National Specialist on Geographical Indications (GI)

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• 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 person 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.

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO’s) Representation in Tajikistan, which is headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist the Government of Tajikistan to develop policies, programmes and projects to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind, in line with the Organization’s Strategic Framework and United Nations’ global and Government of Tajikistan’s national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

FAO is implementing the “Strengthening the administrative system to manage and support sustainable geographical indications (TCP/TAJ/3807/C5)” project, which aimed to provide support in reviewing and updating the current legal framework, facilitating the introduction of new geographical indications (GI) definition, strengthening capacities for GIs implementation and management, raising awareness, and mainstreaming the GIs in the RT.

Geographical indications (GIs) are quality signs indicating and guaranteeing the product origin, characteristics, and the link between the characteristics and the geographical area. One of the objectives of GI registration is to provide protection of the product, which has achieved a specific fame in terms of its local characteristics. GIs have functions such as reflecting the geographical origin, guaranteeing production method and quality which has been shaped through tradition and cultural values, being a marketing tool by distinguishing the products in the market, supporting local production and rural development and contributing to local tourism.

FAO in the scope of this TCPf will assist the National Patent and Information Center under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Agriculture, Committee for Food Security and other relevant national stakeholders under the following directions:

Output 1: Improved administrative capacity to develop and implement new GI legal framework;

Output 2: Capacity development for producer groups, regional authorities (heads of hukumat’s and regional administrations) and MoA to implement new GI legal framework.

Reporting Lines

The National Specialist on Geographical Indications (GI) will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Tajikistan, direct supervision of the REU Policy Officer (LTO (Lead Technical Officer) of the project), technical guidelines and supervision of International Expert on GI and in consultation with relevant national stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The National Specialist on GI will be responsible for supporting implementation of the project “Strengthening the administrative system to manage and support sustainable geographical indications (TCP/TAJ/3807/C5)” by implementing the following tasks:

• Provide daily technical support to the project under:

Output 1: Improved administrative capacity to develop and implement new GI legal framework;

Output 2: Capacity development for producer groups, regional authorities (heads of hukumat’s and regional administrations) and MoA to implement new GI legal framework.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Liaise with the relevant national stakeholders (National Centre for Patent and Information, MEDT, MoA etc.) to support implementation of the project activities;
• Liaise and coordinate of activities with partners, which will be involved in implementation of the project activities;
• Provide technical input to areas supported by the project, facilitate meetings and senior-level policy discussions on GI;
• Support organizing meetings and workshops;
• Provide technical support to the national and international experts as necessary;
• Provide support to LTO to technically review the progress of implementation of activities and in achieving project objectives and results;
• Support to finalize the technical part in drafting TORs for experts, contracts, partnership agreements, and Letters of Agreement (LoAs) with regional and national collaborators as required;
• Prepare plans, monthly progress reports, a terminal report outlining project results, recommendations and impact, and other technical reports/publications as required;
• Contribute/reviews to draft technical abstracts for press releases and for web/online visibility;
• Other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Master degree in GI, agricultural economics/economics/agribusiness or related technical fields;
• At least 5 years of professional and/or solid institutional experience in field of GI or agriculture economics / policy
• Working knowledge of English and Tajik.
• National of Tajikistan or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Knowledge of Russian is advantage.
• Relevant experience in developing and promoting GI concept and products;
• Knowledge of legislation of the country related to GI, Trade marks, places of origin etc.
• Computer literacy with spread sheets, databases and electronic programmes is required;
• Quality of both oral and written communication skills;
• Proven ability to work as an effective team leader;

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