National Policy Specialist

Overview

Contribute to national biosafety policy development

You have:

• University degree in agriculture, environmental law, biosafety, biotechnology, agronomy, biodiversity conservation, and other related fields
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in the policy field, knowledge of agricultural, biodiversity or biosafety policy is an asset
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Russian languages; Kyrgyz is an asset
• National or Resident of the Kyrgyz Republic

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Office, headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist 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. FAO Kyrgyzstan assists the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to develop policies, programmes and projects to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO participates in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhance rural livelihoods.

In this context, the FAO is implementing in collaboration with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the GEF- funded project “****Implementation of the National Biosafety Mechanism in the Kyrgyz Republic in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety” (GCP/KYR/023/GFF). Project activities are aligned to the immediate needs, particularly those associated with the post-COVID socio-economic rehabilitation framework, as well as longer term development challenges associated with Agenda 2030 and beyond. This assignment will contribute to project objective, such as provision of technical guidance and assistance for the implementation of the regulatory framework on biosafety at the national level, including the establishment of administrative systems and institutional arrangements, such as laboratories for LMO detection and human resource capacities in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Reporting Lines

The National Policy Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic. He/she will work in close coordination with the Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO), in cooperation with the International Expert on Cartagena Protocol and Biosafety Policy, the National Technical Chief Advisor, the national counterparts, and with other projects international and national consultants. An incumbent will undertake the following duties:

Technical Focus

Drafting and finalization of a National Policy Document on Biosafety for the Kyrgyz Republic

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Policy Specialist will provide high-level support to:

• Assist National Technical Chief Advisor with the establishment of consultation activities with the relevant ministries and agencies in the country;
• Assist in the organization of policy discussion workshops and relevant working group meetings;
• Contribute to the identification of national biosafety needs and priorities;
• Contribute to the drafting and finalization of a National Policy Document on Biosafety;
• Participate in policy discussions on liability and redress issues and assist in the integration into project outcomes, as appropriate;
• Conduct a review of existing policies and existing legislation relevant to biosafety and identify gaps, including where sectoral rules/guidelines are needed;
• Contribute to the process of drafting additional regulations and sectoral rules/guidelines on biosafety;
• Contribute to the development of training material on the biosafety policy, regulatory and institutional framework;
• Participate in developing and conducting two training sessions, for about 60 government officials each time;
• Contribute to the development of procedural guidelines for differentiated applications for LMOs, covering biosafety aspects such as risk assessment, risk management and monitoring, and identification and detection.
• Assist in the organization of a workshop to finalize procedural guidelines with relevant implementation agencies.
• Work with national gender expert on the above so as to integrate a gender lens;
• Contribute to the development of content of the national biosafety website;
• Other related activities on biosafety policy;
• Perform any other duties when required;
• Support the development of the mid-term and final evaluation reports.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture, environmental law, biosafety, biotechnology, agronomy, biodiversity conservation, and other related fields;
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in the policy field, knowledge of agricultural, biodiversity or biosafety policy is an asset;
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Russian languages, Kyrgyz is an asset;
• National or Resident of the Kyrgyz Republic.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/ Functional Skills

• Proven communication skills, with governmental authorities, national and international experts and local communities;
• Proven leadership skills, demonstrated ability to promote new approaches and new practices;
• Systematic and efficient approach to work assignments, good judgment, and analytical ability;
• Knowledge on UN system is an asset;
• Experience in programme/project matters with international organizations would be desirable.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org