Technical Officer

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Position Title: Technical Officer
Location: Remote
Country: Remote
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that leads global 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 help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its goals. FAO's work is guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to end poverty and hunger in all forms by 2030, and the organization plays a crucial role in supporting countries to implement sustainable practices in agriculture and food systems.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer position is situated within the Pest and Pesticide Management Team (NSPCD) of the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) at FAO. The role focuses on the sustainable management of biodiversity in agrifood systems, particularly in the context of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (K-M GBF) and other Multilateral Environmental Agreements. The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical support to governments and regional institutions in reviewing and updating National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and Regional Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (RBSAPs). This position also involves organizing workshops and facilitating participation of agricultural sectors in key meetings related to biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. The Technical Officer will contribute to capacity building initiatives aimed at enhancing the implementation of biodiversity-friendly practices in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry, ensuring that the principles of sustainability are integrated into agricultural education and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Providing technical backstopping to governments and regional institutions for the review and update of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and Regional Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (RBSAPs), ensuring effective monitoring and reporting of their progress.
• Organizing and facilitating workshops following the Conference of the Parties - Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 16) to enhance compliance and implementation of CBD decisions.
• Coordinating the participation of agricultural sectors in key meetings such as the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA), Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI), and CBD COP meetings.
• Supporting the integration of biodiversity-friendly measures into agricultural university curricula to promote sustainable management of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
• Engaging with stakeholders to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing on biodiversity management practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in agriculture, biology, or related fields. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in agrobiodiversity management and the development and implementation of biodiversity strategies and action plans is required, preferably at national and regional levels. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the principles of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity management, as well as experience working with Multilateral Environmental Agreements. Proficiency in English at a C level is mandatory for this position, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with international stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in agriculture, biology, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of biodiversity management and the sustainable practices necessary for effective agricultural production. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in biodiversity, environmental science, or related disciplines may have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the field of agrobiodiversity management. This experience should include the development and implementation of biodiversity strategies and action plans, ideally at both national and regional levels. Furthermore, candidates should have a proven track record of working with regional economic organizations and Multilateral Environmental Agreements, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex policy environments and contribute to effective implementation of biodiversity initiatives.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C required for Consultants and PSA. This ensures that the incumbent can effectively communicate and collaborate with international stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions of focus (such as Spanish or French), would be considered an asset and beneficial for engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on delivering results in line with FAO's mission and objectives. Candidates should be prepared to engage with a variety of stakeholders across different regions, contributing to the organization's efforts in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity management. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards for remote positions.