Plant Breeding and Seed Production Consultant

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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 person 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

Organizational Setting

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.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

The incumbent will provide support to the FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Reporting Lines

Plant Breeding and Seed Production Consultant will work under the overall supervision the Lead Technical Officer

Technical Focus

Technically contribute to the preparation of the fully-fledged UTF project document on plant breeding and seed production

Tasks and responsibilities

The consultant will work closely with the FAO-Kazakhstan Partnership Programme (FKPP) UTF team that tentatively includes:
• The FAO Lead Technical Officer, providing technical guidance and overall oversight
• The FAO HQ Technical Officer, providing technical oversight
• The International Consultant on UTF project development ensuring overall coordination of the UTF drafting process
• The FKPP Senior Support Sectoral Expert, providing advice pertaining to technical content and partnerships
• The National consultant on plant breeding and seed production, providing technical support and write up
• The National Economist, supporting the development of the UTF project document
• The National Senior Agri-food policy expert, responsible for analyzing the state of agriculture and agri-food policies

Duties and Responsibilities:
• In close collaboration with concerned international and national technical specialists, national authorities, and the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan (MoA) contribute technically to the development of the fully-fledged UTF project document focusing on the development of plant breeding and seed production.
• Engage key stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, agricultural organizations, and other relevant parties, in technical dialogue to gather expert insights and ensure the project aligns with national priorities and needs.
• Based on stakeholder meetings, update, deliver, and present analytical materials, explanatory notes, and other pivotal documents related to plant breeding and seed production in dialogue with the MoA.
• Coordinate with the Lead Technical Officer and the Plant Production and Protection (NSP) division of FAO HQs in Rome for technical support and guidance in the development of the project document on plant breeding and seed production.
• Assist the FAO Kazakhstan office in leading and guiding discussions with national stakeholders about the seed production and crop breeding system in the country.
• Design and execute at least one 6 days long mission to Kazakhstan with the support of the project team, meet with relevant stakeholders and collect the necessary information. The mission should be done jointly with the IC on UTF project development.
• Ensure a smooth transition for new technical team members and develop an assignment report with all results of the completed work;
• Engage in any other pertinent tasks or assignments that emerge as the project progresses.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture/ agronomy/ plant breeding, or other closely related discipline;
• Proven 10 years of relevant work experience in plant breeding and seed production, and related fields;
• Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core 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
• Good knowledge of the MS Office applications, Internet and office technology equipment
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with international and national experts and stakeholders;
• Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills;•

Selection Criteria

• Limited knowledge of one of the official UN languages (Russian, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese) is an asset.

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

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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