Director, Plant Production and Protection Division Vacancy-Job Ref: ECITFAO/0825/202319

Director, Plant Production and Protection Division Vacancy-Job Ref: ECITFAO/0825/202319
Rome (Italy)
JOB DESCRIPTION
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is the Specialized Agency of the United Nations leading international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to high-quality food.
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, in collaboration with a broad range of partners. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices to increase production in a sustainable manner in order to eradicate hunger while preserving natural resources and the environment.
The position is located in the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
Under the policy guidance and the general supervision of the Deputy Director-General, the Director, NSP provides strategic, managerial and technical leadership for the work of the Division and facilitates the management of corporate activities.
Summary of Duties and Functions
Manage the Division’s programme of work, planning, strategic vision, advice, quality control, and ensure the implementation of the Division’s approved work plan in support of the FAO Strategic Framework, as well as the cost-effective use of financial and human resources based on Results Based Management principles;
Provide technical expert guidance and leadership in the development, implementation and review of programmes related to plant production, agricultural/crop economy and industry, crop protection and sustainable agriculture practices;
Provide expert guidance and lead the Organization’s technical work to develop and implement sustainable crop production and protection strategies including, for example:
o improving input and resource use efficiency;
o promoting of new seed varieties and other related technologies;
o maintaining healthy soil ecosystems;
o the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources;
o reducing crop losses from transboundary plant pests and diseases;
o sound pesticide management;
o adoption of mechanization and digitalization platforms;
Leverage and promote current and emerging innovation and technologies in plant production and protection, in cooperation with public, private, academia and civil society actors and actively contribute to strengthening partnerships with partners from all sectors;
Ensure liaison and coordination with, and provide information, guidance and support to, all units of the Organization, both at headquarters and in the Decentralized Offices (DOs), on topics related to NSP’s mandate;
Provide guidance and support to Members, UN and specialized agencies, and other global, regional and national bodies on liaison, coordination and exchange of information regarding the crop sector, and support inter-agency and inter-institutional collaboration on analysis and development of areas of responsibility covered by the Division;
Promote international dialogue and action on global and regional plant production and protection issues through intergovernmental and non-governmental channels, including through the FAO Technical Committees and other Statutory Bodies, specifically the FAO Committee on Agriculture, the International Plant Protection Convention and the Rotterdam Convention;
Develop and lead efforts to mobilize resources for the Division’s activities and support funding outreach approaches for technical staff in the DOs;
Represent the Organization at high-level meetings and other events relevant to the Division’s field of competence;
Maintain a motivated and effective workforce by ensuring recruitment of highly qualified staff, by mentoring, coaching and supporting career development of staff, and by implementing effective approaches for performance management;
Develop and implement strong internal communication and external outreach and advocacy strategies.
Minimum Requirements
Advanced university degree in agriculture, crop production, crop protection, agronomy, agricultural engineering or a related field. Additional qualifications in broader agricultural sciences and international agriculture and/or Ph.D. in plant sciences or agricultural economics would be an asset;
Minimum fifteen years of relevant experience in the area of plant sciences within the public or private sector;
Deep understanding and demonstrated professional competency and mastery of sustainable crop production, plant protection and mechanization (i.e. seeds and seed systems, fertilizers, bio-based products/inputs, precision agriculture and digital farming, mechanization/automation, etc.);
In-depth knowledge of global agricultural challenges, climate change impacts and the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to food security and sustainable agriculture;
Demonstrated experience in implementing innovative agricultural practices and leveraging new technologies for sustainable agricultural development;
Experience with multilateral negotiations and providing advice to governments;
Working experience that entailed a direct working relationship with farmers is an asset;
Strong track record of engaging with the private sector and forging successful partnerships;
Proven analytical skills and ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills;
Ability to lead and work effectively with a diverse team of people of different national and cultural backgrounds in an international UN setting;
Experience working in a developing country is an asset;
Working knowledge of English (proficient – level C) and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of one of the other official FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
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