International Expert on Organic Production and Certification (IEOPC)

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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 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

Organizational Setting

FAO Representation Office in the Kyrgyz Republic is currently implementing the TCP/KYR/3901 project focuses on strengthening capacities of public and key stakeholders to implement conducive regulatory framework and to support the production, certification, and marketing of organic products in Kyrgyz Republic. One of the key output will focus to strengthen organic certification system and technical capacities for internationally accredited and certified "Kyrgyzstan Organic Product", and include the establishment of local certification agencies with accreditation to EU and other potential export markets. Applications are invited for the position of an International Expert on Organic Production and Certification (IEOPC) to support project implementation. This consultancy work has a duration of 25 working days over 6 months with 2 technical missions to some countries of about 10 days.

Reporting Lines

The International Expert on Organic Production and Certification will work under overall supervision FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan, and technical supervision of FAO-REU Plant Production and Protection Officer (LTO).

Technical Focus

Organic agriculture trade regulations, control system, certification, international organic standards, accreditation and certifications, and capacity building.

Tasks and responsibilities

The International Expert on Organic Production and Certification (IEOPC) will be responsible for the followings:
• Review draft proposals for establishment of an efficient inspection, certification and Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for organic agriculture;
• Advice and support to the review of draft organic standard and certification regulations for the new Organic law.
• Design a composite certification system, in which differentiated functions are recognized between certifying bodies and the regulatory and monitoring function to be exercised over them by the Government;
• Assist the establishment of the national inspection, certification and PGS system on organic agriculture;
• Conduct training workshops on inspection, certification and PGS of organic products;
• Advise and prepare guidelines to help set up national control bodies to get authorization and to prepare for ISO 17065 accreditation;
• Assist in drafting the data collection system well adapted to the inspection and certification system;
• Prepare a brief report summarizing findings, conclusions and recommendations;
• Perform any other duties deemed necessary for the successful execution of the project.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Agriculture or Natural Resources Management
• Ten years of relevant experience in the areas of regulatory and institutional aspects of organic agriculture governance and management with experience developing and implementing organic certification standards and programs
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge of any FAO language (level B). Knowledge of Russian will be an asset. For PSA, working knowledge of English would suffice.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in organic agriculture certification and accreditation system to the EU markets and other exports (please check if this is required, as it is mentioned below as well).
• Work experience in Europe would be an asset
• Extent and relevant experience in the areas of organic agriculture control system, certification, trade regulations and international organic standards for EU, IFOAM, and other overseas markets
• Knowledge and experience of work in the region will be an advantage
• Ability to plan and organize own work, deliver results and meet deadlines
• Ability to write clear and concise technical documents
• Strong computer, report writing, and presentation skills.

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