National Specialist for Assessment of Chestnut Health

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop projects and policies and contribute to the technical assistance in many areas including agriculture, livestock, fishery and forestry 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. The position is located in the FAO Representation in Tirana, Albania.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Albania, with supporting guidance provided by the Project Manager, International Consultant, FAO Senior Forestry Officer and Lead Technical Officers (LTO) of the respective initiatives requiring expertise in forestry,.

Technical Focus

FAO Albania is supporting chestnut value chain development through a technical cooperation project “Sustainable Chestnut Value Chain Development - OCOP” (TCP/ALB/3904). The project focuses on (a) enhancing chestnut production through improved management, post-harvest handling and processing; (b) upgrading business modes through the adoption of green, sustainable agricultural practices and supporting knowledge and experience exchange; (c) the development of a chestnut export strategy. In order to achieve its objectives, the project also foresees the assessment of health conditions of chestnut forests in Tropoja and the development of recommendations for forest health management, including as it relates to disease and pests that might impact chestnut production and processing. The Asian Chestnut Gall Wasp (CGW), Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, is the most harmful pest known so far because its attacks can cause a decrease in the production of chestnut fruits by more than 50%. In Albania, CGW has been observed since 2018 in the chestnut forests in Malesi e Madhe, and in 2021, for the first time, CGW was observed in the chestnut massifs in Tropoja (Lekbibaj), indicating a possible spread of the pest. In response to the current and growing problem with CWG in Albania, and considering FAO’s extensive experience and specialized expertise in addressing CWG, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) of Albania requested FAO assistance to assess the situation and provide actionable recommendations for the development of a CWG management strategy and specific pest control measures and timelines.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide support throughout the design of the assessment and the preparations for the in-situ visits, including - Make technical and narrative contributions to the design of the rapid assessment methodology and instruments - Liaise with relevant internal and external stakeholders for the preparation of the methodology and instruments - Provide support where appropriate regarding organization of logistics, stakeholder’s consultations, etc. • Undertake field mission to implement in situ assessment and develop detailed back to office report that will serve as basis for further analysis and report writing • Analyze findings, arrange for additional necessary consultations, and develop a draft of the assessment report for technical review that includes, among others: - Determination of the extent and nature of the CGW pest infestation in the areas of coverage - Estimation of the potential impact on chestnut production and to the extent possible, on related livelihoods - Proposal for strategic options for the management of CGW based on identified international best practices; and clear recommendations on which one should be adopted considering the local context - Development of a detailed CGW management implementation plan of the preferred management strategy • Finalize the Assessment Report based on feedback from the technical review • Support the preparation of a concept note for attracting donors to support ASGW management • Participate in all relevant meetings (physically/online) in order to execute the above activities; prepare and deliver presentations in these events as appropriate; prepare minutes of meetings and ensure audit trail of activities

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in fields related to forestry, agriculture and/or natural resource management with entomology; • 5 years of relevant experience in the field of forest insect pest monitoring, specifically Asian Chestnut Gall Wasp; • Working knowledge of English. • National of Albania or a legal resident in the country.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience in providing technical advice and support on forest health management; • Experience in working with international partners/organizations and government agencies; • Direct field experience working with local, forest communities; • Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member; • Demonstrated initiative and ability to deliver results within deadlines; • Good writing, presentation and communication skills; • Ability to build and maintain effective relationships; • Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision; • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.