Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
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 and the organization is promoting the Oen Health concept through its strategic framework. This requires the integration and harmonization of one health related work of different sectors such as animal and plant health, environmental health and food safety issues.
The position is located within the Locusts and Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases Team (NSPMD), one of the six teams in the Division. NSPMD provides advice, technical support and guidance to countries on the sustainable management and control of transboundary plant pests and diseases and locusts as well as supporting the work of the division concerning One Health. In this respect, close collaboration is performed with the Animal Health Division and other related units of the organization.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will report to the Agricultural Officer and the Team Leader in NSPMD.
Technical Focus
Support the plant health related contribution of plant production and protection division to the One Health Knowledge Nexus project activities.
Tasks and responsibilities
The purpose of this call is to identify expertise in one or more of the following areas:
โข ย ย ย ย Plant health โ One Health linkages and drivers of plant pest outbreaks
โข ย ย ย ย Prevention and management of plant pests and diseases
Following are the generic functions for which candidates are sought. Specific tasks and responsibilities will be defined in Terms of Reference prepared for specific assignments, according to the profile orientation required and the selected candidatesโ experience, qualifications and expertise. ย
The key functions of the incumbent will be as follows (tasks will be assigned according to the specific profile):ย
Provide guidance and support on contribution of plant health to one health activities including, but not limited to:
โข ย ย ย ย Provide ย guidance and technical support on linkages between plant health and one health,
โข ย ย ย ย Support FAOโs work on drivers of plant pests and disease outbreaks as well as their prevention and management in view of supporting the One Health Knowledge Nexus project, including facilitation of webinars and meetings as activities of the Communities of Practice (CoP)ย
โข ย ย ย ย Support the implementation of the One Health Knowledge Nexus project as a team member, including the integration of the plant health work to the project and the related Communities of Practices (CoPs),
โข ย ย ย ย Support the development of knowledge materials on the Plant Health and One Health linkages,ย
โข ย ย ย ย Lead the contribution of the plant health work to the CoP on drivers of emerging plant and animal pests and diseases,
โข ย ย ย ย Facilitate and coordinate the dialogues and discussion forums of the CoP on drivers from plant health perspectives, and contribute to other CoPs
โข ย ย ย ย Ensure the contribution of plant health to CoPs on governance of one health, ICTs and on return on investment,
โข ย ย ย ย Collate existing FAO generated and external knowledge resources concerning plant health โ One Health linkages and publicize them in the CoP platforms,
โข ย ย ย ย Support in reaching out to the plant health communities to engage them in the CoP on drivers of emerging plant and animal pests and diseases,
โข ย ย ย ย Perform any other duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย ย ย Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agriculture/agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, plant protection or biology with emphasis on plant health and integrated approaches to pest management or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization; Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience
โข ย ย ย ย A minimum of one year of relevant experience (for category C) or five years (for category B) in one or more of the above
listed plant health management related areas,ย
โข ย ย ย ย Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other UN languages, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish (B Level) is considered an asset.
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย ย ย Communication
โข ย ย ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
โข ย ย ย ย Work experience in more than one location or area of work
โข ย ย ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in pest and disease epidemiology and management,
โข ย ย ย ย Extent and relevance of experience in project development and implementation,
โข ย ย ย ย Expertise in networking, communications and running knowledge exchange forums
โข ย ย ย ย Previous working experience with FAO or other international organizations may be considered an asset.