Program Specialist (Seed Policy & Regulation)

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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 key mission of the FAO Representation in Somalia, which is led by FAO Representative (FAOR), is to assist and support the national government to develop policies, strategies and programme aimed at accelerating the Implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in FAO’s global mandate and Strategic Objectives. More specifically, FAO’s response aims to address national needs and priorities in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, developing agricultural, fishery and forestry sectors, and ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources and respond to recurrent emergencies. The current portfolio of activities of the FAO Representation in Somalia includes a wide scope of technical support interventions ranging from policy support through livestock and crop production, to natural resource management, Nutrition, value chain, food security analysis and water and land information management. FAO is also implementing several emergency, resilience-building, and development interventions, with the support of its five field offices and close to 400 staff in partnership with the Federal and State line ministries.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Somalia, the general supervision of Head of Program and the direct supervision of the Agriculture Sector Coordinator.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide support in the development of the seed sector in Somalia and provide technical backstopping to different programme teams in FAO Somalia. (S)he will also guide and provide technical support to designing and implementation of seed system development interventions as well as providing technical backup to different units/teams in FAO Somalia in the implementation of its mandate.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide guidance in the preparation, implementation and/or assessment of seed programmes and projects.
• Provide technical support to the government in the development of national seed sector policy, regulatory frameworks, protocols, and standards.
• Provide support in institutional capacity building and advise on appropriate institutional arrangements for sustainable seed sector development.
• Support the government in the establishment and operationalization of national seed certification service (variety testing, release, registration, inspection, and quality testing).
• Build the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI) in seed security assessment (SSA), offer support and advice on the formation and operationalization of SSA task force.
• Work closely with stakeholders i.e., government authorities and private sector on issues related to seed sector development.
• Work with MoAI in developing linkage and networks with regional and international agricultural research organizations to facilitate access to improved technologies.
• Support transfer of improved technologies to farmers through various extension tools e.g., farmer demonstrations.
• Support establishment of national seed system database for generation, storage of accurate and comprehensive information and data national planning and decision-making.
• Support periodical seed security assessment to inform development and relief interventions in the seed sector.
• Lead the drafting and supervision of terms of agreement (as a part of Letters of Agreement) to be signed with Government agencies in relation to seed interventions.
• Support the Federal government in the adoption and implementation of regional and international crop variety assessment, seed standards and protocols.
• Formulate and facilitate technical training for various stakeholder participating in project activities covering seed system development, production, quality assurance and crop variety testing and release.
• Lead in developing technical specifications for laboratory equipment and consumables destined for the National seed inspection and quality testing facilities.
• Provide guidance and support towards the establishment of the National Variety Release Protocol and List at federal level.
• Support the Ministry of Agriculture in promoting regional and international linkages, cooperation and increased policy dialogue related to seed sector development i.e., relevant bilateral agreements and conventions.
• Participate in project proposal development and resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate strategy.
• Travel to various states/locations in Somalia to attend meetings, offer technical support and advice in implementation of projects and capacity building of MoAI and other partners.
• Ensure and nurture good working relations and communication between the FAO Somalia and the other stakeholders to ensure maximum synergies to meet the greater objective of assisting the government and peoples of Somalia.
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in seed system, agronomy, plant breeding and genetics, or related fields in crop and plant sciences or other relevant discipline from a reputable institution.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in supporting project management in seed system the field of value chain/market systems analysis and development, food systems analysis and development, systems analysis and development, or other related areas.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian for COF.REG. Working knowledge of English (level C) for PSA.SBS.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in program development, project planning, and forecasting related to seed system.
• Work experience in seed project implementation and management, tracking, and monitoring.
• Work experience in Capacity Development of public or private sector institutions on seed system.
• Familiarity with contractual issues, regulations and policies particularly as applied to the seed system.
• Must possess computer skills MS Word, Excel, Power-point.
• Work experience in plant genetic resources, plant breeding and seed systems,
• Demonstrated ability to work with public or private sector institutions, international organizations and/or civil society in developing country contexts.
• Extent and relevance of experience working in complex conditions and deliver results preferably in the post conflict countries.

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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