Plant Health Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to achieve its goals. FAO's strategic framework is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, thereby improving production, nutrition, the environment, and overall quality of life.

Job Overview:
The Plant Health Specialist position is situated within the Locusts and Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases Team (NSPMD) of the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) at FAO. The primary focus of this role is to support the integration of plant health into the One Health Knowledge Nexus project, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical support and guidance on the sustainable management of plant pests and diseases, contributing to the development of knowledge materials, and facilitating discussions within Communities of Practice (CoPs). This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Animal Health Division, to ensure a holistic approach to plant health and pest management. The successful candidate will engage in activities that promote the understanding of plant health's role in preventing pest outbreaks and managing diseases, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the One Health initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Plant Health Specialist include:

• Providing guidance and technical support on the linkages between plant health and One Health initiatives.
• Supporting FAO's efforts in identifying and managing the drivers of plant pest and disease outbreaks.
• Facilitating webinars and meetings as part of the Communities of Practice (CoP) activities.
• Assisting in the implementation of the One Health Knowledge Nexus project, ensuring the integration of plant health work.
• Developing knowledge materials that highlight the connections between plant health and One Health.
• Leading contributions to the CoP focused on emerging plant and animal pests and diseases.
• Coordinating dialogues and discussion forums within the CoP from a plant health perspective.
• Ensuring that plant health contributions are included in CoPs addressing governance, ICTs, and return on investment.
• Compiling and publicizing existing knowledge resources related to plant health and One Health linkages. 1
• Engaging with plant health communities to foster participation in the CoP. 1
• Performing any other duties as required by the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an 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 a focus on plant health and integrated pest management approaches. For those with a bachelor's degree, an additional two years of relevant professional experience is required. A minimum of one year of relevant experience is necessary for category C candidates, while category B candidates must have at least five years of experience in plant health management or related areas. Candidates should also demonstrate a working knowledge of English and have limited knowledge of one of the other UN languages, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, which is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, plant protection, or biology. The emphasis should be on plant health and integrated approaches to pest management. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify for the role, highlighting the importance of formal education in this specialized area.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Plant Health Specialist position varies based on the category of the candidate. For category C, a minimum of one year of relevant experience in plant health management or related fields is required. For category B, candidates must possess at least five years of relevant experience. This experience should encompass areas such as pest and disease epidemiology, management, and project development and implementation, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions in plant health.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English, which is essential for communication within the organization and with international stakeholders. Additionally, having limited knowledge of another UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile, particularly in a multilingual work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time and may involve international collaboration, given FAO's global presence and the nature of its work. While specific details regarding contract duration and compensation are not provided in the job ad, candidates should be prepared for a role that may require flexibility and adaptability to various working conditions and environments. The position may also involve travel to different locations for project implementation and stakeholder engagement.