Technical Report Coordinator / Research Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a mission to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. FAO's work is guided by the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31, which focuses on better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) is one of the key divisions within FAO, focusing on sustainable crop production and protection, and is responsible for integrating crop production policies and practices to increase production sustainably while preserving natural resources.

Job Overview:
The position involves two roles: a Technical Report Coordinator and a Research Specialist, both aimed at supporting the preparation of a global technical report on fruit and vegetable (F&V) systems. The Technical Report Coordinator will manage the entire process of report preparation, ensuring timely delivery, adherence to budget, and maintaining high-quality standards. This role requires coordination with various technical divisions and experts, overseeing data collection, organizing focus group discussions, and managing the drafting and publication processes. The Research Specialist will provide analytical and logistical support, conducting desk research, analyzing datasets, and assisting in the documentation of case studies. Both roles are crucial for synthesizing evidence on F&V production, trade, and nutrition, and for providing guidance to enhance the sustainability and resilience of F&V systems globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Report Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating inputs from various technical divisions and experts, mobilizing the Technical Steering Committee, leading the inception phase of the report, overseeing data collection and analysis, organizing regional focus group discussions, and managing the drafting and publication processes. The Research Specialist will conduct desk research, analyze secondary datasets, assist in drafting case studies, organize expert consultations, maintain the project’s online collaboration space, and support the organization of the launch event. Both positions require adherence to FAO standards and guidelines for communication and publication.

Required Qualifications:
For the Technical Report Coordinator, a Master’s degree in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, or a related field is required, along with at least five years of relevant experience in horticultural production and markets. Proficiency in English at a C-level is mandatory. For the Research Specialist, a Bachelor’s degree in a similar field is required, with at least one year of relevant experience in desk research and analysis, also with proficiency in English at a C-level. Both positions require strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The Technical Report Coordinator must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, natural resources management, or a closely related field. The Research Specialist requires a Bachelor’s degree in the same or a related field. Both educational backgrounds should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of agricultural systems and the challenges related to food production and sustainability.

Experience:
The Technical Report Coordinator should have at least five years of relevant experience in horticultural production and markets, demonstrating a strong understanding of the sector. The Research Specialist should have at least one year of relevant experience, preferably related to fruit and vegetables or horticultural systems, showcasing their ability to conduct desk research and analytical work effectively.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at a proficient level (C-level) is mandatory for both positions. Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered a strong asset, particularly for the Technical Report Coordinator role, which may involve communication with diverse stakeholders across different regions.

Additional Notes:
The job positions are full-time and are part of a project that aims to produce a global technical report on fruit and vegetable systems. The roles may involve international collaboration and require adherence to FAO's standards and guidelines. Specific details regarding contract duration, compensation, and benefits are not provided in the job description.