Plant Health-One Health Specialist

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 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:

Plant health One Health linkages and drivers of plant pest outbreaks
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 candidates experience qualifications and expertise.

The key functions of the incumbent will be as follows (tasks will be assigned according to the specific profile):

Provide guidance and support on contribution of plant health to one health activities including but not limited to:

Provide guidance and technical support on linkages between plant health and one health
Support FAOs 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)
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)
Support the development of knowledge materials on the Plant Health and One Health linkages
Lead the contribution of the plant health work to the CoP on drivers of emerging plant and animal pests and diseases
Facilitate and coordinate the dialogues and discussion forums of the CoP on drivers from plant health perspectives and contribute to other CoPs
Ensure the contribution of plant health to CoPs on governance of one health ICTs and on return on investment
Collate existing FAO generated and external knowledge resources concerning plant health One Health linkages and publicize them in the CoP platforms
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
Perform any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

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 bachelors degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience
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
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

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
Extent and relevance of experience in pest and disease epidemiology and management
Extent and relevance of experience in project development and implementation
Expertise in networking communications and running knowledge exchange forums
Previous working experience with FAO or other international organizations may be considered an asset.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender nationality background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and to uphold FAOs values
• FAO as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status objectives and mandate including sexual exploitation and abuse sexual harassment abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAOs commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency