Agricultural Officer

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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 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.

• 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.

• 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.    

• 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.

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