Technical Focus 

Mainstreaming biodiversity across agricultural sectors through supporting synergistic implementation of MEAs relevant to biodiversity and chemicals in ACP countries. 

The technical focus will be on supporting policy processes, implementation, knowledge development and dissemination activities related to the integration of ecosystem-based practices and measures for the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity for food and agriculture.

The consultant should be able to cover the areas of work below: 
•    Policy and strategy development in the field of biodiversity and agriculture;
•    Integration of practices for sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity in agrifood systems;
•    Capacity building on adoption of ecosystem based practices and approaches with possible focus on commodity value chains (cocoa, coffee, forest products); 
•    Sustainable pesticide management and promotion of bio-alternative pest management options. 
•    Coordination and management of activities assigned.

Tasks and responsibilities 

•    Provide inputs for policy and technical assistance to governments, such as cost-benefit analysis, policy assessments, policy drafting for biodiversity strategies and action plans, strategies for the sustainable management of genetic resources for food and agriculture, recommendations for management of biopesticides and highly hazardous pesticides, and formulation of national and/or regional strategies;
•    Provide technical assistance and capacity building for the integration of ecosystem-based measures in agriculture production, for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture, as well as for value chain improvement;
•    Develop policy options papers;
•    Design and deliver training programmes for farmers, extension officers, and other agriculture sector stakeholders; 
•    Facilitate the organization of workshops/webinars, as appropriate, preparing agenda, lists of attendees, proposed speakers and key messages;
•    Ensure proper implementation, monitoring and reporting of activities under his/her responsibility.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in agriculture, biodiversity, environmental sciences.
•    At least seven years of relevant experience in supporting policy processes, programme implementation and capacity-building activities related to biodiversity and pesticide management; and in the organisation of international, inter-governmental and/or technical meetings on related themes.
•    Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish for Consultants. For PSA.SBS working knowledge of English will be sufficient. 

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills  

•    Extent and relevance of work experience in biodiversity in the context of food and agriculture; 
•    Extent and relevance of experience working with regional, national and local institutions, with cross-sectoral experience considered an asset;
•    Demonstrated experience in policy-oriented technical assistance, policy implementation and capacity building on biodiversity conservation and management in the context of food and agriculture;
•    Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, from government officials to farmers;
•    Demonstrated ability to formulate, draft and finalize clear technical and policy documents, guidelines and manuals;
•    Work experience in ACP countries.
 

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

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
•  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help, or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.org