National Agronomist and Plant Protection Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization: (Deadline 26 March 2024)

National Agronomist and Plant Protection Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization: (Deadline 26 March 2024)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) plays a pivotal role in achieving the 2030 Agenda by promoting more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems through its Strategic Framework. This Framework aims for better production, nutrition, environment, and life, ensuring no one is left behind.

FAO collaborates with a wide range of partners globally, including farmers’ groups, traders, NGOs, UN agencies, development banks, and agribusiness firms, to fulfil its mission (for more detailed information, visit [FAO’s website] (http://www.fao.org). The FAO country office is led by an FAO Representative, support governments in developing policies, programs, and projects to secure food, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and sustainably develop the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors.

In Rwanda, FAO focuses on four priority areas:
1.    Promoting innovative and sustainable Crop, Livestock, and Aquaculture production systems.
2.    Improving food security and resilient agriculture against climate and other shocks through diversified production systems.
3.    Enhancing inclusivity in agricultural market systems, as well as the value and competitiveness of agricultural commodities in domestic, regional, and international markets.
4.    Creating an enabling environment and responsive institutions for effective service delivery.

Aligned with the government’s strategic priorities, FAO Rwanda supports various aspects of the agricultural sector, including research and innovation, to drive transformation. This includes introducing new crop varieties, mitigating pests and diseases, and enhancing farmers’ capacities for agricultural intensification and value addition. Recognizing the ongoing need to spearhead agricultural development in Rwanda, FAO is committed to addressing the challenges that impede sustainable agriculture production and productivity.

To this end, FAO Rwanda seeks to hire an Agronomist and Plant Protection Specialist. This role will assist the Rwandan government in applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to control pests and diseases, thereby enhancing the country’s agricultural production and productivity.

Reporting Lines

The selected candidate will report to the FAO Representative in Rwanda through the Better Production Officer at FAO-Rwanda, under the technical supervision of the Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO), and in close collaboration with national counterparts and FAO-SFE technical officers.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will join the dynamic Better Production team, committed to ensuring the successful delivery of agricultural services through the implementation of best practices in agriculture. By adopting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, the team aims to reduce the reliance on conventional chemical pesticides, which pose risks to sustainable production, health, and the environment. The IPM approach, focusing on safer alternatives, aims to mitigate issues such as secondary pest outbreaks, the development of pesticide resistance, and the destruction of natural enemies of plant pests.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will specifically:

•    Develop, review, and oversee the implementation of best agricultural practices and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to boost productivity and manage pests sustainably in Rwanda.
  •    Support the design and execution of pest early warning, monitoring, forecasting, and response systems, including the preparation of preventive and contingency plans for plant pests.
  •    Assess and enhance pest management capacities, including institutional, technical, operational, and resource aspects, and provide recommendations for improvements.
  •    Support the FAO Country office to evaluate pest and disease statuses and assist in the design and implementation of effective IPM regimes, ensuring compliance with equipment specifications and environmental risk management practices in Rwanda.
  •    Contribute to the development and implementation of training programs for government staff, extension workers, and farmers on sustainable agriculture and pest management practices, including the creation of training materials.
  •    Provide technical support and guidance on pesticide use, emphasizing environmental risk management, and support the establishment of institutional partnerships and mandates for IPM implementation.
  •    Identify research areas, participate in resource mobilization for agricultural projects in line with strategic frameworks, and implement activities through transparent and accountable procedures.
  •    Support to the FAO Country office for the technical advice and policy assistance to national counterparts, ensuring quality, effectiveness, and knowledge sharing in agricultural practices.
  •    Perform other tasks as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum Requirements   

•    A bachelor or advanced degree in agronomy/agriculture, entomology, plant pathology, pest management or plant protection, crop science, agroecosystem, crop production, or a closely related field.
  •    At least seven years relevant experience in plant protection, agriculture, agronomy and agroecology.
  •    Working knowledge of English.
  •    National of Rwanda.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Proven experience in project identification, formulation, design and implementation.
  •    Proficiency in IPM project design and implementation, with a strong preference for experience in international donor-funded projects.
  •    Strong analytical skills, with a systematic approach to assignments and the capability to manage large datasets with excellent attention to detail.
  •    In-depth knowledge of environmental and safety regulations, ensuring compliance in all projects.
  •    Exceptional analytical, report writing, oral, and written communication skills, with proficiency in English and effective presentation capabilities.
  •    Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet research.
  •    Ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and maintain high performance under pressure.
  •    Excellent interpersonal and teamwork abilities, with a knack for networking and engaging with policy and decision-makers.

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.
• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website atJobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
  • Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
  • Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
  • Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered
  • Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
  • Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
  • Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
  •  We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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