Tasks and responsibilities

The tasks and responsibilities of each selected Consultant or PSA Subscriber will be defined in the Terms of Reference for the specific assignment. In general, assigned tasks and responsibilities will usually include one or more of the following elements depending on the assignment and the expertise of the incumbent:

•    Provide policy analysis and technical advice on the implementation and strengthening of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-sharing, the Global Information System and other relevant systems and mechanisms of the ITPGRFA.
•    Conduct research and prepare policy documents, standard proposals, technical reports and studies on the implementation of relevant provisions of the ITPGRFA.
•    Provide technical support for the operations of various systems and mechanisms of the ITPGRFA.
•    Contribute to the preparation of pre-session/background documents for the sessions of the Governing Body and its subsidiary bodies.
•    Support the organization of technical and intergovernmental meetings and events in relation to the implementation of the ITPGRFA.
•    Develop training and information materials for capacity building and organize relevant workshops for Contracting Parties.
•    Prepare legal and policy papers and draft texts for negotiations of the Governing Body and its subsidiary bodies.
•    Support the preparation and running of training workshops and regional consultations, including pre-workshop surveys and outreach materials.
•    Provide technical support to existing implementation tools of the ITPGRFA, such as the Toolbox for Sustainable Use, the Farmers’ Rights Inventory, the Portal of the Global Information System.
•    Write concept notes and project proposals for donors.
•    Liaise with relevant partners both within and outside of the FAO in relation to the implementation of the ITPGRFA.
•    Participate in relevant meetings organized by partner organizations to the management of PGRFA
•    Attend and represent the Treaty Secretariat in relevant events or meetings, or as may be assigned by the Secretary.
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced degree in agriculture, natural resources, environmental sciences, law, rural development, international development/relations/cooperation, agricultural economics, bioinformatics, political science, social sciences or a related field
•    At least 1 year (Category C), 5 years (Category B) or 10 years (Category A) in management of agro-biodiversity, including conservation, use and/or, access and benefit-sharing of plant genetic resources, as well as on activities related to the organization and management of inter-governmental and/ or technical meetings and events at international or regional level
•    Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian can be considered a good asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Demonstrated capacity to conduct technical and/or policy analysis in relation to plant genetic resources or other natural resources management
•    Demonstrated ability to formulate, draft and finalize technical and policy documents, guidelines and manuals
•    Experience in the organization and management of inter-governmental, technical meetings, events and training workshops
•    Excellent communication skills
•    Experience with fieldwork, such as technical cooperation projects, stakeholder consultations, training workshops in particular in developing countries
•    Project management skills