Field Logistician

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FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality

People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

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Organizational Setting

Within the framework of the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Plant Pests (ECTPP), the Locusts and Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases Team (NSPMD) is closely working with the Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER) to support various aspects of the plant pest and diseases programme of FAO. NSPMD works within the framework of the Food Chain Crisis (FCC) and the Emergency Prevention System for Transboundary Animal and Plant Pests and Diseases (EMPRES) and provides advice, technical support and guidance to countries on the sustainable management and control of locusts and transboundary plant pests and diseases.

Reporting Lines

The consultants/subscribers will work under the overall technical supervision of the Senior Officer, Team Leader, of the “Locusts and Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases” (NSPMD) and in line with the programme management guidance from the Senior Officer, Global Programme Support Team Leader (OER).

Technical Focus

The locust preventive control strategy is recognized as the most appropriate to sustainably manage locusts in the respect of human health and the environment. It consists in monitoring locust habitats at key periods of their development in order to allow early detection in behaviour change and number increase, and results in adequate early warning and early reaction. It aims at reducing occurrence and intensity of locust outbreaks and preventing their development into major upsurges or plagues. Therefore, a key element of the work is to support implementation of knowledge products and provide technical assistance to strengthen national and regional capacities when required. When early warning is not possible (for ex. due to insecurity) or when the strategy is not implemented, it is necessary to be prepared to and to respond to locust crises. The logistical aspects are essential to managing a locust control campaign and ensuring that operations are continuous and optimal.

Tasks and responsibilities

- Oversee the logistical set-up, redeployment and smooth operation of aerial bases, in particular by ensuring that all components are installed and by ensuring the proper and full use of available aerial assets.
- Liaise with the regional authorities to inform them of ongoing operations and movement of logistics and obtain the necessary authorizations.
- Ensure timely availability of inputs (pesticides, vehicle fuel, etc.) and equipment at aerial bases or other duty stations.
- Ensure that the status of all inputs required for aerial and ground survey and control operations is established and maintained, including the proper maintenance of input and output records; anticipate possible stock-outs at aerial bases and propose operational solutions.
- Provide training to national staff assigned to aerial bases and ground teams in logistical management, flow calibration for ULV spraying and security and safety aspects.
- Ensure the timely transmission of flight forms and other information related to aerial operations to FAO Coordination and ensure that flight and spraying parameters, aircraft flight tracks and daily flight forms are consistent with each other and do not reveal any calibration problems, equipment and instrument calibration problems or omissions.
- Ensure that all measures are taken to safeguard human health and the environment (use of protective clothing when handling pesticide drums, proper storage and securing of full and empty pesticide drums on bases and in stores, etc.) according to FAO recommendations.
- Ensure compliance with and enforcement of measures in place to ensure the safety and security of aerial base personnel and equipment, both on and off base (ground and aerial survey routes, filling stands, etc.) and during redeployments and logistical movements (delivery of pesticides and other inputs).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Business Administration or Logistics/transport related studies;
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in field operations logistics. Experience in locust management operations logistics and/or in contingency planning would be a huge asset.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English or French and limited knowledge (Level B) of one of FAO’s Official languages: French/English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian (for consultants). Working knowledge (Level C) of English is required (for PSA).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
• Extent and relevance of experience at international level.
• Ability to write briefs and reports.
• Ability to work under pressure and meat deadlines.
• Familiarity with FAO policies and programmes and systems is desirable.

Selection Criteria

• Based on requirements, competencies and skills.

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Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

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