Regional ePhyto Specialist

Organizational Setting

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international agreement on plant health with 185 contracting parties and 10 Regional Plant Protection Organizations. Its objective is to protect cultivated and wild plants worldwide by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests. The IPPC is governed by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM). The IPPC Secretariat is hosted by FAO within the NSP Division and supports the development and implementation of CPM policies and activities as well as the execution of any other functions entrusted to it. One of the Secretariats core functions is to facilitate the implementation of the Convention and the development and application of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) to fulfil the IPPC mandate.

A incumbent is engaged by the Organization under Project UNJP/GLO/1420/EC Implementation of ePhyto in Central Africa and European Union Countries to provide specialised expertise technical skills and knowledge for the delivery of specific project tasks of a temporary nature.

The assignment may have a duration ranging from one to eleven months within a twelve-month period. Any extension of the assignment is subject to satisfactory performance the availability of financial resources and the operational needs of the Secretariat.

The IPPC Secretariat developed maintains and implements the IPPC ePhyto Solution a global electronic system that enables National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) to issue exchange and receive harmonized electronic phytosanitary certificates in a secure standardized and interoperable manner in line with International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures.

The objective of the call for expressions of interest for consultants and PSAs is to attract talent in order to strengthen the IPPC expert roster. Experts included in this roster may be considered when relevant opportunities arise.

Reporting Lines

The Regional ePhyto Coordination is under the supervision of the IPPC Implementation and Facilitation Unit Lead.

Technical Focus

In this context the incumbent will support the IPPC Secretariat in analyzing the current phytosanitary certification scenario and the technological landscape identifying country-level gaps expected benefits and requirements and collaborating with stakeholders on the definition implementation deployment monitoring and progressive adoption of the ePhyto solution (ePhyto GeNS and Hub). This includes capacity building user support and performance reporting to strengthen national phytosanitary systems under the IPPC framework.

Tasks and responsibilities

Analyze the current phytosanitary certification scenario plant product trade and the technological landscape
Produce a report on country-level gaps expected benefits and technical requirements
Contribute to the definition of the recommended implementation and deployment plan
Develop in collaboration with stakeholders and national users the implementation plan for ePhyto GeNS and the Hub
Support and collaborate in the training of national NPPO staff on the adoption and use of the ePhyto solution
Support the activities related to the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) ensuring alignment between PCE findings and ePhyto implementation plans
Coordinate with the IPPC Capacity Development / e-Learning (IPPC Health Campus) team to support access to and use of relevant online training materials
Collaborate with the technical team in the implementation of solution components including core modules system integration and interoperability
Organize testing validation and final approval (sign-off) activities to ensure the proper implementation of ePhyto at country level
Act as a focal point to support users during initial configuration and early adoption phases of the solution
Define and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure usage trends adoption levels and the technical performance of ePhyto GeNS and the Hub
Report on ePhyto implementation performance including measurable and quantifiable benefits achieved
Lead and manage national-level transitions by defining roles and responsibilities to ensure ongoing maintenance and progressive adoption of the ePhyto solution
Maintain regular correspondence and coordination with NPPOs FAO country and regional offices and relevant partners to ensure alignment and effective implementation
Draft minutes progress reports concept notes and any necessary document
Participate in and support all stakeholder meetings to understand needs and propose concrete implementation solutions
Undertake travel as required to participate in meetings in line with applicable travel restrictions
Perform any other related tasks as required

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agriculture biology natural sciences information technology phytosanitary sciences computer science engineering international trade international relations public administration social sciences or another related field relevant to the IPPC and the ePhyto solution. Consultants with a bachelors degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agriculture biology natural sciences information technology phytosanitary sciences computer science engineering international trade international relations public administration social sciences or another related field relevant to the IPPC and the ePhyto solution.
At least three (3) years of relevant experience in supporting the development and implementation of technical programmes or projects including the deployment of digital or IT solutions capacity building policy support the development of tools and awareness-raising materials and the implementation of international instruments.
Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English and French.

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
Knowledge of IT systems supporting phytosanitary certification processes international trade facilitation.
Extent and relevance of experience in analysing national contexts identifying gaps and defining technical requirements for the implementation of digital or IT systems.
Extent and relevance of experience in supporting the implementation of IT systems including coordination with technical teams system integration interoperability and testing and validation activities.
Ability to define analyse and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and to use data analysis to monitor system performance usage and adoption.
Experience and relevance in organizing facilitating and supporting technical meetings and stakeholder consultations.
Knowledge of a third FAO language (Spanish Arabic Chinese or Russian) is considered an asset.

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

HOW TO APPLY

To apply visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate complete and includes your employment records academic qualifications and language skills
Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
Once your profile is completed please apply and submit your application

Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED) a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work character education military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAOs behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications assessment tests background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by withdrawing your application in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

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• 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.