Biodiversity and Genetic Resources Technical Expert

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient inclusive resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production better nutrition a better environment and a better life leaving no one behind.

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAOs goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union) FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO facilitated through partnerships resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Specifically FAO Country Offices:
(i)Advocate inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAOs mandate;
(ii)Provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii)Assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv)position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v)ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.
The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Jordan

Reporting Lines

The Biodiversity and Genetic Resources Technical Expert will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and direct supervision of the FAO Representative assistant for programs.

Technical Focus

Support in the effective implementation of the project using effectively the resources and inputs of the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

Technical Planning and Methodology

Review and provide expert feedback on the service providers workplan sampling strategy and survey tools to ensure a robust and scientifically sound approach.
Ensure that the methodology for mapping morphological analysis and genetic testing complies with international standards such as IPGRI/Bioversity international guidelines and data formats.

Supervision and Quality Control

Provide continuous technical advice and support the service providers team during the data collection sample handling and genetic analysis phases.
Verify data collection protocols to ensure accuracy completeness and consistency.
Conduct periodic field visits to almond production sites (as needed) to monitor adherence to the agreed protocols and ensure data quality.

Technical Review of Outputs

Review all draft deliverables including datasets morphological characterization results and genetic analysis reports.
Ensure accurate interpretation of genetic diversity and morphological data and coherence between different data components of the assessment (mapping morphology molecular).

Capacity Development and Knowledge Sharing Strengthening

Provide technical coaching and mentoring to the service providers team on best practices for plant genetic resources assessment.
Organizing and participating in capacity development activities such as workshops and seminars to train and educate professionals and stakeholders.
Advise on data management documentation and archiving results to ensure long-term utility of the projects findings.
Promoting knowledge sharing and best practices at meetings and conferences.

Final Reporting and Recommendations

Contribute to and oversee the technical section for the final assessment report summarizing key findings reporting on data and statistics implications and recommendations for the conservation and sustainable use of almond genetic resources in Jordan.

Advise on follow-up research needs conservation strategies and integration of findings into national biodiversity and genetic resources action plans and agricultural policies

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced university degree (MSc or PhD) in Plant Genetic Resources Plant Biotechnology Plant Genetics Horticulture Plant Breeding Botany or related fields
Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in plant genetic resources assessment molecular characterization and conservation preferably in tree crops
Working knowledge of English and Arabic

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

Proven experience in supervising agricultural research projects or providing technical advice for field and laboratory-based genetic diversity studies.
Demonstrated familiarity with morphological and molecular characterization techniques.
Familiarity with international standards for plant genetic resources (e.g. IPGRI/Bioversity descriptors).

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

• 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 FAOs 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

FAOs commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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

HOW TO APPLY

To apply visit the recruitment website at Jobs 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 FAOs 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 FAOs client support team for further assistance: IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT