Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Specialist

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) enables the transition to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable plant production and protection through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices in order to increase production in a sustainable manner so as to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.

The position is located in the Ecosystem Approach to Sustainable Crop Production Intensification Team (NSPED), one of the six teams in the Division. NSPED’s work is particularly focused on developing, adapting, validating and disseminating agroecological practices, and the strengthening of requisite institutional and human capacities to enable the transition of cropping systems, especially of smallholder farmers (including family farmers), to sustainability and enhanced resilience. The incumbent is part of a Team of subject matter specialists that includes expertise on sustainable agriculture, cropping systems, plant nutrition, soil health, ecosystem services, agrobiodiversity, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. In cooperation with staff within and outside the Division, the incumbent contributes to a programme of work on sustainable crop production systems, with emphasis on the greater incorporation of ecosystem-based approaches.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be under the supervision of Agriculture Officer (Plant Nutrition) of the NSPED Team.

Technical Focus

Integrated soil nutrient practices, including the incorporation of biostimulants and biofertilizers, for efficient plant nutrition in the context of sustainable cropping systems.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Review existing literature and available guidelines and regulations related to plant biostimulants and biofertilizers.
• Outline the structure of the guidelines for plant biostimulants, prepare the zero-draft of international guidelines and facilitate consultations for review and comments.
• Support the organization and coordination of Biostimulants and Biofertilizers Task Force meetings and multi-stakeholder dialogue to validate the developed guidelines.”
• Update as applicable and prepare the final draft of the guidelines for biostimulants for internal review and approval.
• Develop a strategy to promote the implementation of the developed guidelines for biostimulants and biofertilizers, including educational materials, a capacity-building program, and awareness-raising events.
• Support the design and formulation of agricultural development projects to promote the implementation and scaling up of biostimulant and biofertilizer production and utilization.
• Contribute to technical factsheets, training guides, reports, policy briefs, strategic documents and provide technical clearance related to efficient plant nutrition management.
• Support the organization of webinars and seminars on themes that are relevant to sustainable crop production, including integrated nutrient management, agroecology, biofertilizers and biostimulants.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, natural resources management, or a related field focused on plant nutrition.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in biostimulants and biofertilizers, including current research, technologies, regulatory frameworks, standard specifications and policy advocacy for regulatory frameworks.
• Working knowledge of English (proficient – level C) for Consultants and PSA.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
• Extent and relevance of experience in plant nutrition in the context of sustainable crop production systems.
• Solid knowledge of biostimulants and biofertilizers including their effects on plant and soil health.
• Familiarity with national and international regulations and standards, including quality, labelling, and compliance processes.
• Skills in engaging with policymakers to support regulatory frameworks and sustainable agricultural policies.
• Experience in creating and delivering training to build capacity on biostimulants and biofertilizers application and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in collecting, analyzing and disseminating technical information and data.
• Experience in the preparation, editing and revision of technical/scientific documents and organizing meetings and workshops.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and communicate technical information effectively.
• Familiarity with international organizations, regional entities, national governments and development agencies.

Selection Criteria

• Limited knowledge (level B) of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is considered an asset.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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