Overview
The Agricultural Officer (Seed Specialist) role focuses on supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, with a specific emphasis on Special Agricultural Products (SAPs) under the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative.
Key Responsibilities
- Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams.
- Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks.
- Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and reporting activities.
- Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance.
- Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities.
- Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices.
- Participates in resource mobilization activities.
- Leads and coordinates the design, implementation, and monitoring of projects, programmes and initiatives on resilient seed value chains.
- Provides technical guidance and backstopping to Members in the identification, development, and sustainable promotion of SAPs and their integral seed value chains.
- Facilitates cross-country and cross-regional exchange of knowledge, innovations, and best practices.
- Supports the integration of sustainability and digital innovations relating to crop improvement.
- Contributes to advocacy, communication, and outreach.
- Engages with partners and stakeholders to mobilize resources and foster investments.
- Identifies, adapts, and promotes the use of validated international methods and innovations in seed value chains.
- Contributes to FAO's broader work on genetic resources for food and agriculture.
- Monitors and analyzes scientific, technical, and policy developments relevant to sustainable seed systems.
Required Experience
- Seven years of relevant experience in the field of seed production, quality assurance, seed value chain, and/or seed legal framework.
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
- Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in seed value chains in the context of sustainable crop production.
- Extent and relevance of experience in developing and delivering programmes of work or projects related to farmer-led and formal seed systems.
- Ability to analyze information as the basis for technical and policy advice for governments and input to international and intergovernmental mechanisms.
- Extent and relevance of knowledge of the linkages between seed value chains encompassing the conservation of PGRFA, plant breeding, and seed delivery systems and overarching crop value chains.
Qualifications
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in crop science, plant science, agriculture, agronomy, seed science and technology or related biological and/or agricultural sciences with emphasis on seed systems.
