INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT - SPECIALIST ON INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES, CROP PRODUCTION AND PROTECTION

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAP also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of work and budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies.
The Plant Production and Protection (PPP) Module objective is to support Asia Pacific member countries in their transition to sustainable crop production systems through the development and the promotion of sustainable practices that strengthen the delivery of ecosystem services while conserving the underlying natural resource base. The PPP module operates through the provision of technical advice, analytical work, and implementation of field programme.

Paddy rice production is a common agricultural practice in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia. However, invasive alien species can pose a significant threat to paddy rice production, causing economic losses and ecological damage. This Vacancy Announcement is for the identification of an international consultant to prepare a baseline report on rice production invasive alien species.

Reporting Lines

The International Consultant (IC) will work under the overall direct supervision, and guidance of the Natural Resources Officer under the Plant Protection and Production Module at FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

Technical Focus

The International Consultant (IC) will prepare the baseline report, including selected countries' needs analysis, and partners/resources mapping. Conduct consultation meeting/dialogue with potential partners/donors, aiming at next step programme formulation.

Tasks and responsibilities

The International Consultant will be responsible to carry out the following tasks:

• Based on desk review screening, to define the scope, including targeted invasive alien species, crop, and countries. For example, for the rice production in Philippines, Thailand, Laos, and China, deal with the invasive alien species, such as water hyacinth, giant mimosa, golden apple snail, barnyard grass etc.
• Stocktaking on technologies and good practices, including the innovations, like using drone for monitoring
• Selected countries’ analysis and consultation to identify the needs
• Developing and suggesting possible approaches and strategies to reduce impacts of the crop invasive alien species in Asia-Pacific
• Stakeholder/resources mapping
• International dialogue to validate the results

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Invasion Biology, and/or plant protection
• Minimum 5 years of work experience in similar assignment in the region
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other official FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) for COF. For PSA, working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

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