Organizational Setting
The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) enables the transition to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable plant production and protection through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices to increase production in a sustainable manner in order to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international agreement on plant health with over 185 contracting parties, and 10 regional plant protection organizations, which aims to protect the world's cultivated and wild plants by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests. The IPPC is governed by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM). The IPPC Secretariat is hosted by FAO within NSP and supports the development and implementation of policies and activities of the CPM, and carrying out such other functions as may be assigned. One of the main functions of the Secretariat is to facilitate the implementation of the Convention as well as the development and implementation of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) to fulfil the IPPC's mandates. A consultant is engaged by the Organization to provide expertise, skills or knowledge for carrying out specific tasks or projects, which are short-term by nature. The duration of the assignment can vary from 1 month up to 11 months in a 12-month period. The possibility of extension is subject to satisfactory performance, and, depending on the secretariat’s
resources and needs.
The objective of the Call for Expression of interest for Consultants and PSAs is to attract talents to populate the IPPC
Experts Roster. Experts who are registered in the Roster are available for consideration whenever relevant opportunities
arise.
Reporting Lines
The finance specialist reports to the IPPC Secretary.
Technical Focus
The incumbent will provide technical, strategic, and operational financial and budgetary support within the IPPC Secretariat, serving as a critical support pillar for the Secretariat’s Executive Management Team. The focus is on ensuring the financial integrity, sustainability, and transparency of global plant health initiatives and the successful execution of IPPC Secretariat work plan deliverables. The incumbent is responsible for harmonizing administrative, budgetary, and programming processes to ensure the IPPC Secretariat’s work plan is delivered efficiently, maximizes resource utilization, and remains fully aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Coordinate and monitor financial activities related to the IPPC Secretariat Work Plan and Budget.
• Act as liaison between programme and finance teams to ensure continuity, accuracy and compliance in grant management processes, financial systems used and reporting.
• Lead the development of the IPPC Secretariat work plan and budget, in collaboration with IPPC Secretariat team leads, the CPM Bureau and the Financial Committee.
• Monitor the financial management of funds to ensure consistency with approved work plans, budgets, and actual implementation.
• Prepare cost estimates, budget proposals, and financial projections to support short- and medium-term planning.
• Extract, consolidate and analyse financial data (expenditures, assets and liabilities) from FAO corporate systems (FPMIS) to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Evaluate ongoing financial support requirements, adapt financial service provision to evolving programme needs, and resolve operational financial issues.
• Develop the annual IPPC Financial Report and contribute to reporting under the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031.
• Coordinate efforts related to projects’ sustainable funding solution initiative and maintain close cooperation with IPPC governing bodies, partners and relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to the preparation and refinement of proposals on the ePhyto long-term sustainable funding solution for submission
• Contribute to resource mobilization activities, including the development of new projects, business proposals and financial analyses.
• Provide procedural guidance and financial advice to IPPC managers and staff.
• Perform other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University or technical degree relevant to Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• For Consultants Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• For PSAs: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience in finance, accounting, budget management, or financial operations in project or programme contexts.
• Proven experience liaising with multiple stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of English.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Knowledge of IPPC work and its standard setting procedure.
• Proficient user of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to prepare clear and concise financial statements and donor reports.
• Knowledge of spreadsheet and data analysis.
• Knowledge of FAO financial rules and regulations.
• Good knowledge of MS Office applications. Ability to enter data, perform queries, prepare ad hoc reports and analyses, and present results in an appropriate format.
• In-depth experience in financial operations, cash management, and/or internal controls.
• Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and motivational skills, with a proven ability to work as part of a team.
• Capacity to meet tight deadlines and work independently with minimal supervision.