Agricultural Officer Plant Production and Protection

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Description

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• 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 Member Nations 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, increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.

• Leads all plant production and protection (including pest control) activities in FAO Yemen as a technical focal point.
• Provides technical support/analysis to various assessments, studies and initiatives and provides technical backstopping to FAO Yemen projects.
• Identifies opportunities for upgrading value chains, in local and distant or high-value markets and strategies to exploit those opportunities.
• Identifies areas of improvement for better production and productivity to increase the competitiveness of small producers and small-scale agro-food enterprises engaged in the value chain and Farmer Field Schools.
• Enhances plant production and productivity through the adoption of improved farming techniques, technologies, and practices and promotes climate-smart agriculture.
• Develops and implements strategies to protect crops from pests, diseases, and environmental factors.
• Provides technical support and guidance to farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
• Collects data and analyzes information related to plant production and protection.
• Collaborates with relevant agencies and organizations to promote sustainable agriculture and ensure compliance with national and international standards.
• Conducts assessments of agricultural systems, identifies challenges and develops strategies to improve plant production and protection.
• Provides technical advice and support to farmers in selecting appropriate crop varieties, planning cropping systems and implementing pest and disease management practices.
• Develops and delivers training programs, workshops and extension materials to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills in plant production and protection.
• Monitors and evaluates the implementation of agricultural projects and programs related to plant production and protection.
• Collaborates with research institutions, ministry of agriculture, and other stakeholders to promote research and innovation in plant production and protection.
• Prepares reports, technical documents and presentations on plant production and protection activities, outcomes and recommendations.
• Collaborates with government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and international organizations to ensure compliance with regulations, standards and policies related to plant production and protection.

• Advanced university degree in plant production, agronomy, plant science, crop improvement, plant protection, agriculture, crop protection, plant sciences or related field.
• Seven years of relevant experience in crop protection or pesticide management in the field, preferably including experience with the main crops of the region in fields such as plant production, agronomy, plant science, srop omprovement, plant protection, agriculture, crop protection, plant sciences, or related areas. 
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
• Ability to analyse plant production and protection issues from a social and environmental point of view.
• Extent and relevance of experience in developing training tools and information materials.
• Ability to deliver training and pass knowledge to rural population and targeted authorities (Farmer Field Schools and integrated pest management, for example).
• Familiarity with the local context.

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