Specialist in Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to eradicate hunger, eliminate rural poverty, and promote sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and livestock development. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members who work collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and improved nutrition for all. FAO's initiatives focus on sustainable management of natural resources and the environment, ensuring that communities and rural populations benefit from these efforts.

Job Overview:
The Specialist in Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture will play a crucial role in providing technical support to various projects aimed at transforming agrifood systems in the Asia-Pacific region. This position involves a comprehensive review of the status, challenges, and opportunities related to selected crops within agro-ecological landscapes. The incumbent will be responsible for building scientific and technical capacity in areas such as conservation and utilization of agrobiodiversity, sustainable crop production, and low-carbon agrifood systems. The role requires collaboration with project teams and stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of activities aligned with the prescribed work plan. The Specialist will also engage in knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities, documenting case studies, and organizing training workshops to facilitate knowledge sharing across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Specialist include:

• Building scientific and technical capacity on key areas such as conservation and utilization of agrobiodiversity, sustainable intensive crop production, and low-carbon agrifood systems through analysis, consultation, and collaborative demonstration projects.
• Collaborating with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and project teams to execute activities according to the work plan.
• Providing technical advice on sustainable food production practices and responsible agri-food value chains for staple crops by analyzing technologies and best practices.
• Supporting conservation and restoration of agroecosystems and biodiversity through analysis of methodologies for carbon emission reduction.
• Assisting in the dynamic conservation and sustainable utilization of agrobiodiversity for on-farm management of local varieties.
• Engaging in knowledge management and M&E activities, including documenting case studies and organizing workshops.
• Participating in regional and national workshops for progress review and knowledge sharing.
• Contributing to the formulation of GEF9 projects related to integrated food systems in the region.
• Performing any other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in agrifood systems, environmental sciences, or a related field. Relevant experience working with a diverse range of partners, including governments and research institutions, is essential. A minimum of two years of research experience focused on plants and the environment, particularly in China and/or Indonesia, is required. Proficiency in English and Chinese at level C is mandatory, as effective communication is crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as agrifood systems, environmental sciences, or related disciplines. This advanced education is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address complex issues related to agrobiodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant research experience, particularly in the areas of plants and environmental sciences. Candidates should have experience working in diverse environments, ideally with a focus on China and/or Indonesia. Experience in field positions and working with multidisciplinary teams is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to adapt to various contexts and collaborate effectively with different stakeholders.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and Chinese, with proficiency at level C in both languages. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration with international partners and stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify a deadline for applications, which may indicate a rolling recruitment process. The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be recruited internationally or nationally. Additional details regarding compensation and benefits are not provided in the job description.