Agricultural Officer (Rotterdam Convention Specialist)

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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

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• 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.

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 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 in order 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 Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (NSPRD), which operates as one of the six teams in NSP. The Team provides technical advice and guidance to Parties of the Rotterdam Convention in support of its implementation, and services the meetings of the Conference of Parties and associated subsidiary bodies. The Secretariat of the Rotterdam Convention is provided jointly with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Geneva and works in synergy with the Basel and Stockholm Convention Secretariat. The incumbent works in close cooperation with staff in Geneva, FAO headquarters and Decentralized Offices.

Reporting Lines
The Agricultural Officer (Rotterdam Convention Specialist) reports to the Senior Technical Officer/Team Leader, NSPRD.

Technical Focus
Development and implementation of policies, strategies and a programme of work and budget for the Rotterdam Convention, with a particular focus on the sound management of pesticides.

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

Specific Functions
• Plans and monitors the implementation of the Programme of Work and Budget of the Rotterdam Convention and prepares relevant reports.
• Provides technical support to Parties to the Rotterdam Convention.
• Maintains technical networks and close cooperation with relevant organizations to ensure the Secretariat’s involvement in international developments related to the sound management of pesticides, chemicals and waste.
• Supports the Team Leader in the management of programmes, people and budget, including serving as budget holder for the Rotterdam Convention Project Trust Fund, as required.
• Supervises and coordinates work related to all subsidiary bodies of the Rotterdam Convention.
• Supports the organization of the sessions of the Conference of Parties in close cooperation with UNEP colleagues from the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Convention Secretariat in Geneva.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in agriculture or related natural sciences with emphasis on one of the following: environmental chemistry, pesticide chemistry, environmental technology, and environmental management.
• Seven years of relevant experience in the field of international pesticide and chemical management including in developing countries.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – 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.
• Extent and relevance of organizing the meetings of intergovernmental organizations and their subsidiary bodies.
• Experience with multilateral environmental agreements, instruments and mechanisms relevant to pesticides and chemicals management and their subsidiary bodies, including their negotiations.
• Work experience with international bodies related to pesticides, such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and others.
• Experience in designing projects, programmes, technical documents and reports related to pesticide management.
• Extent and relevance of experience in managing budgets.
• Experience in knowledge management and information dissemination.