Locust Management Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Locust Management Specialist
Location: Multiple locations
Country: Multiple locations
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, promote sustainable agriculture, and manage natural resources sustainably. The organization is committed to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly the goal of ending hunger and ensuring food security and improved nutrition.

Job Overview:
The position of Locust Management Specialist is critical within the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) of FAO, specifically in the Locusts and Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases Team (NSPMD). The role focuses on the management of transboundary plant pests and diseases, particularly locusts, through various strategies including surveillance, early detection, and forecasting. The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical support and guidance to countries on sustainable management practices for locust control. This position may require deployment to locust-affected countries during crises or locust recession periods, emphasizing the need for flexibility and readiness to respond to emergencies. The specialist will work closely with national teams to enhance their capabilities in locust management and ensure effective implementation of control measures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Locust Management Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks to support the NSPMD Team, including:

• Assisting in the preparation and implementation of locust preventive and contingency plans to mitigate the impact of locust outbreaks.
• Providing training and capacity building for national staff involved in locust control campaigns to ensure effective management practices are adopted.
• Conducting assessments of overall locust management systems, including institutional, technical, human resources, and equipment aspects, and formulating recommendations for improvements.
• Supporting the enhancement of locust early warning, monitoring, forecasting, and reporting systems to ensure timely and effective responses to locust threats.
• Coordinating locust control campaigns, ensuring that operations are well-organized and executed efficiently.
• Overseeing the logistics of locust campaigns, including the development and implementation of monitoring systems for human and equipment resources.
• Preparing and reviewing technical specifications for materials and equipment used in locust survey and control operations.
• Assessing compliance of locust management equipment with established specifications to ensure effectiveness and safety.
• Implementing Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and monitoring the impact of locust treatments on the environment and non-target organisms. 1
• Providing training on methods for assessing environmental incidents and collecting samples for residue analysis from treated areas. 1
• Offering guidance on pesticide use and management issues related to Desert Locust control.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in agriculture/agronomy, entomology, or plant protection, with a focus on migratory plant pests and pest monitoring systems. A minimum of two years of relevant experience is required for category C positions, while category B positions require five years of experience in locust management areas, particularly in developing countries. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of locust bio-ecology, management, and control, as well as experience in implementing locust projects. Familiarity with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is also beneficial, and previous experience with FAO or other locust control organizations may be considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as agriculture, agronomy, entomology, or plant protection. The emphasis should be on migratory plant pests and pest monitoring systems, which are critical for effective locust management. Candidates should have a solid foundation in agricultural sciences and pest management practices to fulfill the responsibilities of this role effectively.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position varies based on the category. For category C positions, a minimum of two years of relevant experience in locust management is necessary, while category B positions require at least five years of experience. Candidates should have practical experience in one or more of the specified areas of locust management, particularly in developing countries, to ensure they can contribute effectively to the team's objectives.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of at least one of the following languages: Arabic, English, or French at a C Level. Additionally, limited knowledge of one of the other three languages—Chinese, Russian, or Spanish at a B Level—will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The job posting does not specify a deadline for applications, which may indicate a rolling recruitment process. The position may involve travel to various locust-affected countries, requiring flexibility and adaptability. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be recruited internationally or nationally, depending on the specific needs of the organization and the location of the assignment. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job ad.