Desert Locust Response Associate - Hodeida

Organizational Setting

FAO's office for Yemen is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under Yemen. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant Ministries at country level. This position is based in FAO Representation in Sanaa, Yemen. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Representative (FAOR), and under the direct supervision of the Agriculture Officer.

Technical Focus

The position’s technical focus is on the implementation of a sound desert locust response in line with the lifecycle of Desert Locust and includes technical elements of control, surveillance and livelihood protection.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Assist the Operational Partner in the implementation of their activities, by providing technical guidance and support
• Assist in the training on Desert Locust biology, survey, control and reporting;
• Provide technical expertise and assist the FAO Representation in responding to the Desert Locust emergency
• Assist in the preparation of training material and in organizing training events
• Help in the establishment of strong partnerships with pertinent government and non-government actors, and work closely with partners on data collection, assessment, analysis, reporting and dissemination
• Contribute to the preparation of regular and ad-hoc situation reports, progress and final reports in coordination with the Desert Locust Response Coordinator in Sana’a
• Conduct the field operations related to aerial spraying, survey and ground spraying activities;
• Help in developing technical specification for the material and equipment needed for the filed operations
• Liaise and coordinate with the government authorities to facilitate the delivery of the surveys and control operations in their territories as needed
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Perform other related duties, as requested;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s university degree in agriculture preferably in entomology or a closely related field
• At least Six years of relevant professional experience in: pest surveillance and management, preferably locust control; insect pest data collection using modern digital tools.
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish (knowledge of Arabic is preferred)
• National of Yemen

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focused
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in organizing and conducting trainings at national and local government level
• Excellent abilities in coordination and monitoring are required as well as demonstrated experience in coordinating and liaising with multiple stakeholders
• Ability, willingness and initiative to meet tight work schedules
• Excellent analytical and communication skills;

Selection Criteria/ Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience in Desert locust management
• Initiative to meet tight work schedules
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work
• Relevant work experience in emergency situations
• Excellent communication skills in English, both orally and in writing, and ability to draft technical reports in English