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 the environment for future use.
The position is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP), in the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), an international agreement on plant health to which 184 contracting parties currently adhere. It aims to protect cultivated and wild plants by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests. Achieving this aim has significant global benefits for enhanced food security, trade facilitation, and the environment. The Secretariat of the IPPC is part of FAO. As laid out in the IPPC text, contracting parties agree to cooperate in the development and implementation of international standards, which are adopted by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM).
Reporting Lines:
The Programme Officer (International Plant Protection Convention - IPPC) reports to the Secretary of the IPPC.
Technical Focus
Harmonization of phytosanitary measures at the global level; implementation of international standards, guidelines and recommendations to help harmonize phytosanitary measures put in place by contracting parties in line with both IPPC and FAO strategic objectives.
Key Functions
Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects; monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective action; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up action.
Performs specific assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use.
Researches, analyses and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies.
Generates survey initiatives; reviews, analyses and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings and conferences to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops and seminars; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and in drafting mission summaries.
Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget).
Specific Functions:
Manages the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Implementation and Facilitation Unit (IFU), which is responsible for coordinating the work of the Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC).
Leads and coordinates the implementation of IPPC projects, programmes and activities designed to harmonize the interpretation and implementation of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (SPMs) globally.
Supervises the IFU team, including providing guidance, direction, training and development, performance plans and evaluations.
Ensures an inclusive, welcoming, transparent and productive work environment within the IFU.
Communicates with other IPPC Secretariat units to ensure consistent coordination across the IPPC community.
Represents IPPC-IFU at the Bureau, the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, and other IPPC bodies, committees, stakeholders and cooperators.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:
Minimum Requirements:
Advanced university degree in plant sciences, biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
Seven years of relevant experience in technical and programme management related to phytosanitary management, policy advice and analysis relating to plant pest management, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.
Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
