Agricultural Officer (Cereal-Based Cropping Systems) , Food and Agriculture Organization

Organizational Setting

The Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP) promotes the sustainable intensification of crop production. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at enhancing productivity; natural resources conservation; rural livelihoods and resilience.

The post is located in the Livelihoods Health and Income Team (AGPML) one of six teams in the Division. AGPML provides advice, technical support and guidance to countries aimed at sustainable crop production intensification (SCPI) as a key contribution to sustainable food and agriculture in both rural and peri-urban contexts. The incumbent is part of a Team of technical specialists that includes expertise on cropping systems including horticulture crops, cereals, legumes and perennial orchard and plantation crops, that work together to deliver a programme of work on SCPI that emphasizes sustainable agricultural production and technologies addressed to small holder farmers.

Reporting Lines

The Agricultural Officer reports to the Leader of the Diversification for Livelihoods Health and Income Team (AGPML)

Technical Focus

Sustainable intensification of cereal-based crop production with emphasis on integrated cropping system agronomy, rainfed/dryland farming technologies adapted to smallholders, and ecosystem management.

Key Results

Technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of Departmental programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with (Departmental and) FAO Strategic Objectives.

Key Functions

· Plans and leads components of multi-disciplinary teams, leads and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-Departmental committees, project teams, and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy 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-sector 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 and 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, on-line tools.

· Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, 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

· Supports the development, implementation and monitoring of programmes and projects on cereal-based cropping systems in the context of sustainable food and agriculture

· Provides technical and policy related advice and guidance on cereals and crop associations within rainfed/dryland mixed cropping systems.

· Undertakes research, collects and analyses data, and produces reports/documents on cereal production in the context of sustainable farming/cropping systems including their role in smallholder mixed farming and crop-livestock systems, and climate change adaptation.

· Supports networking and capacity building on technical advances in production practices adapted to smallholders, including inter-alia improved varieties, reduced tillage and other ecosystem services and integrated pest, nutrient and soil management strategies

· Leads, contributes to and/or provides technical support in the implementation of FAO's strategic framework, especially the division's work relating to sustainable agriculture and food systems, in the context of the emerging realities of climate change.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

· Advanced university degree in agronomy/agriculture, plant science or related field, with academic or professional specialization in cereal and annual crop agronomy.

· Seven years of relevant experience in sustainable farming/cropping systems and cereal production agronomic improvement, including in developing countries.

· Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian

Competencies

· Results Focus

· Teamwork

· Communication

· Building Effective Relationships

· Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

· Extent of knowledge and relevance of experience in developing, planning and implementing projects and programmes on cereal-based cropping systems in developing countries.

· Demonstrated experience in the provision of technical and policy advice to countries on cereal-based cropping systems in the context of sustainable food and agriculture

· Extent and relevance of experience with cereal crops in smallholder mixed farming and crop-livestock systems

· Demonstrated ability to analyze information and prepare documents as the basis for technical and policy advice for governments and input to international and intergovernmental meetings

· Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

· All candidates should possess computer/word processing skills.

· Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

· Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your iRecruitment online profile (see “How to Apply”). We strongly recommend that you ensure that the information is accurate and complete including employment record, academic qualifications and language skills.

· Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognised in the IAU/UNESCO list.

· Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice and the endorsed candidates will be considered for the Employment Roster for a period of 2 years.

· Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments.

REMUNERATION

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, visit the iRecruitment website at http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/ and complete your online profile. Only applications received through iRecruitment will be considered.

Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.

Vacancies will be removed from iRecruitment at 23:59 Central European Time (CET) on the deadline for applications date. We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date. If you need help, or have queries, please contact: iRecruitment@fao.org