Legal specialist– Review and analysis of Seed Policy and regulatory framework

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO representatives, is to assistant governments to develop policies , programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The FAO Representation in South Sudan is organizes in three main units: programme, Operations and administration. The current portfolio of projects in South Sudan includes activities related to agriculture (crop), livestock, Fisheries, Natural Resource management, food information systems is implemented with humanitarian, transitional and development funding. The incumbent will contribute to the country’s programme and portfolio as foreseen in the project he/she will coordinate and be assigned.

Reporting Lines

Reports to the Head of Programmes

Technical Focus

• In collaboration with the Legal Officer, LEGN, coordinate and provide guidance and assistance to the national legal consultant to collect, review and assess existing seed policy draft and regulatory framework, including laws on seed production, quality assurance and management;

Tasks and responsibilities

• In consultation with relevant stakeholders, review and support finalization of the draft seed policy, and lay a clear roadmap for final approval of the policy by the relevant authority within the government of South Sudan. • Review the reports then drafted by the National legal consultant, and follow-up with him / her to prepare a draft legal assessment report in accordance with agreed outlines and methodology; • Liaise regularly with the National legal consultant, in order to ensure that appropriate consultations with the national counterparts are conducted throughout drafting the report; • Finalize the legal assessment report by highlighting the weaknesses or gaps in the legislation related to all aspects of seed production, quality assurance and management; • Make a final review of the legal assessment report, taking into account the views of the workshop participants; • Supervise the organization and participate in an initial Workshop with representatives of Stakeholders from seed sector. The workshop will analyse the reviews of the seed regulatory framework, and will receive feedback from stakeholders on possible directions to choose for each element of the seed sector. A balanced attendance of high-level participants is expected, including representatives of farmers, seed companies, national seed associations, NGOs/civil society, agro-industry, institutions involved in research and conservation of Plant Genetic Resources and relevant Ministries (agriculture, research, finance, environment etc). • Supervise the writing of a draft workshop report by the National Seed Consultant (and nominated Rapporteurs, if required) with the main observations and proposals from the initial workshop. • Write the amended draft National Seed Policy document. • Supervise the organization and participate in a National Seed Forum with all concerned stakeholders to consider/validate the draft National Seed Policy document. • Finalize the drafting instructions as per the views of the workshop participants, and submit the same to the supervisor for final clearance. • Submit a concise report of mission findings and draft legislation including a strategy for the development and implementation of the seed regulatory framework; • Participate in the final validation workshop of the project and assist in developing strategies; • Perform other tasks entrusted to him/her by the supervisors for the accomplishment of the project objectives.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University legal degree with specialization on agricultural and seed production, plant protection/natural resources • Minimum 5 years of working experience preferably in plant protection/ natural resources and seed related law. • Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for Consultants. For PSA.SBS working knowledge of English is sufficient.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in natural plant protection/natural resources, seed related law • Excellent legal drafting skills • Previous experience working in South Sudan is desirable • Good knowledge of the UN system, procedures and operational activities would be an advantage