National Specialist in project facilitation – plant and animal quarantine services

Organizational Setting

The project will contribute to the Government of Maldives Strategic Action Plan (SAP) 2019-2023, Strategy #4.7. Which refers to ‘improved national plant health and veterinary services’.

Reporting Lines

The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) with the technical guidance and direct supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO).

Technical Focus

There are two action areas to achieving this strategy:

Action 4.7b: Capacity building of the staff and strengthen infrastructural and technical capacity of the Plant and Animal Quarantine and Diagnostic Services

Action 4.7c: Establish regional plant and animal quarantine facilities/ services facilitation

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the development of a capacity development strategy, including a TNA (Training Needs Assessment) and equipment procurement plan, for Maldives Plant and Animal Quarantine Unit (PAQU).
• Based on the TNA, support the IC to prepare, coordinate and agree with other stakeholders (with specific reference to those mentioned in the SAP) a plant and animal quarantine services and trade facilitation training plan to improve the technical capacity of quarantine service delivery.
• Support to implement the training plan with specific training courses addressing the identified gaps
  1. Basic training on Plant and Animal Quarantine Procedures and Protocols for new recruits for regional quarantine facilities (at least 3 officers for each regional facility).
  2. Technical training on species identification, taxonomy and inspection procedures
  3. Training on electronic means of certificates (ephyto and animal certificates)
• Support and facilitate the implementation of the procurement plan.
• Facilitate all workshops and trainings.
• Provide inputs to the completion of the final consultation report and final TCP terminal report.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in in Plant Protection, Biosecurity, Quarantine, Policy and Agricultural Development.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in in invasive species management, and biosecurity an Island country.
• Working knowledge of English and Divehi.
• Nationality of Maldives or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good understanding of biosecurity policies in the Maldives.