Pest Outbreak and Alert Response Specialist

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. With 185 contracting parties and 10 Regional Plant Protection Organizations, the IPPC 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 IPPC Secretariat also manages a Development Agenda that includes the Strengthening Pest Outbreak Alert and Response Systems (POARS), which aims to identify emerging pests of global concern and promote coordinated responses to prevent their spread.

Job Overview:
The Pest Outbreak and Alert Response Specialist will provide essential technical and coordination support to the IPPC Secretariat for the operational implementation of the Pest Outbreak Alert and Response Systems (POARS). This role is critical in ensuring the continuity of core POARS functions and the timely delivery of pest-specific outputs. The incumbent will analyze existing information flows, enhance the use of National Reporting Obligations (NROs), support horizon scanning activities, assess potential emerging pests, and contribute to the development of harmonized technical approaches for early detection and coordinated response to emerging pests. The position requires collaboration with countries, regions, and technical partners to develop reference materials and improve situational awareness under the IPPC framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Pest Outbreak and Alert Response Specialist include:

• Analyzing and synthesizing information from various sources to identify potential emerging pests, including pest nominations, surveillance data, and scientific literature.
• Supporting the development and refinement of POARS processes and operational workflows.
• Drafting, reviewing, and disseminating IPPC pest alerts and prevention materials.
• Maintaining pest lists, toolboxes, and technical reference materials.
• Providing technical and organizational support to the Steering Group, including preparing background documents and meeting records.
• Coordinating and following up on expert working groups (EWGs) in line with approved Terms of Reference.
• Contributing to capacity development activities and promoting training materials.
• Facilitating technical exchanges and maintaining coordination with NPPOs, RPPOs, and FAO regional offices.
• Supporting monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management activities related to POARS. 1
• Preparing minutes, reports, and technical documents, and participating in stakeholder meetings as required.

Required Qualifications:
For Consultants: An advanced university degree in agriculture, plant protection, phytosanitary sciences, biology, natural sciences, or related fields from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Consultants with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. For PSAs: A university degree in the same fields as mentioned above, with at least three years of relevant experience supporting technical programs or projects related to plant health, including experience in pest surveillance, early warning, and contingency planning. Familiarity with the IPPC and relevant International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) is essential. A working knowledge of English is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree for consultants or a university degree for PSAs in agriculture, plant protection, phytosanitary sciences, biology, natural sciences, or other relevant fields. The educational qualifications must be from institutions recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the position includes at least three years of relevant experience for PSAs, specifically in supporting technical programs or projects related to plant health. This experience should encompass areas such as pest surveillance, early warning systems, and contingency planning. For consultants, a bachelor's degree requires two additional years of relevant professional experience, making a total of five years for those without an advanced degree.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, having a working knowledge of other FAO languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, or Russian would be considered desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignment may last from one to eleven months within a twelve-month period, with extensions subject to satisfactory performance, availability of financial resources, and operational needs of the Secretariat. The position is likely to involve international collaboration and may require travel to various locations as part of the role.