Plant Production and Protection Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is committed to achieving food security by responding to the livelihood, food and nutrition security challenges faced by smallholder women and men farmers while enhancing their resilience to repeated climatic shocks. FAO is currently implementing a number projects in Zimbabwe and the interventions are designed to safeguard livelihoods, avert hunger and loss of productive assets.

Reporting Lines

Works under the overall supervision of the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Unit (AGPMG), and the direct supervision of the Plant Production and Protection Officer.

Technical Focus

The technical areas/profiles covered will be as follows: • Plant Production and Protection with particular focus on sustainable production intensification and plant health • providing technical support to the development and implementation of crop related projects

Tasks and responsibilities

• Supports the development and implementation of strategies and regulatory frameworks in the areas of plant production and plant health. • Supports implementation of ongoing FAO flagship programmes related to sustainable crop production intensification and value chain development • Provides support in the planning and organization of the transboundary plant pest and disease (TPPD) response interventions. • Contributes to resource mobilisation activities for plant production and protection interventions. • Provides technical support to the implementation of SPS related interventions (with emphasis on application of IPPC ISPMs for market access). • Supports climate smart agriculture (CSA) interventions including conservation agriculture and other relevant agroecological approaches that promote good agricultural practices.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in agriculture, agronomy, plant protection or related field • At least 10 years relevant experience, preferably in agricultural/crop development programmes with a strong focus on capacity development using participatory approaches. Experience with project management and working with countries in Southern Africa will be an added advantage. • Working knowledge (Level C) of English and limited knowledge (Level B) of one of the other FAO languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). For PSA, working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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