International Expert on Geographical Indication

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• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations, and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
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• All selected candidates, therefore, will 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

Organizational Setting

The Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025) facilitates, coordinates and manages all technical and advisory services to be provided by FAO to the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MoEWA). The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the first project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship sustainable rural agricultural development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee Arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods.

An overall plan and budget is developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. Requirements for international technical expertise of each component have been identified. In order to ensure a coordinated, smooth, timely and successful implementation of the project, long-term competent international technical advisors will be appointed as Component Managers to each of the nine components. Each Component Manager will be supported by a team of international consultants and experts who are technical specialists in the subject matters of the various outputs and activities.

FAO-Saudi Arabia is seeking for the Geographical Indications (GI) consultants with relevant expertise in the Code of Practices “CoP”, registration, quality and controls system and legal aspect, marketing and branding strategies and capacity building of Geographical Indications.

Reporting Lines

The Geographical Indication consultants report to the Programme Director in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the overall guidance of the Assistant Director- General/Regional Representative, RNE.

Technical Focus

Capacity development and knowledge management expertise to explore and establish Geographical Indications system for agricultural products in Saudi Arabia.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Geographical Indication consultants in coordination with the respective Technical Advisers and National project officers will:

• Undertake comprehensive situation analysis for establishing GI pilot Saudi agri-products (Coffee Arabica, Roses, Honey, Pomegranate, Saudi dates, Olive Oil) including validation of stakeholders’ list and engagement strategy
• Collect all relevant GI related data and information (potential products candidates for GI in Saudi Arabia, origin, special attributes, quality, possible applicants, institutional capacity and stakeholders), establish GI inventory and develop road map to establish pilot GI for specified products.
• Analyse and identify the origin-linked characteristics (related to natural resources, traditional practices and know-how) of the target agri-products, and assess their potential for internal, regional, and international markets.
• Undertake GI benchmarking analysis for the target agri-products to draw best international practices and elicit lessons learned for establishing GI for Saudi target agri-products.
• Based on the review above, and in line with Agreement on TRIPS Agreement in 1994, and other requirements of the established international agreements and protocols, prepare full document for each pilot agri-products to be considered for GI.
• Facilitate creation or nomination of GI producers’ associations for each target agri-products, and provide technical support for the establishment of a national GI inter- agencies working group on GI development for the coordination of actions and integration of GI as part of relevant national strategies under Saudi Vision 2030.
• Organize GI awareness/consultation workshops (producers, non-government, public and private sectors) in Riyadh and relevant locations and familiarise stakeholders with relevant GI procedures.
• Assist with the review and development of GI national legal framework and procedures (in liaison with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property - SAIP), and facilitate registration of pilot agri products GI nationally and prepare roadmap to register Saudi GI internationally.
• Strengthen Saudi capacity in drawing and compliance of Code of Practices (CoP) including characteristics of the production zone, the production process, quality of the products, and identify tools to protect these characteristics that allow the specific quality to be achieved.
• Strengthen organizational capacity of the public sector/administrations in charge of GI registration and control and preparation of national GI control scheme.
• Strengthen human and institutional capacity on GI internal control (within the association) and certification and external controls in compliance with ISO 17065 (Public control and/or private certification).
• Assist in preparation of marketing strategies for the pilot GI products including development of effective branding strategies, creation of a national GI label for Saudi Arabia, and organization of market linkages with the potential buyers (national, regional and international).
• Develop communication and visibility materials for the promotion of the national GI system, National GI label and GI products participation to national, regional and international fairs, promotion of local GI fair and festivals, and support promotion of GI products and rural/agro-tourism activities.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agronomy, agricultural economics, agribusiness, agricultural marketing, law, agricultural policy, intellectual property, or any other related field.
• Ten years of relevant work experience in Geographical Indications including at international level.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for Consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location and particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of experience in rural agriculture development and Geographical Indication
• Familiarity with project management skills including familiarity with development of results frameworks, project work planning and budgeting.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions.
• Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.
• Proficiency in English is essential and familiarity with Arabic is an asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency