Biostimulant, Biofertilizer, and Fertilizer Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) contributes to FAOs work by supporting countries to transition to sustainable crop production systems which produce more with less through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices to both optimize productivity and minimize the systems environmental footprints and thereby eradicate hunger and malnutrition while preserving natural resources.

The position is located in the Ecosystem Approach to Sustainable Crop Production Intensification Team (NSPED) one of the six teams that make up the Division. NSPEDs work is particularly focused on developing adapting validating and disseminating agroecological practices and the strengthening of requisite institutional and human capacities to enable the transition of cropping systems especially of smallholder farmers (including family farmers) to sustainability and enhanced resilience.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be under the supervision of an Agricultural Officer (Plant Nutrition) of the NSPED Team.

Technical Focus

Integrated soil nutrient practices including the incorporation of biostimulants and biofertilizers for efficient plant nutrition in the context of sustainable cropping systems.

The incumbent is part of a Team of subject matter specialists that includes expertise on sustainable agriculture cropping systems plant nutrition soil health ecosystem services agrobiodiversity and climate change adaptation and cooperation with staff within and outside the Division the incumbent contributes to a programme of work on sustainable crop production systems with emphasis on the greater incorporation of ecosystem-based approaches

Tasks and responsibilities

Review existing literature and available guidelines and regulations related to plant biostimulants and biofertilizers.
Outline the structure of the guidelines for plant biostimulants prepare the zero-draft of international guidelines and facilitate consultations for review and comments.
Support the organization and coordination of Biostimulants and Biofertilizers Task Force meetings and multi-stakeholder dialogue to validate the developed guidelines.
Update as applicable and prepare the final draft of the guidelines for biostimulants for internal review and approval.
Develop a strategy to promote the implementation of the developed guidelines for biostimulants and biofertilizers including educational materials a capacity-building program and awareness-raising events.
Contribute to the development of project proposals for that promote sustainable fertilizer management and scaling up of biostimulant and biofertilizer production and utilization.
Contribute to the development of technical factsheets training guides reports policy briefs strategic documents and provide technical oversight of procurement and quality assurance of fertilizer and plant nutrition inputs to support efficient plant nutrition management.
Support the organization of webinars and seminars on themes that are relevant to sustainable crop production including integrated nutrient management agroecology biofertilizers and biostimulants.
Undertake technical backstopping missions as required to support the implementation of the above activities including those related to biostimulants biofertilizers sustainable fertilizer management and integrated nutrient management.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

For Consultants:
Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural sciences biological science soil science soil microbiology Agricultural Biotechnology or a related field focused on plant nutrition. Consultants with a bachelors degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs:
University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural sciences biological science soil science soil microbiology Agricultural Biotechnology or a related field focused on plant nutrition.
Minimum of five years of relevant experience in fertilizers biofertilizers and biostimulants including current research technologies regulatory frameworks standard specifications and policy advocacy for regulatory frameworks.
Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English French Spanish Arabic Chinese or Russian

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
Extent and relevance of experience in plant nutrition in the context of sustainable crop production systems.
Solid knowledge of biostimulants and biofertilizers including their effects on plant and soil health.
Familiarity with national and international regulations and standards including quality labelling and compliance processes.
Skills in engaging with policymakers to support regulatory frameworks and sustainable agricultural policies.
Experience in creating and delivering training to build capacity on biostimulants and biofertilizers application and best practices.
Demonstrated experience in collecting analyzing and disseminating technical information and data.
Experience in the preparation editing and revision of technical/scientific documents and organizing meetings and workshops.
Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and communicate technical information effectively.
Familiarity with international organizations regional entities national governments and development agencies.

Selection Criteria

Limited knowledge of a second UN official language is considered an asset.

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

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.

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

Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

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.

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