Agricultural Research Officer

• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply for this position
• FAO does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization.

The post is located in the Research and Extension Unit (OINR). The Unit supports countries in assessing and transforming their agricultural innovation systems (AIS), national agricultural research systems and agricultural extension and advisory services to meet the current and future challenges. The activities of the Unit include development of tools, methods and guidelines for assessment of national research, extension and advisory systems, policy advice, capacity development, organizing expert consultations on emerging issues, conduct of technical studies, sharing of technologies and practices, and by providing technical support for preparation and implementation of projects/programmes. The Unit also serves as the FAO’s technical focal point for global fora, institutions/organizations of research and extension and provides the secretariat for Tropical Agriculture Platform.

The Agricultural Research Officer reports to the Senior Agricultural Officer, Head, Research and Extension Unit, OINR and works in close collaboration with technical staff working in the Unit.

Agricultural Research and Innovation Systems, Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services, Organizational Development, Research and Development Linkages.

Technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of Departmental programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with FAO’s Strategic Objectives.

• Plans and leads components of multi-disciplinary teams, leads and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-Departmental committees, project teams, and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy 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-sector 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 Member Country requests for technical and/or 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 member countries such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools.

• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.

• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate strategy.

• Develops concepts, methodologies, guidelines and indicators for assessment of Agriculture Innovation Systems (AIS) and for identifying gaps, prioritizing opportunities and strengthening capacities of National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS);

• Advises Members on policy formulation for the establishment, development and management of effective, efficient Agricultural Innovation Systems to promote the adoption of technologies and practices that increase and improve the provision of goods and services in a sustainable manner;

• Promotes and supports the design of policies and strategies for developing national, regional and international capacities for integrated agricultural research for development;

• Provides technical advice to Members on policy formulation, strategic planning, institutional set-up and profiling for organizational development of National Agricultural Research Systems;

• Leads and provides technical support to Members for generation, assessment and adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to facilitate the transition towards more sustainable agricultural and food systems;

• Contributes to the strengthening of partnerships with the CGIAR Research Centers, science and technology organizations, UN system and other regional and international research organizations and fora, as well as relevant governmental and non-governmental research and innovation organizations;

• Participates in resource mobilization and liaise with technical organizations, national agricultural research systems, networks and initiatives to improve agricultural innovation systems;

• Advise on the identification, formulation and implementation of national, regional and international projects and programmes and provide technical support services to strengthen capacities in agricultural research and innovation;

• Participates in organizing conferences, seminars, workshops and other events on agricultural research and innovation.

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• Advanced university degree in agricultural sciences or related field.

• Seven years of relevant experience in planning, managing, organizing and evaluating agricultural research and agricultural innovation systems and research programmes, particularly in developing countries.

• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable

• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in developing concepts, development of methodologies and guidelines for assessment and strengthening of national agricultural research and innovation systems, organizational development and to promote research and development linkages;

• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in leading formulation of research policy, strategy and development of an integrated national agricultural research for development and innovation systems in developing countries;

• Extent and relevance of experience in designing and provision of lead technical support for developing and implementing programmes and projects related to institutional reform and strengthening institutional and technical capacity of national agricultural research and innovation systems for integrated agricultural research for development;

• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in leading and facilitating multi-stakeholder processes related to agricultural research and capacity development for agricultural innovation systems in developing countries;

• Extent and relevance of experience in providing advice on analysis and interpretation of complex information as the basis for technical and policy advice for governments and inputs to international and inter-governmental meetings.