Agricultural Officer

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 position is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), an international treaty on plant health to which 185 contracting parties currently adhere. It aims to protect cultivated and wild plants by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests. Achieving this aim has significant global benefits for enhanced food security, trade facilitation and the environment. The Secretariat of the IPPC is part of FAO. As laid out in the IPPC text, contracting parties agree to cooperate in the development and implementation of international standards, which are adopted by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM).

Reporting Lines

The Agricultural Officer (International Plant Protection Convention) reports to the Secretary of the IPPC.

Technical Focus

• The Agricultural Officer (International Plant Protection Convention) should have a solid overview of global, regional and national phytosanitary systems as well as phytosanitary development issues. The Agricultural Officer (International Plant Protection Convention) will provide leadership to support and maintain a high functioning and integrated IPPC Secretariat. He/she will also be responsible for providing all necessary support to the Secretary’s office for governance and communication activities, as well as providing guidance to the Secretary on maintaining and developing strategic partnerships in line with both IPPC and FAO strategic objectives, as well as the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

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 Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

Supports the IPPC Secretary to lead the overall governance of the IPPC, including facilitating governing bodies’ meetings.

Leads and provides strategic direction related to IPPC knowledge management, communication and advocacy programmes and partnerships.

Represents IPPC in international fora on phytosanitary issues.

Oversees and facilitates activities in the IPPC Secretariat focused on maintaining a highly integrated and flexible workforce in line with guidance and priorities set by the CPM (Commission on Phytosanitary Measures) in support of Contracting Parties for the effective implementation of the Convention’s International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs).

Develops targeted advocacy, outreach and communication strategies and activities of the Secretariat to promote the mandate, role and activities of IPPC with relevant stakeholders, including through social media, in close coordination with the FAO Communication team.

Supports the identification and improvement of strategic partnerships with sister agencies and other actors, including the private sector, to increase the impact of IPPC’s work, and contributes to maintaining a close liaison function with the IPPC Community.

Coordinates the organization of IPPC events and conferences (e.g. International Day of Plant Health) to increase IPPC’s outreach and impact.

Coordinates with national, regional and international organizations and promotes active cooperation in support of the IPPC mission and work programs.

Leads and contributes technically to the implementation of FAO’s and IPPC’s Strategic Framework.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture/agronomy or related biological science with emphasis on soil management, soil health or ecology.
• Seven years of relevant experience in international ophytosanitary matters with public or private sector institutions and/or international organizations.
• 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).

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2403519