Senior Agricultural Officer (Agricultural Machinery)

Job Posting Organization:
The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) is a part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The division is dedicated to supporting countries in transitioning to sustainable crop production systems that optimize productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. NSP aims to eradicate hunger and malnutrition while preserving natural resources. The division is involved in various initiatives and programs that promote sustainable agricultural practices and policies. It operates globally, working with numerous countries to implement effective agricultural strategies.

Job Overview:
The Senior Agricultural Officer (Agricultural Machinery) will lead the Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (SAM) component of the Crop and Mechanization Systems team (NSPLD) within the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position requires strategic and technical leadership to identify, develop, and validate context-appropriate agricultural machinery and processes. The officer will focus on enhancing the adoption of these practices among farmers and value chain actors through partnerships and innovation. The role involves planning, managing, and leading multidisciplinary teams, as well as providing technical leadership on international policy and standard-setting bodies. The officer will also analyze global and country-specific requirements to inform the FAO Strategic Framework and implement evidence-based strategies for agricultural mechanization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Agricultural Officer will be responsible for a variety of key functions, including: planning and managing specialized teams, leading cross-divisional committees and project teams, and providing technical leadership on international networks. The officer will analyze technical issues to provide input into the FAO Strategic Framework and work plans. They will implement and monitor programs involving the development of methodologies and tools, conduct research to support technical standards, and provide advisory services to member countries. The officer will also lead capacity development activities, represent the organization at international meetings, and engage in resource mobilization activities. Specific functions include developing methodologies for SAM and digitalization, enhancing the incorporation of SAM in crop value chains, and managing human and financial resources within the SAM group.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in agricultural engineering, agricultural machinery design, agronomy with a specialization in agricultural machinery, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in agricultural mechanization and machinery is required, particularly with public or private sector institutions and international organizations. Experience should emphasize sustainable agricultural mechanization policies, especially in developing countries. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

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 agricultural engineering, agricultural machinery design, or agronomy with a focus on agricultural machinery. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural mechanization and its application in sustainable practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in agricultural mechanization and agricultural machinery. Candidates should have experience working with public or private sector institutions and international organizations, with a strong emphasis on sustainable agricultural mechanization policies, particularly in developing countries. Experience in planning and delivering agricultural mechanization strategies and programs is essential, as well as experience in systems approaches to sustainable agricultural mechanization.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) (intermediate proficiency - level B). This language proficiency is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of the FAO.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO Headquarters. It is a full-time role that involves significant leadership responsibilities and the management of human and financial resources. The Senior Agricultural Officer will be expected to engage in international collaboration and represent the FAO at various meetings and conferences. The role may involve travel to member countries and participation in resource mobilization activities to support the FAO's strategic objectives.