National Specialist on LMO Detection and Identification

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 Specialist on LMO Detection and Identification 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 and the national counterparts and with other project international and national consultants. An incumbent will undertake the following duties:

Technical Focus

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

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Specialist on LMO Detection and Identification 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;
• Identify and develop procedures and mechanisms, with clear workflows and responsibilities, for activities under Component 2 related to LMO detection and identification;
• Identify and contribute to the development of official institutional arrangements for laboratory responsibilities and competence;
• Contribute to the development of one technical guideline/manual on LMO detection and identification;
• Participate in developing and conducting one practical training course on detection and identification of LMOs for laboratory personnel;
• Participate in developing and conducting one specialized workshop on border control for 40 government officials and laboratory personnel;
• Contribute to the development of a roadmap for the establishment of a training centre on detection and identification of LMOs;
• Identify and contribute to the development of institutional arrangements for establishment of new curricula and a potential host training center in biosafety;
• Other related activities on LMO detection and identification.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biomedicine, and other related fields;
• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in LMO analytical detection and identification;
• 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 training in LMO analytical detection and laboratory practice;
• Proved communication skills, with governmental authorities, national and international experts;
• Proved leadership skills, demonstrated ability to promote new approaches and new practices;
• Systematic and efficient approach to work assignments, good judgment and analytical ability;
• Knowledge of UN system is an asset;
• Experience in programme/project matters with international organizations would be desirable.