Biostimulant and Biofertilizer Specialist

Job Posting: 20/Nov/2024 Closure Date: 04/Dec/2024, 4:59:00 PM Organizational Unit: NSP - Plant Production and Protection Job Type: Non-staff opportunities Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement) Grade Level: N/A Primary Location: Italy-Rome Duration: Up to 11 months on a when-actually-employed basis Post Number: N/A 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 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 - FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations._ **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. 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. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices in order to increase production in a sustainable manner so as to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use. **Reporting Lines** The incumbent will be under the supervision of Agriculture 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. **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. - Support the design and formulation of agricultural development projects to promote the implementation and scaling up of biostimulant and biofertilizer production and utilization. - Contribute to technical factsheets, training guides, reports, policy briefs, strategic documents and provide technical clearance related to 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. **CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING** **Minimum Requirements** - Advanced university degree in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, ecology, natural resources management, or a related field focused on plant nutrition. - Minimum of five years of relevant experience in biostimulants and biofertilizers, including current research, technologies, regulatory frameworks, standard specifications and policy advocacy for regulatory frameworks. - Working knowledge of English (proficient - level C) for Consultants and PSA. **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 r