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: 
•     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.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of Fiji, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, biosecurity, animal and plant health, pesticides management and agriculture research, among other areas.

The position is located in Fiji.

Reporting Lines

The National Specialist will be under the general supervision of the FAO contact person in Fiji and the technical supervision of different sector-specific FAO Officers. He/she will work in close coordination with the FAO Legal Office and a group of international and national experts on different topics related to food and agriculture.

Technical Focus

•     Legal drafting, and support to the development and implementation of legislation in areas related to food and agriculture law, including legislation on animal production and health, land and water and/or pesticides management.
•     Animal production and feed management
•     Land conservation, agriculture land tenure and management and soil health
•     Pesticide legislation
•     Agriculture research

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Collect and analyse data on sector-specific policies and legal instruments. 
•     Prepare reports with an analysis of specific sectors and recommendations to strengthen the national regulatory framework on such sectors. 
•     Prepare assessments, analysis and reports on selected topics.
•     Support the drafting, discussion and revision of sector-specific legislation. 
•     If so requested, assist in national and regional discussions, travel missions and online meetings.
•     Perform other duties as and when requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree in Law, Agriculture, Environmental management or other field related to the technical areas of focus
•     At least 3 years of relevant practical experience in the technical areas of focus (veterinary medicine, legal drafting and analysis, land conservation and pesticide management)
•     Working knowledge (Level C) of English
•     A national of Fiji or a legal resident with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•     Excellent leadership and communication skills.
•     Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
•     General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
•     Experience in legal drafting and implementing national projects would be an asset.