Closing date: Friday, 1 May 2015
PROFESSIONAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT N O : IRC2849
Issued on: 10 April 2015
Deadline For Application: 1 May 2015
POSITION TITLE: Senior Agricultural Research Officer
GRADE LEVEL: P-5
DUTY STATION: Rome, Italy
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Research and Extension Unit (DDNR)
DURATION : Fixed-term: 2 years Office of the Deputy Director-General/Coordinator for Natural Resources (DDN)
POST NUMBER: 0055565
CCOG CODE: 1R
Qualified female applicants and qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member countries are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization.
Organizational Setting
The Research and Extension Unit (DDNR) provides advisory and technical services to FAO members to support the development of Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS). Agricultural research systems and an integrated approach to agricultural research and extension are considered key factors for the achievement of a sustainable increase and improvement of the provision of services and goods by agricultural producers. The priorities of FAO's work in agricultural research include assessing current research policies, institutions and organizations and supporting their strengthening. The post is located in the Research and Extension Unit (DDNR) of the Deputy Director-General/ Coordinator for Natural Resources, (DDN) at FAO Headquarters.
Reporting Lines
The Senior Agricultural Research Officer reports to the Deputy Director-General, DDN.
Technical Focus
Agricultural research and innovation systems.
Key Results
Leadership and technical policy expertise for the planning, development and implementation of Departmental / Division Programmes of work, projects, products, services in accordance with (Departmental &) FAO Strategic Objectives.
Key Functions
- Plans, manages, or leads highly specialized or multi-disciplinary teams, leads, coordinates, and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-Departmental committees, project teams, and working groups, and/or provides technical leadership/secretariat services on technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies;
- Analyzes global and country specific requirements and relevant technical issues to provide critical input into the FAO Strategic Objectives, Programme of Work, work plans and the supporting budgets and/or resourcing strategies;
- Implements and monitors programmes of work involving the development of the approach, evidence based strategies, and related tools, methodologies and the supporting system/database, monitoring and reporting frameworks;
- Conducts, designs and oversees research and analysis activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovation, technical reports, publications and/or on-going programme development as well as the provision of technical and/or policy advisory services;
- Provides technical and policy advice to Member countries and technical support to decentralized offices in the development and implementation of their programmes;
- Leads and/or collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality / effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within member countries such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning, on-line tools;
- Represents the Organization at international meetings and conferences, identifies and implements strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national stakeholders;
- Leads and/or participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate strategy.
Specific Functions
- Contributes to the development of concepts, methodologies, guidelines and indicators for the enhancement of capacities of the agriculture innovation systems;
- Contributes to the global coordination of initiatives for the enhancement of capacities of the agriculture innovation systems, liaise with the partners of the Tropical Agriculture Platform (TAP) and provide guidance for the running of its secretariat;
- As the FAO Focal Point for the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), liaises with all FAO technical units on issues pertinent to the corporate contribution to the CGIAR governance and contribute to the strengthening of the partnerships with the CGIAR, the Global Forum for Agricultural Research (GFAR), the regional agricultural research fora, and the science and technology organizations of the UN system;
- As the organization's focal point for biotechnology, liaises with all FAO technical units on issues pertinent to biotechnology and biosafety and coordinates the development of common concepts and corporate initiatives;
- Liaises with donors, technical assistance organizations, national, agricultural research organizations and networks on initiatives and activities to improve agricultural innovation systems and organizes conferences, seminars, workshops and other events on agricultural research and innovation.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in agricultural sciences or related field
- Ten years of relevant experience in planning, managing, organizing and evaluating agricultural research and innovation systems and programmes with special emphasis on developing countries
- Working knowledge of English and French or Spanish
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 in planning and implementation of projects and programmes related to agricultural research and innovation
- Extent and relevance of experience in facilitating collaboration and managing partnerships, with international agricultural research and innovation organizations and networks
- Demonstrated results-based management capabilities with an ability to manage programmes, budgets and human resources efficiently under shifting priorities
- Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources and to deliver against deadlines
- Extent and relevance of experience in organizing international meetings, seminars and training courses Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO 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 i n 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://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salary.htm
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
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT
