ISPM Plain English Specialist

Organizational Context

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), develops International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). These standards protect plant health and facilitate safe international trade. The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) identified a need to enhance the clarity, accessibility, and usability of ISPMs while maintaining their scientific and legal integrity. Consequently, the IPPC Secretariat is seeking a Plain English specialist to guide the application of plain language principles within the standard-setting process.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to apply internationally recognized plain language principles, such as those in ISO 24495-1, to refine complex technical and regulatory texts, specifically draft ISPMs. The primary objective is to improve the clarity, readability, and usability of these standards for Contracting Parties. This will be achieved by ensuring the texts are easily understood without compromising their technical accuracy or legal meaning. The specialist will contribute to making vital phytosanitary information more accessible to a global audience, thereby enhancing compliance and understanding of international plant health regulations.

Responsibilities

The specialist will observe Expert Working Group (EWG) drafting sessions for specific ISPMs, including those on humanitarian aid and pest risk analysis. Responsibilities include reviewing draft standards from a plain language perspective, identifying comprehension barriers, and applying principles of clarity, conciseness, active voice, and logical structure. Evidence-based recommendations will be provided to enhance readability and usability, adhering to FAOSTYLE, the IPPC style guide, and ISPM 5. The role involves preparing reports for the CPM Bureau summarizing findings and recommendations, and providing annotated versions of draft ISPMs with clear, plain-language feedback. Additionally, concise analytical guidelines will be developed to capture transferable lessons for future standard-setting. Liaison with FAO's Office of Communications (OCC) will ensure compliance with FAO standards and clearance processes.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of proven professional experience is required, specifically in applying plain language principles to scientific, regulatory, or policy documents. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of how to simplify complex information while maintaining accuracy and legal intent. Familiarity with international standards and regulatory texts is beneficial.

Skills

Key skills include a proven ability to simplify complex technical content without compromising scientific accuracy or legal intent. Strong analytical, editorial, and report-writing skills are essential. Familiarity with international standards (e.g., ISPMs, ISO), regulatory texts, or multilateral institutional processes is highly desirable. Experience working with multidisciplinary expert groups and providing editorial or analytical support is also important. The candidate should also possess core FAO competencies such as Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing.

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