Organizational Setting
FAO Azerbaijan Partnership and Liaison Office, in close cooperation with the government and its in-line Ministries/Agencies, contributes to the sustainable agri-food systems, and supports the government with addressing issues food security, agriculture and rural development, natural resource management in the country. FAOโs technical assistance, provided mainly through projects, includes institution building, development of knowledge and competencies, and exchange of experience among FAO member countries.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan, the programmatic guidance and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative, and the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO).ย
Technical Focusย
The National Specialist on Seed Quality Systems and Variety Registration will work in close coordination with the national counterparts and the National Project Coordinator. The incumbent will assess and enhance ASAโs seed quality and plant variety testing services, while developing and delivering trainings on seed management.
Tasks and responsibilities
โข ย ย Identify capacity-building priorities and prepare training materials for training/workshops on seed testing procedures (laboratory applications and field inspections) in coordination with project partners and ASA staff
โข ย ย Evaluate the current state and the development perspectives in seed sector
โข ย ย Contribute to the revision of the strategic development plan of the ASA in regard to seed testing and quality control services based on the findings
โข ย ย Support the development of the system for control and registration of imported and exported seeds
โข ย ย Provide substantive support and technical expertise to legal consultants in reviewing and revising the legislative base related to seed production and quality control
โข ย ย Support the establishment of effective mechanisms for the protection of the rights of farmers involved in development of the new plant varieties
โข ย ย Assess current level of training of field inspectors for seed certification system and the process of variety evaluation and release.ย
โข ย ย Identify capacity-building priorities for each activity, field inspection, traceability of seed lots, variety evaluation and variety release protocol.ย
โข ย ย Prepare training materials for workshops/trainings on variety evaluation and release process according to international standards in collaboration with the project partners.
โข ย ย Provide the training for all field inspectors and technicians working in variety evaluation and release.ย
โข ย ย Elaborate recommendations for alignment of the seed testing and quality control system with international standards, such as ISTA and OECD guidelines, to enhance seed certification and market access.
โข ย ย Prepare a brief end-of-assignment report summarizing work performed and recommendations for future activities.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย University degree in agriculture or other related sciences
โข ย ย At least 5 years of experience related to the seed production, seed testing and capacity building in seed quality control
โข ย ย Working knowledge of English (C) and Azerbaijani languages are required
โข ย ย National of Azerbaijan
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย High level of responsibility, as well as experience in working in a multi-disciplinary team
โข ย ย Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
โข ย ย Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners developing effective working relationships
โข ย ย Experience with UN system is considered an asset.