Organizational Setting
The Global Agricultural Heritage Systems initiative (GIAHS), which is managed by the Land and Water Division, aims at the identification and safeguard of traditional agricultural systems worldwide. The position of Coordinator, GIAHS is established in order to manage GIAHS related activities and initiatives, including coordination of the activities among the technical departments and with the main external parties and partners concerned.
The post is located in the Land and Water Division (NRL)
Reporting Lines
The Coordinator reports to the Director, NRL.
Key Results
Develop a global impact vision for GIAHS and corresponding strategy aligned with the strategic objectives, particularly Strategic Objective 2: Increase and improve provision of goods and services from agriculture, forestry and fisheries in a sustainable manner.
Key Functions
· Mobilizes resources to support GIAHS activities at the global, regional and country level;
· Coordinates and develops new partnerships with potential donors and international partners such as UNESCO World Heritage and Man and the Biosphere (MAB), Convention on Biological Diversity CBD, CCD, Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, CGRFA, The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, ITPGRFA, International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and others as appropriate, in order to raise support and gain recognition of GIAHS and networking;
· Oversees GIAHS activities, project and related initiatives; including follow-up on the implementation of related projects and requests from partners and member countries;
· Establishes a Task Force for coordinated and collaborative work on GIAHS activities and projects;
· Acts as Secretary to the GIAHS and to the International Steering Committee Meetings, and oversees the organization of conferences and workshops;
· Facilitates, as Secretary, the coordination between and among technical departments and decentralized offices/country offices and partners, giving priority to the implementation of “Noto Declaration”;
· Promotes and creates links among members, foster synergies that promote closer cooperation and greater coherence promoting GIAHS twinning programmes, and develops Regional Networks on research and development for GIAHS sustainability;
· Represents GIAHS in relevant meetings and conferences seeking to facilitate coordination and integration where appropriate for the achievement of GIAH’s expected results;
· Oversees the submission of progress and implementation reports (technical, financial and administrative) required by FAO and other donors;
· Initiates and coordinates further concept and methodology development of GIAHS dynamic conservation and international and national recognition advocacy;
· Fosters communications and information sharing among various FAO technical units and resource persons involved in the project and/or the GIAHS initiative;
· Provides inputs to relevant international policy bodies: Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA), The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Convention (UNESCO-WHO) and Man and the Biosphere (MAB), and others, with relevance to GIAHS.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
· Advanced university degree in natural resources management, agricultural sciences or environmental sciences with specialization in the following fields: agricultural biodiversity, agronomy, agro-ecology,, sustainable agriculture and rural development applied to the relevant fields of interest of the project
· Ten years of relevant experience in natural resources related activities, including natural resources assessment and management , conservation agriculture and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity
· Working knowledge of either English, or French or Spanish and limited knowledge of any of the other two or Arabic, or Chinese or Russian
Competencies
· Results Focus
· Leading, Engaging and Empowering
· Communication
· Partnering and Advocating
· Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
· Strategic Thinking
Technical/Functional Skills
· Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential
· Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge of integrated resources management
· Demonstrated experience in multi-sectorial, multi-disciplinary work and in facilitating collaboration and managing partnerships
· Extent and relevance of experience in planning and implementation of programmes related to natural resources management in development organizations
· Demonstrated results-based management capabilities with an ability to manage programmes, budgets and human resources efficiently under shifting priorities
· Ability to mobilize resources and to deliver against deadlines
· Extent and relevance of experience in organizing international meetings, seminars and training courses
· Excellent communication skills in English are considered a strong assetPlease note that all candidates should adhere toFAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
· All candidates should possess computer/word processing skills.
· Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
· Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your iRecruitment online profile (see “How to Apply”). We strongly recommend that you ensure that the information is accurate and complete including employment record, academic qualifications and language skills.
· Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognised in the IAU/UNESCO list.
· Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice and the endorsed candidates will be considered for the Employment Roster for a period of 2 years.
· Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments.
REMUNERATION
A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://icsc.un.org/rootindex.asp
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, visit the iRecruitment website at http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/ and complete your online profile. Only applications received through iRecruitment will be considered.
Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.
Vacancies will be removed from iRecruitment at 23:59 Central European Time (CET) on the deadline for applications date. We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help, or have queries, please contact: iRecruitment@fao.org
