NGOs and financial partners on the seed sector in the DRC.
•    Supports advocacy for the contribution of seeds to livelihoods, nutrition and adaptation to climate change.
•    Supports activities concerning the seed sector in FAO’s DRC work plan, including reporting on achievement indicators.
•    Provides technical support to the FAO Representation in the acquisition and distribution of seeds and other plant inputs.
•    Designs capacity-building activities for the various partners at the different sites, to ensure better management and use of the seeds distributed.
•    Provides technical and organizational support to the FAO DRC plant production and protection group.
•    Strengthens the capacities and techniques of agri-multipliers recognized by the ministries.
•    Implements other tasks assigned by the FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
•    Advanced university degree in agronomy (plant biology, variety selection, plant production and other related disciplines).
•    Seven years of relevant experience in seed production, seed policy development or agronomic research.
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of French and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of English.

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.
•    Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet tight deadlines.
•    Ability to prioritize tasks.
•    Excellent writing and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and colleagues.
•    Ability to work as part of a team, sharing information and coordinating efforts within the team.
•    Ability to quickly analyse issues at both micro and macro levels.
•    Good analytical skills, ability to work under pressure.
•    Proven experience in seed sector development.
•    Demonstrated ability to analyse problems, make appropriate recommendations and take effective decisions, including in development or emergency situations.
•    Proven experience in capacity building of stakeholders involved in seed production and distribution.
•    Knowledge of major challenges facing the country’s seed sector.
•    Excellent writing skills.
•    Ability to carry out instructions with humility.
•    Previous work experience in the field of more than 5 years.
•    Knowledge of the United Nations system.
•    Professional experience in an international organization would be an asset.
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English is highly desirable.

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