National Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice and support to countries, facilitating partnerships and delivering technical assistance while adhering to international standards of accountability. In Fiji, FAO has collaborated with various stakeholders for over four decades to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, promoting sustainability and value-adding practices.

Job Overview:
The National Specialist position is crucial for supporting the development and implementation of legislation related to food and agriculture law in Fiji. The role involves legal drafting and providing technical assistance in areas such as animal production and health, land conservation, and pesticide management. The National Specialist will work under the supervision of the FAO contact person in Fiji and collaborate with various sector-specific FAO Officers, the FAO Legal Office, and a team of experts. The position requires a strong understanding of the legal frameworks governing food and agriculture, as well as the ability to analyze and improve national regulatory frameworks. The National Specialist will also engage in data collection and analysis, prepare reports, and support discussions and revisions of legislation, ensuring that FAO's objectives are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Specialist will be responsible for a range of tasks, including:

• Collecting and analyzing data on sector-specific policies and legal instruments related to food and agriculture.
• Preparing comprehensive reports that analyze specific sectors and provide recommendations to strengthen the national regulatory framework.
• Conducting assessments and analyses on selected topics relevant to food and agriculture law.
• Supporting the drafting, discussion, and revision of sector-specific legislation, ensuring alignment with international standards.
• Assisting in national and regional discussions, travel missions, and online meetings as requested.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the FAO contact person in Fiji.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A university degree in Law, Agriculture, Environmental Management, or a related field relevant to the technical areas of focus.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant practical experience in areas such as veterinary medicine, legal drafting and analysis, land conservation, and pesticide management.
• A working knowledge (Level C) of English is essential.
• Candidates must be nationals of Fiji or legal residents with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in Law, Agriculture, Environmental Management, or a related field that aligns with the technical focus areas of the role. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of food and agriculture law and for effectively contributing to the development of relevant legislation.

Experience:
The position requires at least 3 years of relevant practical experience in the technical areas of focus. This experience should encompass fields such as veterinary medicine, legal drafting and analysis, land conservation, and pesticide management. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of working within these domains, showcasing their ability to navigate the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern food and agriculture.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (Level C) is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is essential for collaboration and reporting. While English proficiency is required, additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance communication with local stakeholders or contribute to the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
The National Specialist position is a full-time role based in Suva, Fiji. The contract duration and specific compensation details are not provided in the job description. However, candidates should be aware that the position may involve collaboration with international and national experts, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment is crucial. The role emphasizes results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships, aligning with FAO's core competencies.