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 and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. 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 worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and other partners to achieve its goals. FAO's initiatives focus on sustainable management of natural resources and environmental conservation, 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 for various projects aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices and conserving agrobiodiversity 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 Specialist will work closely with project teams to implement activities that align with FAO's mission of transforming agrifood systems, particularly in China and Indonesia. The role requires a deep understanding of sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and policy landscapes that affect agricultural production and biodiversity conservation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Specialist 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. Key responsibilities include collaborating with project teams to execute activities according to work plans, providing technical advice on sustainable food production practices, and analyzing best practices and policies related to crop production and biodiversity conservation. The Specialist will also assist in knowledge management and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities, document case studies, organize training workshops, and participate in regional and national project-related workshops and consultations. Additionally, the Specialist will contribute to the formulation of future GEF projects related to integrated food systems in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in agrifood systems, environmental sciences, or a related field from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of two years of research experience focused on plants and the environment, ideally in China and/or Indonesia, is required. Proficiency in English and Chinese is essential, with a working knowledge at proficiency level C being mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in agrifood systems, environmental sciences, or a closely related field. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to compensate for the lack of an advanced degree. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant research experience, particularly in the fields of plants and environmental sciences. Experience working in China and/or Indonesia is highly desirable, as it provides valuable context for the projects being implemented. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting research, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific publications or reports.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Chinese is mandatory for this position, with a working knowledge at proficiency level C. This language requirement is essential for effective communication and collaboration with project teams and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is expected to involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including governments and research institutions, and may require participation in international meetings and workshops. The FAO emphasizes core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. The position may also involve working in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions, which is considered desirable.