Senior Agricultural Officer (Cropping Systems - Team Leader)

Job Posting Organization:
The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) is part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The division is dedicated to enabling the transition to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable plant production and protection systems. Established to address global challenges such as hunger and malnutrition, NSP focuses on optimizing crop production policies and practices while preserving natural resources for future generations. The division operates globally, working with various countries to implement sustainable agricultural practices and policies.

Job Overview:
The Senior Agricultural Officer (Cropping Systems - Team Leader) will lead the Crop and Mechanization Systems team within the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP). This role is pivotal in fostering resilient and sustainable plant production systems that aim to produce more with fewer resources. The officer will be responsible for developing, validating, and promoting modern agronomic practices that integrate sustainable agricultural mechanization. This position requires a strong focus on policy development, capacity building, and knowledge transfer to support Member States in enhancing their crop production systems. The officer will also engage in technical leadership, ensuring that the division's programs align with the FAO Strategic Framework and contribute to global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and environmental sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Agricultural Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including planning and managing multidisciplinary teams, leading cross-divisional committees, and providing technical leadership on international policy and standards. The officer will analyze global and country-specific requirements to inform the FAO's strategic planning and resource allocation. They will implement and monitor work programs, develop evidence-based strategies, and oversee research activities to support technical standards and policy advisory services. Additionally, the officer will represent the organization at international meetings, advocate for strategic partnerships, and lead resource mobilization efforts. Specific functions include developing interventions for climate change adaptation, promoting modern agricultural technologies, providing technical support to Member States, and managing the NSPLD team's resources effectively to achieve high-quality results.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agronomy, crop science, soil science, sustainable agriculture mechanization, or related fields. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience is required, including at least three years in a leadership role managing resources within public or private sector institutions or international organizations, with a focus on cropping systems agronomy. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields related to agriculture such as agronomy, crop science, soil science, or sustainable agriculture mechanization. This advanced education is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in modern agricultural practices and systems.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of ten years in relevant fields. This includes at least three years in a leadership role where the candidate has managed resources effectively. Experience should encompass work with public or private sector institutions and international organizations, particularly in the area of cropping systems agronomy. Candidates should also have experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and working in diverse geographical locations, especially in developing countries.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C, which indicates a high level of fluency and comprehension. Additionally, an intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B is required, allowing for effective communication in a multilingual environment. This language proficiency is crucial for collaboration and engagement with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and involves full-time engagement. The role is senior in nature, requiring a high level of expertise and leadership capabilities. The organization is committed to recruiting internationally, and candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies, ensuring that the selected candidate is adequately supported in their role.