FAO Job: Agricultural Standards and COP Development Specialist for Spices

Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified candidates from Sri Lanka for Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Recruitment 2023 for the position of Agricultural Standards and COP Development Specialist for Spices

Job Title: Agricultural Standards and COP Development Specialist for Spices

2302917

Primary Location: Sri Lanka-Kandy

Tasks and Responsibilities

•    Intensive Standards Development for Vanilla and Cardamom: In close association with SLSI, comprehensive development of agricultural standards specifically for Vanilla and Cardamom.
  •    Comprehensive COP Development: development of Codes of Practices (COP) for Ginger, Turmeric, Nutmeg, Clove, Vanilla, and Cardamom. This involves:
  •    Direct collaboration with SLSI for specialized consultations.
  •    Compilation of data and expert input, and synthesizing feedback from varied stakeholders within the spice sector.
  •    Organizing rigorous review meetings to refine and validate proposed standards.
  •    Leading public awareness initiatives to share and gather insights on the drafted standards and practices.
  •    Driving the second review and refinement phase of the COPs.
  •    Finalizing the COPs in tandem with the Department’s communication division for a print-ready version.
  •    Collect feedbacks from the key stakeholders and validate the developed standards and COPs.
  •    Champion public awareness initiatives to ensure widespread knowledge and acceptance of the new standards.
  •    Continuously liaise with both the Department of Export Agriculture and SLSI for insights, revisions, and finalizations.

Organizational Setting

The incumbent will be seamlessly integrated within a collaborative framework established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Department of Export Agriculture. This setting is orchestrated to foster innovation and enhancement in Sri Lanka’s spice exports. role will pivot around close coordination with both the Department of Export Agriculture and the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI) to ensure that the developed standards and practices are both globally competitive and regionally relevant.

Reporting Lines

The Specialist will function under the overarching supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (AFAOR) Programme. They will work directly under the National Project Manager, ensuring the project’s strategic alignment and timely delivery of set milestones.

Technical Focus

The specialist will be instrumental in organizing, facilitating, and steering validation workshops. These workshops will play a critical role in refining, validating, and finalizing the Codes of Practice (COPs), bringing together experts, stakeholders, and practitioners for constructive discourse and feedback.

The incumbent core focus areas will be:

1. Collaborating with SLSI for specialized consultation for each crop under the purview.
2. Developing precise agricultural standards, particularly for Vanilla and Cardamom.
3. Designing a comprehensive Code of Practices (COP) for Ginger, Turmeric, Nutmeg, Clove, Vanilla, and Cardamom.

Candidates will be assessed against the following:

Minimum Requirements 

•    An Advanced University degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Food Science, or a related field.
•    Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing agricultural standards or Codes of Practice (COPs) for agricultural products.
•    Working knowledge of English and Sinhala/Tamil language.
•    A Sri Lankan National or must hold a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Previous experience working with standard-setting bodies like SLSI or its equivalent in other countries.
•    Proven track record in collaborating with governmental and non-governmental agricultural bodies for standard development and implementation.
•    Comprehensive knowledge of the spices sector, particularly with respect to Vanilla, Cardamom, Ginger, Turmeric, Nutmeg, and Clove.
•    Proficient understanding of sustainable agricultural practices and global agricultural standards.
•    Demonstrated capability in research, data compilation, and the creation of technical publications.
•    Strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
•    Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts in a simple and clear manner.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should CLICK HERE to apply

Application Deadline: 6th October, 2023, 10:59:00 PM