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. 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 position is located in the Pest and Pesticides Management Team, one of the six teams in the Division. The Team  also leads projects on sustainable fall armyworm (FAW) management. It has developed a coordinated approach at country, regional and global levels, taking direct and coordinated measures to strengthen prevention and sustainable pest control capacities. Considering the potential to share knowledge and techniques through South-South Technical Cooperation, the project “Strengthening inter-regional cooperation for sustainable management of fall armyworm through South-South Cooperation” (GCP/GLO/479/CPR) will be synchronized and develop concerted actions in line with other FAO’s projects on FAW control. The project aims to support the management of FAW in three countries (China, Ghana, and Kenya), and the overall objective is to strengthen the capacity of these host countries for early detection and sustainable management of FAW, especially in the smallholder context.

The incumbent will provide technical support for the newly established inter-regional cooperation for sustainable management of FAW through South-South Cooperation.

Reporting Lines

The consultant/subscriber will work under the direct technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer of the project and will provide technical support for the newly established inter-regional cooperation for sustainable management of fall armyworm through South-South Cooperation. Specifically, the consultant will work as part of the fall armyworm project team to provide support on the FAW management practices and the establishment of FAW monitoring and early warning systems in Africa and Asia.

Technical Focus

Management of transboundary plant pests with focus on fall armyworm and promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach including plant pest monitoring and early warning systems.

The assignment will be located at FAO-HQs, Rome, Italy, with duty travel in any affected countries.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent shall provide technical assistance to implement the project GCP/GLO/479/CPR project activities, in particular:
•    Carry out coordination, implementation, and administration of assigned activities in accordance with FAO rules, procedures and systems, and donor requirements.
•    In close collaboration with relevant partners, coordinate and provide technical support to the development of the early warning system and IPM options for FAW management, the delivery of training of trainers (ToT) workshops and the establishment of national laboratories in Kenya and Ghana
•    Provide technical input to assigned activities of the project GCP/GLO/479/CPR including workplans, studies, publications, guidelines, capacity development, and training materials.
•    Carry out organization of and participate in external events (including field missions) in support of the delivery of the project GCP/GLO/479/CPR, including consultation, training, capacity development  and technical assistance.
•    Attend internal and external meetings, particularly those related to the development and implementation of workplan for the project GCP/GLO/479/CPR.
•    Support the execution of project’s activities and provide technical and administrative support (e.g., development of LoAs, FBAs, preparation of training activities, support for procurement).
•    Collect information from the countries for field stories, NSP newsletters, and other types of communication material.
•     Prepare project progress reports.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    University degree in agriculture, ecology, pest and disease monitoring and early warning or related field.
•    At least 3 years of relevant experience in transboundary plant pests monitoring and early warning systems, international development cooperation, project management.
•    For Consultants:  Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Extent and relevance of experience in programme support, transboundary plant pests, international development cooperation.
•    Experience and knowledge in pests and disease monitoring and early warning systems is an asset.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in supporting decentralized offices with South-South Cooperation projects.
•    Familiarity with FAO processes, initiatives, and policies.
•    Excellent analytical and conceptual skills, as well as gender sensitive and cross-cultural competency.
•    Excellent writing skills.
•    Data management skills desirable.

Selection Criteria

•    Good knowledge on FAO’s work and activities, experience in liaison with country offices is desirable.
•    Experience in database management, pest and disease monitoring and early warning systems is desirable.