Technician for Seed Conservation and Management

Job Posting Organization:
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) was adopted by the FAO Conference in 200

• Its mission is to facilitate the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, as well as to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use. The Benefit-sharing Fund (BSF), operational since 2009, supports projects in developing countries aimed at improving the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and adapting to climate change. The BSF has successfully funded actions in 78 developing countries through five project cycles, each building on the lessons learned from previous cycles. The current project in Brazil, PR-154-S-Brazil, focuses on strengthening the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources by creating a nationwide network that connects local conservation initiatives with Embrapa's genebanks. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration, knowledge exchange, and improve local conservation practices, ultimately increasing agrobiodiversity and food security across diverse regions.

Job Overview:
The Technician for Seed Conservation and Management will play a crucial role in supporting the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources in Brazil. This position involves working closely with local farmers, communities, and civil society to enhance the management of heirloom seeds and improve agricultural practices. The technician will assist in the multiplication of seeds from Embrapa's seed banks and prepare seed collections for collaborative evaluation with seed guardians. The role also includes monitoring existing seed fairs and providing technical support to seed banks that are being organized. The technician will be involved in various activities aimed at promoting biodiversity and supporting local agricultural systems, ensuring that the project meets its objectives of enhancing food security and resilience to climate change.

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

• Supporting the organization of seed fairs and conducting biodiversity inventories.
• Assisting Embrapa researchers in maintaining seed banks to contribute to the multiplication of genetic resources.
• Conducting phenotypical characterization of plant varieties in both field and controlled environments.
• Evaluating landrace varieties through participatory trials with local farmers.
• Providing support to seed guardians in project locations and assisting them in participatory trials.
• Aiding in the organization of capacity-building events such as seminars and courses for project beneficiaries.
• Collaborating with local communities to enhance seed conservation practices and improve agricultural productivity.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Territorial Development, Agrarian Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Agroecology, or related fields. Additionally, a minimum of five years of responsible professional experience in managing field projects in Brazil related to sustainable land management, land tenure, governance, or family farming is required. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of Spanish and/or English at level C, as well as proficiency in Portuguese. Brazilian nationality is mandatory for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a master's degree or equivalent, in relevant fields such as Territorial Development, Agrarian Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Agroecology. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of agricultural systems and the management of plant genetic resources.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in managing field projects in Brazil. This experience should be related to sustainable land management, land tenure, governance, or family farming. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these areas, particularly in the context of biodiversity conservation and agricultural development.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of Portuguese, as it is essential for communication within the project and with local stakeholders. Additionally, proficiency in Spanish and/or English at level C is required, which will facilitate collaboration with international partners and enhance knowledge sharing.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. It is important to note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from accredited institutions recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.