Agricultural Officer (Rotterdam Convention Secretariat)

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 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 Secretariat) reports to the Senior Technical Officer/Team Leader, NSPRD.

Technical Focus

Provide technical, programmatic, and operational support to ensure the effective implementation of the Rotterdam Convention, including coordination of activities led by its Secretariat.

Key Results

Collection and analysis of information, data and statistics and support to programme projects, products and services.

Key Functions

• Collects and analyses relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and/or statistics to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services.

• Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits/revises technical/scientific documents.

• Participates in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems.

• Updates databases and web pages.

• Participates in multidisciplinary project/work teams.

• Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars etc.

• Participates in the organization, conduct and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions

• Prepares background information, drafts technical documents for, and assists in the preparation and conduct of all subsidiary body meetings of the Rotterdam Convention.

• Provides assistance with the budget planning and ensuring alignment with programmatic mandates and financial regulations of the Convention.

• Supports the Rotterdam Convention Secretariat in the planning, operation, and follow-up activities, in coordination with the team leader and the budget holder.

• Drafts technical documents for and supports the organization of the sessions of the Conference of Parties in close cooperation with UNEP colleagues of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention Secretariat in Geneva.

• Publishes the semi-annual Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Circular including summaries of notifications and proposals, co-ordinates translation into English, Spanish and French, ensures consistency across language versions.

• Assists FAO Members in the implementation of the Rotterdam Convention.

• Performs other related duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in biological, environmental, natural or related sciences; in business administration or public administration, social science, political science or a related field.

• Three years of relevant experience in supporting implementation of projects relevant to pesticide management and international cooperation

• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - 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 is desirable

• Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation, editing and revision of technical/scientific documents.

• Extent and relevance of organizing meetings of governing and subsidiary bodies.

• Extent and relevance of experience in developing interactive training tools and information materials.

• Experience with multilateral environmental agreements, instruments and mechanisms relevant to pesticides and chemicals management at international level.

• Demonstrated experience and ability to prepare clear, concise technical documents and reports in English

• Knowledge and experience in the application of new digital tools in programmes and communication.