Senior Technical Officer (Conservation and Sustainable Use of PGRFA - Farmers' Rights)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was established in 1945 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO operates in over 130 countries and has a mission to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The organization plays a crucial role in international efforts to combat food insecurity and malnutrition, and it works with governments, civil society, and the private sector to develop policies and programs that support sustainable agrifood systems.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Officer will play a pivotal role in leading and supporting teams within the Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). This position is focused on providing technical support and guidance to the Secretary on the implementation of the International Treaty, particularly concerning the conservation and sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) and Farmers' Rights. The officer will be responsible for enhancing the functioning of the Treaty’s mechanisms, programs, and strategies, and will work closely with various organizations, funds, and treaty bodies to achieve these goals. The role requires a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding PGRFA and the ability to coordinate and implement capacity development programs effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Officer will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of technical issues related to assigned programs and projects. This includes directing the review of relevant documents and reports, identifying priorities, liaising with relevant parties, and initiating follow-up actions. The officer will coordinate programs and assess issues and trends for the implementation of projects, as well as prepare impact evaluations or equivalent studies. Additionally, the officer will supervise the preparation of various written outputs, such as background papers, analyses, and substantial sections of reports. The role also involves directing substantive support to consultative meetings and conferences, managing outreach activities, designing and conducting training workshops, and leading field missions. The officer will provide advice on developing policies and strategies, as well as national protocols and guidelines for projects related to FAO's work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in agronomy or biological sciences with a specialization in plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. A doctoral degree in these fields would be considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience at the international level in supporting the development and implementation of policies and technical programs for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also required.

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 agronomy or biological sciences, with a specialization in plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. A doctoral degree in these areas would enhance a candidate's qualifications and is considered an asset for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience at the international level, specifically in supporting the development and implementation of policies and technical programs related to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Experience in facilitating intergovernmental negotiations and leading or supporting the development of global strategies and programs in this field is essential. The role also requires experience in working in multidisciplinary teams and developing science-based analyses to improve the implementation of the Treaty.

Languages:
A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language, which can be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Additionally, a working knowledge of French or Spanish is desirable and would be considered a valuable asset for the position.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in leading and coordinating technical programs and initiatives related to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA and Farmers' Rights. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards.