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 in order 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 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 COF.REG. / PSA is engaged by the Organization to provide expertise, skills or knowledge for carrying out specific tasks or projects, which is 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 IPPC Programme Specialist reports to the relevant Unit/Team Leader of the IPPC Secretariat (NSP).
Technical Focus
The Organization frequently engages experts to work on short-term projects as consultants (COF.REG.) or under a Personal Services Agreement (PSAs). The functions of the consultants and PSAs are results-oriented and normally involve analyzing complex issues. Specifically, to support the IPPC Secretariat in delivering its work programme to develop ISPMS, and consequently to strengthen IPPC contracting parties’ national capacities and capability to implement the provisions of the IPPC.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Assist the implementation of IPPC activities, according the workplan and standard operating procedures and contribute to the implementation of the IPPC Secretariat work programme;
• Contribute to the preparation and coordination of the IPPC Committees, Technical Panels (with a focus on commodity standards) and Expert Working Groups international/regional/online meetings (review discussion papers, note taking, assistance in the development of standards, training on the online comment system) in view to follow the standard operating procedures and ensure the preparation of the reports;
• Elaborate discussion papers, concept notes and reports (including, note-taking, drafting, formatting) training on the online comment system, in view to follow the standard operating procedures and ensure the preparation of the reports;
• Provide direct support to the development of communication materials and projects related to the IPPC development agenda items of the 2020-2030 IPPC strategic framework, as for instance on commodity standards;
• Provide direct support to the technical leads;
• Provide, as appropriate, editorial and technical support for the development of overall international standards for phytosanitary measures (ISPMs) and capacity development material;
• Elaborate meeting reports according to FAO and IPPC guidelines;
• Carry out extensive research on topics of interest to the work of the IPPC in support of ongoing tasks;
• Assist with the meetings of the IPPC, as appropriate;
• Review, update, communicate and disseminate materials on the IPPC activities and integrate broader information in the International Phytosanitary Portal (IPP);
• Assist the IPPC Secretariat with a variety of programming and administrative functions relevant to the work programme;
• Travel as and when necessary for meetings, in line with any potential travel restrictions;
• Perform other duties as required.
FAO Standards and guidelines:
• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en
FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia
Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en
FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en
FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm
FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in Agriculture, Biology, Natural Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Social Science or a related field to the IPPC.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in supporting development and implementation of technical programmes/projects, policy support, capacity development activities, development of advocacy materials and tools, and implementation of international instruments.
• Full proficiency/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.
• Extent and relevance of experience in organizing and facilitating meetings.
• Extent and relevance of experience in writing, editing and formatting technical documents and reports.
• Experience in working with regional or international organizations (especially Secretariats) is an asset.
• Experience in standard setting organizations and knowledge in plant health related field are assets
Selection Criteria
• Additional academic qualification or advanced degree in Agriculture, Biology, Natural Sciences or related to plant protection/plant health is an asset.
• Any other UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian) is considered an asset.