Deadline For Application: 4 January 2019
DUTY STATION: Panama City, Panama
Organizational Setting
FAO`s
Reporting Lines
The Agricultural Officer (Plant Production and Protection) reports to the Sub regional Coordinator for Mesoamerica (SLM).
Technical Focus
Design, implementation support and technical assistance (projects and programmes) in agriculture and rural development. Support strategic policy dialogue on agriculture, with a focus on sustainable agricultural development, agricultural services, rural institutions, territorial development, migration and resilience of vulnerable communities depending on agriculture for livelihoods.
Key Results
Comprehensive technical, statistical, analytical and/or policy analysis services and the development of specialized tools
Key Functions
Plans and leads components of multi-disciplinary teams, leads and/or participates in internal committees, project teams,and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policyand/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies;
Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks, and related methodologies, tools, systems anddatabases etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, productsand/or services;
Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the developmentof technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise;
Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions toDecentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects;
Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality / effectiveness of capacity development andknowledge sharing activities within member countries such as policy support, organizational development and individuallearning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools;
Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise atinternational/intergovernmental meetings;
Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate strategy
Specific Functions
Support the design and implementation of policies, regulatory frameworks and institutional arrangements supportive ofinclusive, equitable, effective, and efficient agriculture systems.
Provide technical support to projects and activities in other sub regions in the region, as appropriate given the technicalcompetence and experience of the incumbent.
Promote the regular use of knowledge, information and early warning for evidence-based decision making and monitoring.
Support governments in establishment of enabling environments, including the development of conducive and effectivepolicies, strategies and plans, programmes, governance and coordination mechanisms in a cross-sectoral, integrated andparticipatory way.
Provide technical support to ongoing projects and programmes.
Enhance country public and private sector capacities and investments to design, implement and evaluate policies,strategies and programmes, including through international and regional instruments.
Empower the rural poor and their organizations, and particularly youth, women and vulnerable groups, to access productive resources, services, markets, productive employment and decent work opportunities, social protection systems.
Formulate and build capacities to implement regional and international agricultural standards, agreements and voluntary guidelines and legal, policy and institutional systems and frameworks.
Perform any other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in agriculture, rural development, social sciences or a closely related field
• Seven years of relevant experience in planning and implementing agricultural development programs, including experience in high-level policy dialogue in agriculture in the
• Working knowledge of Spanish (level C), and limited knowledge of English (level B)
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 is desirable
Extent and relevance of experience in major technical fields related to plant production and protection, in developing countries and countries in transition, including in the development of sustainable production and food systems, and agricultural services.
Extent and relevance of experience in participating in multidisciplinary teams for the preparation of strategies and sectorstudies as well as formulation, implementation support or evaluation of agriculture and rural development / povertystrategies.
Extent and relevance of experience in project design, implementation support and evaluation procedures of FAO’s maindevelopment partners, is considered a strong asset.
Relevance of experience in capacity development for the design and implementation of agriculture, rural development,poverty alleviation strategies.
Demonstrated capacity to write technical reports in Spanish and English is considered a strong asset.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- All candidates should possess computer/word processing skills
- 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 recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
- Candidates endorsed in the selection process for this vacancy announcement will be considered for the FAO Professional Employment Roster for a period of two years. The Roster is used to fill other similar positions at the same or lower grade, and in the same or another duty station
- 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 the on-line application.
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.
