Organizational Setting
The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) enables the transition to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable plant production and protection through optimization and minimization. This requires the integration and harmonization of all appropriate crop production policies and practices to increase production in a sustainable manner and to eradicate hunger while preserving the natural resources and environment for future use.

The post of Agricultural Officer (Integrated Plant Health Management) is located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy in the Pest and Pesticide Management Team (NSPCD), one of the six teams that make up NSP. The Team provides advice and guidance on integrated pest management (IPM) for sustainable crop production and protection, and pesticide management in the contexts of the implementations of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and other international agreements.

Reporting Lines
The Agricultural Officer (Integrated Plant Health Management) reports to the Team Leader, in the Pest and Pesticide Management Team (NSPCD) of the Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP).

Technical Focus
A sustainable approach to crop protection that makes use of integrated pest and disease management practices to optimize farm productivity along with human and animal health and environmental safety outcomes.

Key Results
Technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of divisional programmes, projects, products and services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions
• Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates in Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams and working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.
• Develops technical, analysis, assessment, monitoring and/or reporting frameworks and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases, etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
• Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative cross-sectoral approaches, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/specialist/advice and expertise.
• Responds to Members’ requests for technical and/or policy assistance; provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices; provides technical backstopping to field projects.
• Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to, and ensures the quality/effectiveness of, capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Members such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events, including preparation of related information, learning materials and on-line tools.
• Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, supports increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
• Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Corporate Strategy.

Specific Functions
• Develops integrated plant health management strategies, programmes and projects, which incorporate ecosystem health, in support of sustainable crop production systems.
• Develops knowledge products and supporting advocacy materials that enhance the adoption of integrated plant health management as an integral component of the One Health approach, which includes other pillars, e.g. human, animal and environmental health.
• Leads the development and implementation of projects and programmes that enhance the relevance and efficacy of FAO’s support to its Members to respond to issues at the intersection of integrated plant health and other components of the One Health approach, such as Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in crop protection; the protection of pollinators and soil-dwelling beneficial organisms; and the management of invasive species.
• Develops global platforms, technical and policy guidelines, and tools for integrated plant health management, which includes data collection, pest monitoring, forecasting, early warning and management, through incorporation of novel scientific insights and technological innovation.
• Facilitates the development and adoption of innovative technologies for integrated plant health management, including the use of sensors and remote sensing technologies to collect data, other digital technologies for precision and/or automated application of crop protectants, new resistant varieties and bio-and ecologically based solutions, by engaging multi-sectoral institutions.
• Assists Member Nations to strengthen their institutional and human capacities in the sustainable management of transboundary and established pests and diseases and facilitates collaboration among regional and national plant protection programmes.
• Provides technical support and training on the implementation of relevant international agreements and conventions linked to pest and pesticide management, including the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC); the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, the Rotterdam Convention and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agronomy, plant protection, entomology, plant pathology or related field with specialization in integrated plant health management.
• Seven years of relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: integrated pest management, pest monitoring, surveillance and management, preferably in developing countries.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of knowledge of integrated approaches to pest management in the context of sustainable crop production systems.
• Extent of knowledge of ecosystem services and their relevance/contribution to a holistic approach to integrated plant health management.
• Knowledge and relevance of experience in developing and delivering strategies, programmes or projects on integrated plant health management particularly in the context of small holder farmers.
• Extent of experience with supporting community based/experiential learning processes.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.