Biostimulant, Biofertilizer, and Fertilizer Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) supports countries to transition to sustainable crop production systems that achieve higher productivity with lower environmental footprints. NSP focuses on integrating and harmonising crop production policies and practices to eradicate hunger while conserving natural resources.

The position is located in the Ecosystem Approach to Sustainable Crop Production Intensification Team (NSPED), one of the six teams in the Division. NSPED works on developing, adapting, validating and disseminating agroecological practices and strengthening capacities for small‑holder farmers to achieve sustainability and resilience.

Job Description

• Review existing literature and guidelines related to plant biostimulants and biofertilizers.
• Outline the structure of the guidelines, draft the zero‑draft of international guidelines, and facilitate consultations for review.
• Support the organisation and coordination of the Biostimulants and Biofertilizers Task Force meetings and multi‑stakeholder dialogues to validate the developed guidelines.
• Prepare the final draft of the guidelines, coordinating internal review and approval.
• Develop a strategy to promote implementation of the guidelines, including educational materials, a capacity‑building programme and awareness‑raising events.
• Contribute to the development of project proposals that promote sustainable fertilizer management and scale‑up of biostimulant and biofertilizer production and utilisation.
• Produce technical factsheets, training guides, reports, policy briefs and strategic documents, and provide technical oversight of procurement and quality assurance of fertilizer and plant nutrition inputs.
• Organise webinars and seminars on sustainable crop production themes such as integrated nutrient management, agroecology, biofertilizers and biostimulants.
• Undertake technical back‑supporting missions as required to support the implementation of the above activities.

Candidate Requirements

Minimum Requirements – Consultants

• Advanced university degree recognised by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agricultural sciences, biological science, soil science, soil microbiology, Agricultural Biotechnology, or a related field focused on plant nutrition.
• Consultants with a bachelor’s degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience.

Minimum Requirements – PSAs

• University degree recognised by the IAU/UNESCO in agricultural sciences, biological science, soil science, soil microbiology, Agricultural Biotechnology, or a related field focused on plant nutrition.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in fertilizers, biofertilizers and biostimulants, including current research, technologies, regulatory frameworks, standard specifications and policy advocacy.
• Full proficiency/working knowledge of English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience working in multiple locations or areas of work.
• Extensive knowledge of plant nutrition within sustainable crop production systems.
• Solid knowledge of biostimulants and biofertilizers and their effects on plant and soil health.
• Familiarity with national and international regulations and standards, including quality, labelling and compliance processes.
• Skills in engaging policymakers to support regulatory frameworks and sustainable agricultural policies.
• Experience in creating and delivering training to build capacity on biostimulants and biofertilizers application and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in collecting, analysing and disseminating technical information and data.
• Experience in preparing, editing and revising technical/scientific documents and organising meetings and workshops.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and communicate technical information effectively.
• Familiarity with international organisations, regional entities, national governments and development agencies.

Selection Criteria

• Limited knowledge of a second UN official language is considered an asset.

Equal Opportunity Statement

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non‑and under‑represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values.
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

Environmental Sustainability Commitment

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.