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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 FAO's 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

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

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 Secretariat’s 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 COF.REG/PSA 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 bachelor's 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 http\://www.whed.net/. 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 FAO’s 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.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance\: https\://fao.service-now.com/csp

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