Young Professional Officer (Transboundary Plant Pests Management)
Organizational Context
The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, supports countries in transitioning to sustainable crop production systems. This involves optimizing productivity while minimizing environmental impact to eradicate hunger and preserve natural resources. The Plant Health cluster within NSP provides crucial advice, technical support, and guidance to nations on the sustainable management and control of transboundary plant pests, diseases, and locusts.
Job Purpose
This role focuses on managing transboundary plant pests and diseases through a comprehensive approach including surveillance, early detection, forecasting, early warning systems, contingency planning, and rapid response. It also promotes environmentally sound management and control techniques. The position involves conducting research, providing technical analysis, and delivering project-related services to support the achievement of assigned projects, products, and services. Key functions include analyzing technical, social, economic, environmental, and technological data, maintaining records and databases, and offering technical support to various projects.
Responsibilities
The Young Professional Officer will support the preparation and implementation of plant pest preventive, management, and contingency plans. This includes contributing to capacity development programs for national staff involved in plant pest surveillance and plant health emergency management. The role will enhance plant pest early warning, monitoring, forecasting, and reporting systems, and contribute to the development of national and regional plant pest management strategies. Additionally, the officer will assist in preparing and reviewing technical specifications for survey and control operations, monitor and assess the impact of pest control treatments on human health and the environment, and provide other relevant support as needed.
Work Experience
A minimum of one year of relevant experience in plant pest management is required. Experience in collecting and analyzing technical information and data is essential. Knowledge and experience in plant health and pest management are crucial. Experience in preparing, editing, and revising technical/scientific documents, and organizing meetings and workshops is also important.
Skills
The role requires strong analytical skills for technical, social, economic, environmental, and technological data. Proficiency in maintaining records, updating databases, and web pages is necessary. The ability to provide technical support to projects and collaborate in developing training materials and organizing workshops is key. Experience in more than one work location, especially in field positions, is desirable. Working knowledge of another FAO language (Level C) is an asset.