ISPM Plain English Specialist

Overview

Apply plain language principles to improve ISPM clarity and usability.

You have:

• Advanced university degree in communications, professional or scientific writing, linguistics, English literature or a related field.
• University degree (or technical degree/certificate) in communications, professional or scientific writing, linguistics, English literature or a related field for PSAs.
• Minimum of five (5) years of proven professional experience applying plain language principles to scientific, regulatory or policy documents.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.

Organizational Setting

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat is hosted within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). IPPC develops International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) to protect plant health while facilitating safe international trade. The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), the IPPC’s main governing body, has recognized the need to improve the clarity, accessibility and usability of ISPMs, while safeguarding their scientific and legal integrity. Consequently, the CPM requested the IPPC Secretariat to engage a Plain English specialist to guide on the application of plain language principles in the standard-setting process.

Reporting Lines

The ISPM Plain English Specialist will work as a consultant under the overall supervision of the Standard setting lead of the IPPC Secretariat and in close coordination with the Expert Working Groups (EWGs) and the CPM Bureau.

Technical Focus

The consultancy focuses on the application of internationally recognized plain language principles (such as ISO 24495-1) to explain complex technical and regulatory texts, specifically for draft ISPMs. The aim of using plain English texts is to improving clarity, readability and usability for Contracting Parties without altering their technical accuracy or legal meaning.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Observe the work of the Expert Working Groups (EWGs) involved in the drafting of the following ISPMs: - Safe provision of humanitarian aid in the phytosanitary context (2021-020) - Revision of the draft reorganized pest risk analysis standard (2023-037) • Review draft standards from a plain-language perspective, identifying linguistic, structural, and organizational barriers to comprehension. When reviewing draft ISPM texts, apply plain-language principles, including clarity, conciseness, use of the active voice, and the application of a logical structure. • Apply plain language principles, including clarity, conciseness, active voice and logical structure, to assess draft ISPM texts. • Provide evidence-based recommendations to improve readability, comprehension and usability of the ISPMs while respecting the requirements of FAOSTYLE, the IPPC style guide and ISPM 5 (Glossary of phytosanitary terms). • Prepare a report for the attention of the CPM Bureau, summarizing observations, challenges and recommendations. • Submit a report to the CPM Bureau that presents observations and provides recommendations. • Review draft ISPMs and provide annotated versions containing clear, plain-language feedback on potential improvements. • Prepare concise analytical guidelines that identify transferable lessons and key considerations for future ISPM drafting.

FAO Standards and guidelines:

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes. • All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including: FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). • Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communications, professional or scientific writing, linguistics, English literature or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience. • For PSAs: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communications, professional or scientific writing, linguistics, English literature or a related field. • Minimum of five (5) years of proven professional experience applying plain language principles to scientific, regulatory or policy documents. • Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proven ability to simplify complex technical content without compromising scientific accuracy or legal intent. • Familiarity with international standards (e.g. ISPMs, ISO…), regulatory texts or multilateral institutional processes. • Experience working with multidisciplinary expert groups and providing editorial or analytical support. • Strong analytical, editorial and report-writing skills.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 9 days ago - Updated 1 hour ago - Source: fao.org