Senior Technical Officer (Conservation & Sustainable Use Of PGRFA - Farmers’ Rights)

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the transformation to sustainable agrifood systems, contributing to the 2030 Agenda. The Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) provides administrative support for the Treaty's Governing Body and subsidiary bodies. This Senior Technical Officer role is within the ITPGRFA Secretariat, located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) and Farmers' Rights.

Job Purpose

This role supports the Secretary of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) in implementing the Treaty and supporting its Governing Body and intersessional bodies. The primary focus is to enhance the functioning of the Treaty's mechanisms, programmes, and strategies related to the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, Farmers' Rights, and capacity development, in collaboration with other organizations. The position involves coordinating and implementing capacity development programmes, leading the development and implementation of technical programmes and projects, and preparing substantive reports and documentation for intergovernmental meetings. The role also entails managing outreach activities, conducting training, leading field missions, and providing policy advice to countries and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and overall coordination for the implementation of the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA and the work of the relevant subsidiary body of the Governing Body of the International Treaty. Offer technical leadership to support negotiations among Contracting Parties to enhance the implementation of Farmers' Rights and the work of the relevant subsidiary body. Lead and/or coordinate teams to improve Treaty implementation and develop technical products and documents on Conservation and Sustainable Use, Farmers' Rights, and Capacity Development, including preparing all documents for the Governing Body and subsidiary bodies. Support the Secretary in establishing and maintaining relationships with relevant FAO Technical Units and Decentralized Offices to enhance policies and strategies related to PGRFA conservation, sustainable use, and Farmers' Rights, ensuring synergies between policy and operational work. Maintain a strategic overview of international developments in these areas and support efforts to strengthen the International Treaty as a leading forum for biodiversity policy and multilateral cooperation. Support programmes and processes on partnership and membership for the International Treaty. Conduct, design, and oversee research and analysis for technical reports and publications. Support resource mobilization activities and represent the Secretary at conferences and official functions.

Work Experience

Ten years of relevant international experience is required in supporting the development and implementation of policies and technical programmes for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Experience in more than one work location or area, particularly in field positions, is essential.

Skills

Experience in facilitating intergovernmental negotiations for international policies on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Proven ability to lead or support global strategies and programmes on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. Experience in leading and participating in multidisciplinary teams for technical analysis to improve Treaty implementation. Experience in developing cooperation programmes with relevant international institutions (e.g., CBD, CGIAR, GCDT). Demonstrated capacity to prepare documentation for intergovernmental bodies in English. Technical support and policy advice to countries on Treaty implementation is an asset. Working knowledge of French or Spanish (Level C) is desirable.

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