Agricultural Officer (Plant Nutrition) at Food and Agriculture Organization

Organizational Setting

The Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP)promotes the sustainable intensification of crop production (SCPI). This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices in order to increase production in a sustainable manner in order to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.

The post is Located in the Ecosystem Management Team (AGPME) one of six teams in the Division. AGPME provides advice, technical support and guidance to countries aimed at maintaining and enhancing ecosystem services as essential components of sustainable farming systems. The incumbent is part of a Team of technical specialists that includes expertise on, cropping systems, plant nutrition, pest and soil management and various aspects of agro-biodiversity and agro-ecology to deliver a programme of work on SCPI that emphasizes sustainable agricultural production and technologies addressed to small holder farmers.

Reporting Lines

The Agricultural Officer reports to the Senior Agricultural Officer AGPME

Technical Focus

Maintaining and enhancing ecosystem services as essential elements of sustainable crop production systems

Key Results

Research, technical analysis, and project related services to support the delivery of programme projects, products, and services.

Key Functions

· Researches and analyzes technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional, and technology related information, data and statistics and/or related policy issues to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services

· Produces a variety of technical information, data, statistics and reports as well as input for technical documents and web pages.

· Provides technical support/analysis to various assessments, studies and initiatives and provides technical backstopping to field projects.

· Collaborates in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes, and databases.

· Participates on multi-disciplinary teams, and/or leads working groups/teams collaborates with other departments and agencies on work groups and committees and promotes best practices.

· Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality / effectiveness of capacity development activities within member countries such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools.

· Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences and influences partners in stakeholder consultations.

· Supports resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate strategy.

· Performs other duties

Specific Functions

· Provides technical input and advice on plant nutrition in support of programmes and projects on sustainable crop production systems

· Collects information and up-dates FAO’s Fertibase and Integrated Plant Nutrition Information System (IPINS) on fertilizers, provides statistics on their use in major agro-ecosystems and contributes to publications such as Current World Fertilizer Trends and Outlook to 2018

· Provides technical advice and support to emergency response and rehabilitation interventions involving provision of fertilizers and soil supplements

· Collaborates in the collection, preparation and dissemination of information materials and best practices for the most efficient use of plant nutrient inputs in the context of sustainable cropping systems.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

· Advanced University degree in agriculture/agronomy or a related field with emphasis on soil management and plant nutrition

· Five years of relevant experience in the field of soil management or soil ecology and the efficient use of plant nutrition inputs including in developing countries

· Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian

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, particularly in field positions is desirable.

· Extent of experience and knowledge of plant nutrition in the context of sustainable crop production systems

· Demonstrated knowledge and experience in related fields of soil management and soil-ecology in the context of small holder farming systems

· Demonstrated experience in collecting and analysing technical information and data

· Experience in the preparation, editing and revision of technical/scientific documents and in organizing meetings and workshops

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

· All candidates should possess computer/word processing skills.

· Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

· Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your iRecruitment online profile (see “How to Apply”). We strongly recommend that you ensure that the information is accurate and complete including employment record, academic qualifications and language skills.

· Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognised in the IAU/UNESCO list.

· Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice and the endorsed candidates will be considered for the Employment Roster for a period of 2 years.

· Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments.

REMUNERATION

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: http://icsc.un.org/rootindex.asp

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, visit the iRecruitment website at http://www.fao.org/employment/irecruitment-access/en/ and complete your online profile. Only applications received through iRecruitment will be considered.

Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile.

Vacancies will be removed from iRecruitment at 23:59 Central European Time (CET) on the deadline for applications date. We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help, or have queries, please contact: iRecruitment@fao.org