Agricultural Officer (Plant Protection)

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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 Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It oversees the network of Country Offices (COs) and the Subregional Office for Central Asia. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region, and, in collaboration with Divisions, Offices and Centres at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities and the implementation of the Organization's strategies through programmes and projects across the region.

The Regional Office (REU) supports the formulation and implementation of the Country Programmes and Projects, including Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs), and their contribution to the FAO Strategic Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) at the country level, advising Decentralized Offices on corporate priorities such as the Strategic Framework and on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget.

The Regional Office (REU) leads, formulates, implements, monitors and reports on the Organization's programmes and budget in the region and draws management attention to problems, deficiencies and risks.

The Regional Office (REU) leads the preparation of the Regional Conferences and the Statutory Bodies in the region.

The Regional Office (REU) develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions, including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs), and participates in the United Nations Regional Architecture, such as UN Regional Forums on Sustainable Development and UN Regional Collaborative Platforms and related mechanisms.

The Regional Office (REU) delivers an improved, integrated and collaborative business model to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, consistency, innovation, agility and responsiveness in logistical, operational, financial and other support services at all levels to accelerate the achievement of the Organization's programme in the region and ensure compliance with the Internal Control Framework.

The position is located in the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) in Budapest, Hungary.

Reporting Lines

The Agricultural Officer (Plant Protection)reports to the Regional Programme Leader.

Technical Focus

Technical and policy advice on agrifood system transformation from the perspective of plant production and protection management, with a focus on enhancing environmental and natural resource sustainability in agriculture to strengthen the agricultural sector's resilience.

Key Results

Comprehensive technical, statistical, analytical and/or policy analysis services and the development of specialized tools, methodologies, systems and/or databases to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programme of work and related products, projects, publications and services.

Key Functions

• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams; leads and/or participates in internal 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, analytical, monitoring and 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 approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist/advice and expertise.

• Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance; provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and 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 and increased policy dialogue; provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.

• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Specific Functions

• Provides technical and policy support to Regional Office strategic areas\: green agriculture, science and innovation, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability for climate-resilient, sustainable agrifood systems as well as bioeconomy for food and agriculture.

• Provides technical and policy support to Members, Decentralized Offices, and field projects on sustainable crop production and protection, seed systems, climate-smart agriculture, green technologies, and innovation.

• Responds to country requests, develops solutions, and strengthens institutional and human capacities in pest and disease management in a changing climate, including compliance with international agreements.

• Initiates the identification, formulation, and management of projects and programmes on crop production, plant health, and climate-resilient agriculture, including access to and monitoring environmental agriculture funds.

• Enhances plant production and productivity through improved techniques, technologies, and practices; promotes Farmer Field Schools and capacity development for farmers and extension workers.

• Develops training materials, implements capacity-building programmes, and engages in policy dialogues to advocate comprehensive agricultural sustainability and plant health strategies.

• Strengthens REU crop production and protection databases, climate services, and related tools for Members and FAO Country Offices (COs).

• Builds and maintains partnerships with UN agencies, academia, and the private sector; promotes international and regional cooperation, best practices, and increased policy dialogue in relevant forums.

• Leads the formulation, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the Regional Priority Program on Natural Resources (RPP-NR) workplan as well as the other RPPs in collaboration with COs, Subregional Office for Central Asia (SEC), and HQ, ensuring alignment with corporate requirements and facilitating PPA implementation.

• 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) inagriculture - crop protection, plant sciences or related field

• Seven years of relevant experience insustainable agriculture, environmental and natural resources management, crop protection or pesticide management in the field preferably including experience on main crops of the region

• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO 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.

• Extent and relevance of field experience in plant production and protection and environmental sustainability in agriculture.

• Extent and relevance of experience in project/programme formulation and implementation of projects, programmes and studies in the field of plant protection.

• Extent and relevance of experience in providing policy advice at local, national, and regional levels.

• Extent and relevance of knowledge in the implementation of international instruments related to plant production and protection.

• Ability to organize and conduct technical meetings, conferences and workshops.

• Extent and relevance of knowledge and understanding of the work of international organizations and national governments.

• Ability to mobilize resources.

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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/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• 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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