The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is pleased to announce a call for applications to join the Global Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) for the term of 2026-2027.
FAO is currently seeking five new experts to fill the vacant positions, specifically:
- Asia and the Pacific: One vacancy
- Europe and Central Asia: One vacancy
- North America: One vacancy
- Global Positions: Two vacancies
These new members will work alongside four current members, whose terms have been extended for an additional two years.
This esteemed program is dedicated to identifying and conserving unique agricultural systems, enriched by agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, and outstanding landscapes through a comprehensive and holistic approach.
The GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group serves as an expert body composed of 9 members appointed by the FAO’s Director-General.
Members are selected based on individual expertise, taking into account regional representation and gender balance.
Their crucial role involves evaluating GIAHS proposal documents and making decisions on designating GIAHS sites.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Experts will hold a two-year mandate, renewable for a further term. Their primary duties include:
- Designating GIAHS sites by analyzing and evaluating proposal documents in collaboration with the SAG.
- Conducting field visits to potential GIAHS locations for assessment purposes.
- Providing critical inputs to technical documents developed by the GIAHS Secretariat.
- Supporting the Secretariat in enhancing the conceptual frameworks regarding GIAHS criteria and procedures.
- Offering scientific inputs and guidance to fortify the GIAHS Programme.
- Participating in seminars and workshops to highlight the unique features of GIAHS sites.
Expertise Required:
Candidates will be evaluated based on specific requirements:
- Advanced university degree (PhD preferred) with at least 10 years of relevant experience in fields such as agronomy, forestry, fisheries, natural resource management, ecology, biodiversity, anthropology, sustainable development, agricultural economics, or related areas.
- Experience with GIAHS-related projects is highly valued.
- Proven fieldwork or studies in areas concerning natural resource conservation or sustainable development.
- Working proficiency in English (mandatory); knowledge of FAO official languages (French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, or Arabic) is advantageous.
General Criteria:
- Demonstrated leadership in international scientific bodies or advisory committees related to this work.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse experts and FAO staff in a respectful manner.
- Commitment to actively participate in two to three meetings annually, both virtual and in person.
- Required affiliation with a recognized public or non-profit organization; employment by government entities or freelance consultants is not eligible.
Selection Process:
CVs will be reviewed based on the criteria specified above. Consideration will be given to diversity and complementarity among members, ensuring balanced geographic representation and gender inclusion.
Interviews will be held with pre-qualified candidates; however, unsuccessful applicants will not routinely be notified.
Appointment Conditions:
Selected experts will serve as volunteers without remuneration; however, travel costs, subsistence allowances, and related expenses for in-person meetings will be covered by FAO.
It is important to note that experts will contribute strictly in their individual capacity, free from affiliations with specific countries or institutions.
Application Submission:
Interested candidates should submit their CV (maximum of three pages, in English) detailing how their qualifications meet the required expertise for GIAHS.
Deadline for Application Submission: May 12, 2023.
Please send CVs to: GIAHS-Secretariat@fao.org.
FAO encourages passionate and qualified individuals to apply and become integral to the GIAHS mission of conserving and promoting agricultural heritage systems worldwide.
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