Technical Specialist (Bioeconomy)

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• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
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Organizational Setting

The FAO Regional office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) supports member countries in the development of knowledge products, capacity development and implementation of programmes and projects for agrifood system transformation. RAP works with the governments, country stakeholders, institutions and partners to help achieve food security and nutrition and make agricultural sectors more sustainable and productive, reduce rural poverty, make food value chains more efficient and inclusive, and promote climate change adaptation and/or mitigation. RAP’s Forestry and Biodiversity Team supports advancing bioeconomy in food and agriculture, which is a key FAO Programme Priority Area (PPA) under Better Environment in FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31. This PPA aims to promote formulation and implementation of integrated evidence-based policies and practices using technological, organizational, and social innovations. The Asia-Pacific region is advancing efforts to shape a common regional vision and more targeted actions in line with the PPA priorities during 2024-25 viz. (i) consolidating FAO’s role as a leading convening body (ii) empowering country offices to sustain the impact and scale up bioeconomy on the ground, and (iii) improving the knowledge base, reporting and consolidation of lessons learned. It contributes to the regional priority 2 (RP.2 - Sustainable NRM, Biodiversity and Climate Action). The Technical Specialist will support advancing the bioeconomy work in the Asia-Pacific region.

This position will be based in the RAP, office in Bangkok.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Specialist will report to the Forestry Officer, who is the Focal Point of the Programme Priority Area (PPA) on bioeconomy in FAO RAP.

Technical Focus

The Technical Specialist will assist with technologies and technical inputs for (i) shaping a platform for channelling ideas and investments with a common vision on bioeconomy in the region, (ii) coordinating the planned efforts within and outside the FAO and (iii) mobilizing resources to advance the regional and national priorities on the thematic areas of the PPA on bioeconomy.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Budget Holder and direct supervision of the Focal Point of the PPA on bioeconomy in FAO RAP, the Technical Specialist will perform the tasks below.
• Assist with technologies and technical inputs to prepare a stock taking report with innovations relevant to the PPA on bioeconomy for shaping a platform for channelling ideas and investments with a more joint and common vision in the region.
• Assist in organizing bioeconomy-related events.
• Provide inputs for strengthening normative work on bioeconomy.
• Lead in shaping projects and programmes to advance the bioeconomy work in the region.
• Assist in mobilizing resources for the regional bioeconomy work.
• Lead coordination of the regional bioeconomy network.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in social or biological sciences or engineering or related fields or a first level degree with 2 years of relevant l experience may be considered as equivalent,
• At least 1 year of experience on bioeconomy and/or natural resources management for category C, 5 years for category B, 10 years for COF category A and 10 years for PSA category A in bioeconomy and/or natural resources management.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

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.

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