Legume-based systems specialist

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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

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the 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.

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 position is located in the Ecosystem Approach to Sustainable Crop Production Intensification Team (NSPED), one of the six teams in the Division. NSPED provides advice, technical support and guidance aimed at maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services as essentials components of sustainable Agrifood systems. The incumbent would be part of a team of technical specialists that include expertise on plant nutrition, soil health, nutrient management, legume-based systems, agroecology and biodiversity and ecosystem services. NSPED aims to deliver a program of work emphasizing sustainable agricultural production and innovation as a mean to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be under the supervision of an Officer of the Ecosystem Approach to Sustainable Crop Production Intensification Team (NSPED).

Technical Focus

Agriculture and food systems approaches that are inclusive, sustainable, protect and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services of agrifood systems. The aim is to support the redesign of agrifood systems by including legumes and consequently improving resilience and sustainability of the systems.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of high quality documents for meeting, draft concept notes, and other relevant materials as needed;
• Conduct literature reviews and summaries on topics related to legume-based systems, sustainable crop production, biodiversity and ecosystem services;
• Assist in the preparation of project report on the proposed trajectories at landscape and country levels;
• Support in the implementation of webinars and seminars on legume-based systems and sustainable crop production by searching required scientific evidence and helping with the logistics.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agricultural sciences, ecology, natural resources management, environmental sciences or a closely related field;
• At least one year of relevant experience in legume-based systems, sustainable crop production, biodiversity or ecosystem services;
• Working knowledge of English (proficient – level C) and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another UN official language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian) for Consultants. For PSA Subscribers working knowledge of English.

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 or area of work;
• Extent and relevance of experience in sustainable crop production, biodiversity and ecosystem services;
• Familiarity with legumes and their importance for agriculture;
• Ability to work under pressure and to carry out several tasks in a timely fashion and under tight deadlines with minimum supervision.

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