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 so as to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.

The position is located in the Pest and Pesticide Management Team (NSPCD), one of the six teams in the Division. The Team provides advice and guidance in areas of pest and pesticide management in the context of sustainable crop production intensification.

The incumbents will contribute to the implementation of a capacity building programme related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (K-M GBF). The programme focuses on building the capacity of regional and national institutions to better implement relevant MEAs, namely the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions on chemical management, and to monitor and support the implementation of the K-M GBF, in particular targets 7 (reduce pollution to levels that are not harmful to biodiversity) and 10 (enhance biodiversity and sustainability in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry).

Reporting Lines

The incumbents will report to the Project Coordinator in NSPCD.

Technical Focus 

The sustainable management of biodiversity in agrifood systems, in the context of the K-M GBF and in synergy with other Multilateral Environmental Agreements, including biodiversity- and chemical-related conventions, treaties and frameworks with focus on supporting the relevant parties with policy processes, implementation of the agreements, and knowledge development and dissemination.

Tasks and responsibilities

The following tasks are foreseen:

•    Provide technical backstopping to governments and regional institutions to review and update National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and Regional Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (RBSAPs) and support the monitoring and reporting of their progress.
•    Organize and facilitate post Conference of the Parties – Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) workshops to improve compliance and implementation of CBD COP 16 decisions.
•    Organize and facilitate participation of agricultural sectors in Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and CBD COP meetings.
•    Support strengthening of agricultural university curricula with biodiversity friendly measures and concepts for the sustainable management of biodiversity for food and agriculture.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in agriculture, biology and any related fields.
•    5 years of relevant experience in: agrobiodiversity management; development and implementation of biodiversity strategies and action plans, preferably at national and regional levels.
•    Working knowledge of English (proficient – level C) for Consultants and PSA.

FAO Core Competencies

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

•    Work experience in more than one agriTechnical/Functional Skills cultural system.

•    Extent and relevance of experience working with regional economic organizations in Africa, Caribbean, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific, in particular with regional strategy development.
•    Extent and relevance of experience working with Multilateral Environmental Agreements.
•    Extent and relevance of experience providing support to country and regional delegations in preparation of and at SBSTTA, SBI and CBD COP meetings.