Young Professional Officer (Transboundary Plant Pests Management)

Organizational Setting

The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) contributes to FAO's work by supporting countries to transition to sustainable crop production systems, which produce more with less, through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices to both optimize productivity and minimize the systems' environmental footprints and thereby eradicate hunger and malnutrition while preserving natural resources

The position is located in the Plant Health cluster of the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP), at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. It is, one of the five clusters that make up NSP. The Plant Health cluster provides advice, technical support and guidance to countries on the sustainable management and control of transboundary plant pests and diseases and locusts.

Reporting Lines

The Young professional Officer (Transboundary Plant Pests Management) reports to the Senior Agricultural Officer, leader of the Plant Health cluster.

Technical Focus

Management of transboundary plant pests and diseases through a combination of surveillance, early detection, forecasting, early warning, contingency planning, rapid response and promotion of environmentally sound management and control techniques.

Key Results

Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of assigned projects, products and services.

 Key Functions

·          Analyses relevant technical social, economic, environmental, and technology information, data and/or statistics for input in various documents.

·          Maintains records and updates databases and web pages.

·          Provides technical support to various projects.

·          Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars etc.

·          Participates in the organization and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions

·          Supports the preparation and the implementation of the plant pest's preventive, management and contingency plans.

·          Contributes to the capacity development programmes of the national staff involved in plant pests' surveillance and plant health emergency management.

·          Supports or enhances the plant pests early warning, monitoring, forecasting and reporting systems.

·          Contributes to the discussion and development of plant pest national and regional management strategies.

·          Assists in the preparation/review of the technical specifications of the material and equipment for the survey and control operations of various plant pests.

·          Assists in the monitoring and assessment of the impact of plant pests control treatments on the human health and environment.

·          Provides needed other relevant support.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

·         Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in agriculture/agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, plant protection or any related field.

·         One year of relevant experience in one or more of the above-listed plant pest's management areas.

·         Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

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, particularly in field positions is desirable.

·         Extent and relevance of experience in collecting and analysing technical information and data.

·         Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in related fields such as plant health and pest management.

·         Extent and relevance of experience in the preparation, editing and revision of technical/scientific documents and in organizing meetings and workshops.

·         Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of another FAO language would be an asset.

NB Please note that candidates should be 32 years of age or younger as of 31 December of the year of application.

The Young Professionals Programme (YPP) is a recruitment initiative targeted for talented, qualified professionals who are mainly nationals of non- and under- represented countries. Priority consideration will be given to candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and developing countries in general, to start a career as an international civil servant with FAO.