Reporting Lines
The Agricultural Officer (Rotterdam Convention Specialist) reports to the Senior Technical Officer/Team Leader, NSPRD.
Technical Focus
Development and implementation of policies, strategies and a programme of work and budget for the Rotterdam Convention, with a particular focus on the sound management of pesticides.
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 Member Nations 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
• Plans and monitors the implementation of the Programme of Work and Budget of the Rotterdam Convention and prepares relevant reports.
• Provides technical support to Parties to the Rotterdam Convention.
• Maintains technical networks and close cooperation with relevant organizations to ensure the Secretariat's involvement in international developments related to the sound management of pesticides, chemicals and waste.
• Supports the Team Leader in the management of programmes, people and budget, including serving as budget holder for the Rotterdam Convention Project Trust Fund, as required.
• Supervises and coordinates work related to all subsidiary bodies of the Rotterdam Convention.
• Supports the organization of the sessions of the Conference of Parties in close cooperation with UNEP colleagues from the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Convention Secretariat in Geneva.
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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in agriculture or related natural sciences with emphasis on one of the following: environmental chemistry, pesticide chemistry, environmental technology, and environmental management.
• Seven years of relevant experience in the field of international pesticide and chemical management including in developing countries.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - 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 organizing the meetings of intergovernmental organizations and their subsidiary bodies.
• Experience with multilateral environmental agreements, instruments and mechanisms relevant to pesticides and chemicals management and their subsidiary bodies, including their negotiations.
• Work experience with international bodies related to pesticides, such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and others.
• Experience in designing projects, programmes, technical documents and reports related to pesticide management.
• Extent and relevance of experience in managing budgets.
• Experience in knowledge management and information dissemination.
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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
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GENERAL INFORMATION • FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment• Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
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CONDITIONS OF SERVICE A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link:
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct______________________________________________________________________________________________________