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. FAO's 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 FAO's 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 provider's 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 provider's 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 provider's 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 project's 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).