Organizational Setting

The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) enables the transition to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable plant production and protection through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices to increase production in a sustainable manner and to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.

The post is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy in the Pest and Pesticide Management team (NSPCD), one of the six teams that make up NSP.

The Team provides advice and guidance on integrated pest management (IPM) for sustainable crop production and protection, and pesticide management in the context of the implementations of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and other international agreements.

Reporting Lines

The Agricultural Officer reports to the Senior Agricultural Officer/Team Leader, NSPCD.

Technical Focus

A sustainable system approach to crop protection that integrates pest management tools, strategies and practices, to reduce the impacts of biotic stresses on crop production systems, while minimizing the risks that protectants may pose to human health and the environment.

Key Results

Technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of Divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates in Organization-wide, cross-Divisional committees, project teams and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.
• Develops technical, analysis, assessment, monitoring and/or reporting frameworks and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative cross-sectoral approaches, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist/advice and expertise.
• Responds to Members’ requests for technical and/or policy assistance; provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices; provides technical backstopping to field projects.
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of, capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Members such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events, including preparation of related information, learning materials and on-line tools.
• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, supports increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.

Specific Functions

• Develops and implements sustainable pest management strategies, programmes and projects in support of sustainable crop production systems, taking an IPM approach, which integrates different complementary management options and practices while minimizing the risks that pesticides may pose to human health and the environment.
• Assists member countries to strengthen and improve their institutional and human capacities in the sustainable management of emerging and established pests and facilitates collaborations that are enabled through regional and national IPM programmes.
• Develops global platforms, technical and policy guidelines, and tools for integrated pest management that incorporate novel scientific insights and technological innovation, including through data collection, pest monitoring, forecasting, early warning, and management.
• Leads the development and implementation of projects and programmes that enhance the relevance and efficacy of FAO’s support to its Members to respond to issues at the intersection of integrated plant health and other components of the One Health approach, such as Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in crop protection; the protection of pollinators and soil-dwelling beneficial organisms; and the management of invasive species.
• Provides technical support and training on the implementation of relevant international agreements and conventions linked to pest and pesticide management including the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC); the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management and the Rotterdam Convention.
• Contributes to and/or provides technical and policy advice in the implementation of FAO’s strategic framework, especially the division’s work relating to sustainable cropping systems, in particular at the interface between plant health and the complementary modules of crop improvement and agronomics.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agricultural sciences, agronomy, plant protection, entomology, plant pathology, or related field with specialization in integrated crop pest management.
• Seven years of relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: integrated pest management, pest monitoring, surveillance, and management preferably in developing countries.
• Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge of integrated approaches to pest management in the context of sustainable crop production systems.
• Extent of knowledge of ecosystem services and their relevance/contribution to a holistic approach to integrated pest management.
• Knowledge and relevance of experience in developing and delivering strategies, programmes or projects on integrated pest management particularly in the context of small holder farmers.
• Extent of experience with supporting community based/experiential learning processes.