English Report Writer and Editor

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international agreement on plant health with 183 contracting parties, which aims to protect the world’s cultivated and wild plants by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests. The IPPC is a Convention approved by the FAO Conference in adherence with Article XIV of the Constitution of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The IPPC Secretariat is hosted by FAO and is responsible for facilitating the implementation of the Convention as well as the development and implementation of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) to fulfil the IPPC's mandate.

The Consultant/PSA reports to the relevant Unit/Team Leader of the IPPC Secretariat (AGDI), or to the IPPC Secretary.

Technical Focus

A COF.REG./PSA candidate is sought by the Organization to provide expertise, skills or knowledge for carrying out specific tasks. The assignment may involve full-time functions similar to those of staff members. The duration of the assignment can vary from 1 month up to 11 months in a 12-month period. The possibility of extension is subject to satisfactory performance and depending on the Secretariat’s resources and needs.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Pre-draft the reports of IPPC-related meetings based on the meetings’ documents.
• Manage précis- and report-writing processes, including planning, drafting, editing and revising, for IPPC Governing and Subsidiary Body meetings.
• Coordinate review processes and ensure that meeting reports are reviewed by relevant IPPC officers and cleared by the assigned senior officer/team leader.
• Draft and edit IPPC publications, particularly those prepared in the framework of the International Year of Plant Health.
• Provide editorial (English) assistance to the IPPC Secretariat, as well as to the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, the Standards Committee, the Implementation and Capacity Development Committee, the IPPC Regional Workshops, and other relevant meetings.
• Compile and copy-edit the IPPC Procedural Manuals and provide an annual update, integrating new or revised procedures and decisions.
• Maintain, and update as needed, the IPPC style guide.
• Review, proofread, rewrite and edit articles, documents or minutes to improve readability.
• Apply FAO and IPPC publication style guidelines, editorial policy and publishing requirements to reports and other published materials.
• Ensure adherence to FAO/IPPC templates and layouts.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree (for consultant) or University degree (for PSA) in agriculture, languages, communication, social science, business administration or related field;
• At least 3 years of high-level experience in writing, editing, reporting in professional and reader-friendly formats and styles;
• Native level command of written and spoken English and limited knowledge one of theother UN languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for COF.REG. Working knowledge of English is sufficient for PSA.

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to work in a team;
• Ability to work under pressure and in stressful situations and to meet deadlines;
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing skills;
• Professional copywriting and editing skills, including articles, reports, and other communication materials;
• Fast typing skills.
• Demonstrated ability and track record in writing high-quality English-language reports and articles;
• Strong understanding of international development and the UN context;
• Strong ability to use MS Word and Excel effectively;
• Previous experience in or knowledge of agronomy or plant protection (highly preferable);