Agricultural Officer (International Plant Protection Convention)

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
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.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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 to increase production in a sustainable manner to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.

The position is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), an international treaty on plant health to which 185 contracting parties currently adhere. It aims to protect cultivated and wild plants by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests. Achieving this aim has significant global benefits for enhanced food security, trade facilitation and the environment. The Secretariat of the IPPC is part of FAO. As laid out in the IPPC text, contracting parties agree to cooperate in the development and implementation of international standards, which are adopted by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM).

Reporting Lines
The Agricultural Officer (International Plant Protection Convention) reports to the Secretary of the IPPC.

Technical Focus

The Agricultural Officer (International Plant Protection Convention) should have a solid overview of global, regional and national phytosanitary systems as well as phytosanitary development issues. The Agricultural Officer (International Plant Protection Convention) will provide leadership to support and maintain a high functioning and integrated IPPC Secretariat. He/she will also be responsible for providing all necessary support to the Secretary's office for governance and communication activities, as well as providing guidance to the Secretary on maintaining and developing strategic partnerships in line with both IPPC and FAO strategic objectives, as well as the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

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

Specific Functions

• Supports the IPPC Secretary to lead the overall governance of the IPPC, including facilitating governing bodies' meetings.
• Leads and provides strategic direction related to IPPC knowledge management, communication and advocacy programmes and partnerships.
• Represents IPPC in international fora on phytosanitary issues.
• Oversees and facilitates activities in the IPPC Secretariat focused on maintaining a highly integrated and flexible workforce in line with guidance and priorities set by the CPM (Commission on Phytosanitary Measures) in support of Contracting Parties for the effective implementation of the Convention's International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs).
• Develops targeted advocacy, outreach and communication strategies and activities of the Secretariat to promote the mandate, role and activities of IPPC with relevant stakeholders, including through social media, in close coordination with the FAO Communication team.
• Supports the identification and improvement of strategic partnerships with sister agencies and other actors, including the private sector, to increase the impact of IPPC's work, and contributes to maintaining a close liaison function with the IPPC Community.
• Coordinates the organization of IPPC events and conferences (e.g. International Day of Plant Health) to increase IPPC's outreach and impact.
• Coordinates with national, regional and international organizations and promotes active cooperation in support of the IPPC mission and work programs.
• Leads and contributes technically to the implementation of FAO's and IPPC's Strategic Framework.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture/agronomy or related biological science with emphasis on soil management, soil health or ecology.
• Seven years of relevant experience in international ophytosanitary matters with public or private sector institutions and/or international organizations.
• 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.
• Relevance of experience in facilitating governance of an international convention and, support for leading the organization of meetings, governing bodies and technical bodies.
• Relevance of experience in phytosanitary programmes at national, regional and/or global levels.
• Depth of knowledge of the IPPC and other international treaties regarding phytosanitary matters and trade in plants and plant products.

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FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

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• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

• 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
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http\://www.whed.net/
• 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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