Organizational Setting

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, NSP, in the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), an international agreement on plant health to which 185 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 Programme Officer/Team Leader of the Implementation and Facilitation Unit of the IPPC.

Technical Focus

Harmonization of phytosanitary measures at the global level; governance of the Implementation and Capacity Development Committee; 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 Results
Develop, implement, monitor and evaluate assigned programmes/projects.

Key Functions

• Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities; collects, analyses and presents statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.

• Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging development issues and trends, participation in impact evaluation or equivalent studies.

• Participates in survey initiatives; supports data collection, reviews, analyses and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions.

• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.

• Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.

• Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.

• Monitors activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and preparation of related documents/reports (work programme, programme budget.), as necessary.

Specific Functions

• Contributes to the technical and logistical organization of the Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC) meetings twice a year.

• Supports IC priorities and technical inputs for CPM, Strategic Planning Group (SPG), CPM Bureau and IPPC Secretariat activities related to Implementation and Capacity Development topics.

• Organizes and coordinates the activities of the IC, subgroups and teams and the Implementation and Facilitation Unit related activities.

• Promotes knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings.

• Supports communication and promotion activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

• Supports resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

   

   

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in plant sciences, biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management, international relations or related fields. , or a related field.

• Three years of relevant experience in project or programme management, administration or related area.

• 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 programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation.

• Extent and relevance of experience in the field of administration, human resources, finance and management. Extent of knowledge of planning and budgetary processes and associated tools.

• Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered a strong asset.

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

• Extent and relevance of experience in developing training tools and information materials.