Organizational Setting
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international agreement on plant health with 185 contracting parties and 10 Regional Plant Protection Organizations. Its objective is to protect cultivated and wild plants worldwide 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 the NSP Division and supports the development and implementation of CPM policies and activities, as well as the execution of any other functions entrusted to it. One of the Secretariat’s core functions is to facilitate the implementation of the Convention and the development and application of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), to fulfil the IPPC mandate.
A COF.REG/PSA incumbent is engaged by the Organization under Project UNJP/GLO/1420/EC – Implementation of ePhyto in Central Africa and European Union Countries to provide specialised expertise, technical skills and knowledge for the delivery of specific project tasks of a temporary nature.
The assignment may have a duration ranging from one to eleven months within a twelve-month period. Any extension of the assignment is subject to satisfactory performance, the availability of financial resources, and the operational needs of the Secretariat.
The IPPC Secretariat developed, maintains and implements the IPPC ePhyto Solution, a global electronic system that enables National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) to issue, exchange and receive harmonized electronic phytosanitary certificates in a secure, standardized and interoperable manner, in line with International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures.
The objective of the call for expressions of interest for consultants and PSAs is to attract talent in order to strengthen the IPPC expert roster. Experts included in this roster may be considered when relevant opportunities arise.
Reporting Lines
The Regional ePhyto Coordination is under the supervision of the IPPC Implementation and Facilitation Unit Lead.
Technical Focus
In this context, the incumbent will support the IPPC Secretariat in analyzing the current phytosanitary certification scenario and the technological landscape, identifying country-level gaps, expected benefits, and requirements, and collaborating with stakeholders on the definition, implementation, deployment, monitoring, and progressive adoption of the ePhyto solution (ePhyto GeNS and Hub). This includes capacity building, user support, and performance reporting, to strengthen national phytosanitary systems under the IPPC framework.
Tasks and responsibilities
• Analyze the current phytosanitary certification scenario, plant product trade, and the technological landscape
• Produce a report on country-level gaps, expected benefits, and technical requirements
• Contribute to the definition of the recommended implementation and deployment plan
• Develop, in collaboration with stakeholders and national users, the implementation plan for ePhyto GeNS and the Hub
• Support and collaborate in the training of national NPPO staff on the adoption and use of the ePhyto solution
• Support the activities related to the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE), ensuring alignment between PCE findings and ePhyto implementation plans
• Coordinate with the IPPC Capacity Development / e-Learning (IPPC Health Campus) team to support access to and use of relevant online training materials
• Collaborate with the technical team in the implementation of solution components, including core modules, system integration, and interoperability
• Organize testing, validation, and final approval (sign-off) activities to ensure the proper implementation of ePhyto at country level
• Act as a focal point to support users during initial configuration and early adoption phases of the solution
• Define and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure usage trends, adoption levels, and the technical performance of ePhyto GeNS and the Hub
• Report on ePhyto implementation performance, including measurable and quantifiable benefits achieved
• Lead and manage national-level transitions by defining roles and responsibilities to ensure ongoing maintenance and progressive adoption of the ePhyto solution
• Maintain regular correspondence and coordination with NPPOs, FAO country and regional offices, and relevant partners to ensure alignment and effective implementation
• Draft minutes, progress reports, concept notes and any necessary document
• Participate in and support all stakeholder meetings to understand needs and propose concrete implementation solutions
• Undertake travel, as required, to participate in meetings, in line with applicable travel restrictions
• Perform any other related tasks as required
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agriculture, biology, natural sciences, information technology, phytosanitary sciences, computer science, engineering, international trade, international relations, public administration, social sciences, or another related field relevant to the IPPC and the ePhyto solution. 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 Agriculture, biology, natural sciences, information technology, phytosanitary sciences, computer science, engineering, international trade, international relations, public administration, social sciences, or another related field relevant to the IPPC and the ePhyto solution.
• At least three (3) years of relevant experience in supporting the development and implementation of technical programmes or projects, including the deployment of digital or IT solutions, capacity building, policy support, the development of tools and awareness-raising materials, and the implementation of international instruments.
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English and French.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Knowledge of IT systems supporting phytosanitary certification processes, international trade facilitation.
• Extent and relevance of experience in analysing national contexts, identifying gaps, and defining technical requirements for the implementation of digital or IT systems.
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting the implementation of IT systems, including coordination with technical teams, system integration, interoperability, and testing and validation activities.
• Ability to define, analyse, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), and to use data analysis to monitor system performance, usage, and adoption.
• Experience and relevance in organizing, facilitating, and supporting technical meetings and stakeholder consultations.
• Knowledge of a third FAO language (Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is considered an asset.