National Specialist on Seed Quality Systems and Variety Registration

Overview

Oversee seed quality systems and enhance variety registration efforts.

You have:

• University degree in agriculture or other related sciences
• At least 5 years of experience related to the seed production, seed testing and capacity building in seed quality control
• Working knowledge of English (C) and Azerbaijani languages are required
• National of Azerbaijan

Organizational Setting

FAO Azerbaijan Partnership and Liaison Office, in close cooperation with the government and its in-line Ministries/Agencies, contributes to the sustainable agri-food systems, and supports the government with addressing issues food security, agriculture and rural development, natural resource management in the country. FAO’s technical assistance, provided mainly through projects, includes institution building, development of knowledge and competencies, and exchange of experience among FAO member countries.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan, the programmatic guidance and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative, and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO).

Technical Focus

The National Specialist on Seed Quality Systems and Variety Registration will work in close coordination with the national counterparts and the National Project Coordinator. The incumbent will assess and enhance ASA’s seed quality and plant variety testing services, while developing and delivering trainings on seed management.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Identify capacity-building priorities and prepare training materials for training/workshops on seed testing procedures (laboratory applications and field inspections) in coordination with project partners and ASA staff • Evaluate the current state and the development perspectives in seed sector • Contribute to the revision of the strategic development plan of the ASA in regard to seed testing and quality control services based on the findings • Support the development of the system for control and registration of imported and exported seeds • Provide substantive support and technical expertise to legal consultants in reviewing and revising the legislative base related to seed production and quality control • Support the establishment of effective mechanisms for the protection of the rights of farmers involved in development of the new plant varieties • Assess current level of training of field inspectors for seed certification system and the process of variety evaluation and release. • Identify capacity-building priorities for each activity, field inspection, traceability of seed lots, variety evaluation and variety release protocol. • Prepare training materials for workshops/trainings on variety evaluation and release process according to international standards in collaboration with the project partners. • Provide the training for all field inspectors and technicians working in variety evaluation and release. • Elaborate recommendations for alignment of the seed testing and quality control system with international standards, such as ISTA and OECD guidelines, to enhance seed certification and market access. • Prepare a brief end-of-assignment report summarizing work performed and recommendations for future activities.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agriculture or other related sciences • At least 5 years of experience related to the seed production, seed testing and capacity building in seed quality control • Working knowledge of English (C) and Azerbaijani languages are required • National of Azerbaijan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• High level of responsibility, as well as experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners developing effective working relationships • Experience with UN system is considered an asset.

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Potential interview questions

Added 5 days ago - Updated 5 hours ago - Source: fao.org