Consultant/PSA for ePhyto Implementation

Job Posting Organization:
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international agreement focused on plant health, established to protect cultivated and wild plants globally by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests. The IPPC has 185 contracting parties and is governed by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM). The IPPC Secretariat, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) within the NSP Division, plays a crucial role in supporting the development and implementation of CPM policies and activities. One of its core functions is to facilitate the implementation of the Convention and the development of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). The organization aims to strengthen global plant health systems and enhance international cooperation in plant protection.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant/PSA for ePhyto Implementation is designed to provide specialized expertise and technical skills for the execution of specific project tasks under Project UNJP/GLO/1420/EC. The incumbent will support the IPPC Secretariat in analyzing the current phytosanitary certification landscape, identifying gaps, and collaborating with stakeholders to implement the ePhyto solution. This role involves capacity building, user support, and performance reporting to enhance national phytosanitary systems. The assignment may last from one to eleven months, depending on performance and operational needs, and aims to strengthen the IPPC expert roster by attracting qualified talent for future opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks including analyzing the current phytosanitary certification scenario and technological landscape, producing reports on country-level gaps and technical requirements, and contributing to the development of implementation plans for the ePhyto solution. They will also support training for national NPPO staff, coordinate with the IPPC Capacity Development team, and collaborate with technical teams on system integration and interoperability. Additional responsibilities include organizing testing and validation activities, defining and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting on implementation performance, and maintaining communication with NPPOs and relevant partners. The role may require travel for meetings and stakeholder consultations, and the incumbent will perform any other related tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet specific qualifications based on their role as either Consultants or PSAs. For Consultants, an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Agriculture, biology, natural sciences, information technology, or related areas is required. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant experience. For PSAs, a university degree in similar fields is necessary. All candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in technical program development, digital solution deployment, and capacity building. Proficiency in English and French is mandatory, and knowledge of a third FAO language is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree for Consultants or a university degree for PSAs from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Relevant fields of study include Agriculture, biology, natural sciences, information technology, phytosanitary sciences, computer science, engineering, international trade, international relations, public administration, and social sciences. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of the IPPC and the ePhyto solution.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience in supporting the development and implementation of technical programs or projects. This includes experience in deploying digital or IT solutions, capacity building, policy support, and the development of tools and awareness-raising materials. Experience in international instruments and the ability to work in diverse locations or areas of work is also essential.

Languages:
Full proficiency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of a third FAO language, such as Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Additional Notes:
The position is temporary, with assignments ranging from one to eleven months, contingent upon satisfactory performance and operational needs. The role may involve full-time or part-time commitments, and candidates may be recruited internationally or nationally. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job ad, but candidates should be prepared for potential travel and participation in stakeholder meetings as part of their responsibilities.