Agricultural Officer (Plant Production)

Organizational Setting The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with Centres, Divisions and Offices at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RNE develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs).

The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

The post is located in the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) in Cairo, Egypt.

Reporting Lines The Agricultural Officer (Plant Production) reports to the Senior Programme Officer/Team Leader of the Regional Priority on Rural Transformation.

Technical Focus Sustainable plant production, including plant genetic resources conservation and efficient utilization, plant breeding and seed systems; soil, crop and nutrient management; agroecology; field crops; horticulture and integrated cropping systems; ecosystem-based and climate-smart approaches; protected, precision, conservation, dryland, urban and peri-urban agriculture.

Key Results Comprehensive technical, statistical, analytical and/or policy analysis services and the development of specialized tools, methodologies, systems and/or databases to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of the programme of work and related products, projects, publications and services.

Key Functions • Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary 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 policy and standard setting bodies; • Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and 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 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 Member’s requests for technical and policy assistance; provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and 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 and increased policy dialogue; provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings; • Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.

Specific Functions • Contributes to the implementation of the FAO Strategic Framework, global actions and initiatives through implementation of plant production related activities for sustainable transformation of agrifood systems in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region; in particular, supports the framework of the Integrated Programme on Rural Transformation and Climate-Smart Agriculture; • Provides policy and technical support to the implementation of FAO field programme on the promotion of agricultural innovation and adaptation of innovative practices and technologies through formulation and implementation of national and regional projects; • Supports and advises Members in reinforcing the enabling environment for sustainable plant production, development of policies, strategies, standards and institutional setup, with due consideration to aspects of gender equality and specifics of small-scale farming in the context of inclusive agrifood systems and rural transformation; • Provides support to governments on developing national and institutional capacities on sustainable plant production, agricultural innovation and climate resilient practices; • Strengthens partnerships with FAO stakeholders (national ministries, international and regional organizations and research centres, academia, universities, public and private entities, civil society organizations, etc.), organizes regional events and policy dialogues, develops and manages regional knowledge exchange networks, platforms and joint programmes on plant production and agricultural innovation; • Designs and conducts periodic reviews and appraisals of plant production in the region, supports countries in defining the priorities, develops and contributes to the corporate and regional initiatives, flagship documents and programming frameworks; • Develops studies, methodologies, tools and approaches covering diverse aspects of sustainable plant production in the region, to generate evidence, inform policies, develop capacities and facilitate uptake and scale up; • Acts as a focal point for the coordination with FAO headquarters and other offices on plant production-related issues and ensures that regional priorities are well reflected in corporate initiatives; • Performs other related duties as required. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • Advanced university degree in agriculture, plant production, plant sciences or related field. • Seven years of relevant experience in plant protection or pesticide management in the field, preferably including experience on main crops of the region. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO 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 and experience in agronomy and plant sciences, including innovative approaches to sustainable agricultural production. • Extent and relevance of experience in working in multidisciplinary teams and formulation, implementation and reporting on projects, programmes and studies. • Extent of experience in providing policy advice at the local, national and regional levels. • Extent of knowledge in international instruments related to sustainable plant production. • Ability to organize and conduct technical meetings, conferences and workshops and manage technical networks. • Extent of knowledge of cooperation with international organizations and national governments. • Experience in private sector is considered an asset. • Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources. • Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of Arabic and/or French is considered an asset.