National Specialist on Seed Quality and Certification - SB4

Organizational Setting

The FAO country offices assist governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition. The FAO is committed to supporting the development of the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors while protecting the environment through the sustainable use of natural resources. FAO is implementing project TCP/CMB/3804 – Support to strengthen the seed management system. The project objectives are (i) develop Quality Declared Seed (QDS) regulatory framework for seeds and planting materials; (ii) support the capacity building and series of trainings for the technical staffs and stakeholders including private sector and agricultural cooperative (ACs) on the seed certification and registration including the seed quality control with QDS; and (iii) support the establishment of national varietal lists of key crops and seed management information system and feedback mechanisms.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and the technical supervision of the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP), Lead Technical Officer and international consultant.

Technical Focus

The national specialist on seed quality and certification will supervise all necessary activities for the production of a National Varietal Lists of key crops and the registered variety, the standardized protocol for evaluation, registration and release of new varieties and registered varieties and the seed management information system.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Review the existing seed certification and registration system, develop the strategy and protocol evaluation, registration and release of new varieties and registered varieties aligned with any regional agreement if needed; • Assist the project teams to develop the implementation approaches to integrate the seed certification and registration in the seed sector of the country under the guidance of the international seed system expert; • Provide technical inputs to the project teams to the draft national varietal lists of key crops and the lists of registered crops within the project; • Coordinate and collaborate with the national expert of database to develop the standardized platform for the database management system relating the information of the release of varieties and the registered varieties in the country; • Develop IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials on the seed certification and registration system of key crops for further promotion and capacity building development; • Assist in organizing events such as training workshops, meetings based on the project planning and the implementation of the project; • Assist International consultant and the project teams to develop the draft seed system development strategy for Cambodia as required; • Assist International consultant and the project teams in technical project planning and implementation of the project by the approved project document and the result-based work plan and budget, and compliance with FAO procedures; • Represent the project meeting and workshops relevant to the achievement of the Project’s objectives; • Undertake other tasks related to the project as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Agronomy/seed technology or equivalents, or related fields. • At least 5 years of relevant experience in seed production/multiplication, seed quality control, the implementation of seed certification and registration system. • Working knowledge (level C) of English, both written and spoken; • Cambodian National or resident.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team • Strong command of spoken and written English. • Experience in developing technical reports and documents. • Computer skills in Office Applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. • Capability for planning, organizing, and administering on-the-job, independent, staff training sessions. • Knowledge of the administrative policies and procedures of the United Nations and International Organizations. • Effective communication skills that emphasize teamwork. • Working experience with the UN and/or international organizations will be an asset.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above.