Organizational Setting

Adopted by the FAO Conference in 2001, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) aims to facilitate the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.

The Benefit-sharing Fund (BSF) is a funding mechanism of the ITPGRFA and supports projects in developing countries for small-scale farmers to improve livelihoods, food security and adaptation to climate change. This is achieved by enhancing the on-farm management and improvement of plant genetic diversity, strengthening local value chains and supporting communities of practice to conserve and sustainably use plant genetic materials and related knowledge. Established by the Governing Body and operational since 2009, the Benefit-sharing Fund has supported actions in 78 developing countries through five project cycles, with each cycle building on lessons learned and good practices under the previous ones.

The BSF project PR-154-S-Brazil “Support network for local conservation (in situ/on farm) of plant genetic resources in Brazil and integration with Embrapa genebanks” is one of the 28 projects funded under the 5th BSF cycle of the ITPGRFA. The project has as its main objective strengthening the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) in Brazil by creating an effective, nationwide network that connects local in situ/on-farm conservation initiatives—led by farmers, communities, and civil society—with Embrapa’s ex situ genebanks. To achieve this, the project focuses on enhancing collaboration, knowledge exchange, and germplasm flows between these systems; improving local conservation practices through participatory training and research; supporting community seed banks and seed networks; and developing information systems and policies that integrate and scale these efforts, ultimately increasing agrobiodiversity conservation, resilience, and food security across diverse regions and communities. Project activities will take place in several territories throughout 11 Brazilian states.

Embrapa Clima Temperado's projects in Rio Grande do Sul have been ongoing for approximately 20 years, involving heirloom seeds and their guardians, supporting biodiverse and ecologically based production systems and collaborative research activities using participatory research methods. Over the years, the institution has become a reference in working with heirloom seeds of various crops, which are now being made available to traditional communities and family farmers through this project. Making the seed collection available to seed guardians and their associations has a dual importance: for seed conservation and as new possibilities for use and income generation for the communities.

Please note that only candidates selected for the next stages of the selection process will be contacted.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Assistant Representative in FAO Brazil – Programme.

Technical Focus

Seed Fairs and Seed Houses have become a key complementary activity for strengthening heirloom seeds and their guardians in territorial spaces. The activities include making available collections of bean seeds of corn, cassava, green manures, and vegetables, among heirloom and improved varieties, aiming at the joint evaluation of varieties in local systems and the diversification of these systems. In this context, the technician will initially assist in the multiplication of seeds existing in Embrapa's seed banks, aiming at making the seeds available at a later stage. She/He will also be responsible for preparing seed collections that will be collaboratively evaluated with seed guardians. Within this context of seed collection multiplication, the characterization of creole varieties will be carried out to compose the seed banks of the different crops targeted by the project. Additionally, the technician will assist in monitoring existing seed fairs and seed banks and provide technical support to others that are in the process of being organized.

Tasks and Responsibilities

•    Support in the organization of fairs and biodiversity inventory.
•    Assist Embrapa researchers with the maintenance of Embrapa´s seed banks so to contribute to the multiplication of genetic resources
•    Conduct the phenotypical characterization of plant varieties in the field and controlled ambiance
•    Evaluate landrace varieties in participatory trials with local farmers
•    Provide support to seed guardians in project locations and assist them in participatory trials
•    Aid with the organization of capacitation events, such as seminars and courses for project beneficiaries

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Territorial Development, Agrarian Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Agroecology or other similar areas.
•    Minimum of five (5) years of responsible professional experience in the management of field projects in Brazil related to: sustainable land management, land tenure and/or governance, territorial development, family farming or other similar areas.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of Spanish and/or English and working knowledge of Portuguese.
•    Brazilian nationality

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Professional registration with CREA - Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy
• Driver´s license

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
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 http://www.whed.net/
For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Seeds Technician