1H011H01
• 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.
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 Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) enables the transition to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable plant production and protection through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices in order to increase production in a sustainable manner in order to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use. The post of Agricultural Officer (Pesticide Management) is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the Pest and Pesticides Management Team (NSPC) of the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP), one of the six teams in the Division. The Team provides technical advice and guidance in areas of integrated pest management in the context of sustainable crop production intensification and diversification, and pesticide management in the context of the implementation of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management.
Reporting Lines
The Agricultural Officer (Pesticide Management) reports to the Senior Agricultural Officer/Team Leader, Pest and Pesticides Management Team (NSPC) of the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP).
Technical Focus
• Responsible for the operation of the FAO/WHO scientific advisory bodies on pesticide standard - the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) and the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Specifications (JMPS).
• Provides technical support to FAO Members on residue and quality control and development of related projects.
Key Results
Technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of Divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Key Functions
• Plans and leads components of multi-disciplinary teams, leads and/or participates in Organization-wide, cross-divisional 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, 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-sectoral 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; 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 and on-line tools.
• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, supports increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.
Specific Functions
• Prepares, organizes and conducts meetings of the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) for establishment of Codex Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) in food and of the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Specifications (JMPS) for pesticide quality standards.
• Engages in the collection, distribution and evaluation of data supporting recommendations.
• Reviews, edits and publishes new or updated FAO specifications, JMPR reports and evaluations as well as other technical publications on pesticide residues and specifications.
• Provides technical input to the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), in particular to the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR).
• Develops and advises on strategies, policies, technical requirements, methods and guidelines related to pesticide residues and pesticide specifications.
• Organizes and conducts technical workshops and trainings, develops relevant policy and programme issues in support of the development of international harmonized standards and regulations for pesticides, in particular regarding residues and product quality control.
• Participates in activities related to the implementation of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to FAO Members on residue and quality control and provides technical support to the development of projects within the subject area.
• Performs other duties as necessary.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in Crop Protection, Plant Sciences, Chemistry and/or Pesticide Chemistry.
• Seven years of relevant experience in pesticides regulation and management, including pesticide application, residue analysis and pesticide specifications.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent of knowledge of pesticide chemistry, residues and pesticide regulatory control measures.
• Extent of knowledge, experience and understanding of national/international approaches and practices to pesticide regulation, in particular pesticide residue in food, and pesticide specifications.
• Extent of experience in organizing and coordinating meetings and in preparing/editing written reports in English.
• Demonstrated ability of coordination, collaboration and communication.
• Extent of knowledge of pesticide regulations within the UN system.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.