Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, promoting efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, nutrition, environment, and life, leaving no one behind.

FAO Country Offices, guided by the Strategic Framework, provide policy advice, technical assistance, and core services to countries in FAO’s mandated areas. These offices implement country-specific priorities outlined in their Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), ensuring efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.

This position is based in the FAO Ethiopia Country Office.

Reporting Lines

The Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation Expert will work under the overall supervision and guidance of the FAO Representation (FAOR) in Ethiopia and the direct supervision of the FAO Subregional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE) Crops Team Leader.

Technical Focus

Assess the phytosanitary system of Ethiopia through phytosanitary capacity evaluation (PCE) by using the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) tools.

Tasks and Responsibilities

To the end of March 2025, the evaluation of all the modules and generation of the respective strategic plans will be finalized. To come up with a fundable project for submission to standard and trade development fund (STDF) and a mega one for other development partners the following tasks should be accomplished.

Work with the National Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Expert, the International Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation Expert and the EAA designated PCE technical team to:

• Validate the generated strategic plans through meetings and consolidate these into a single plan for the country.

• Develop a draft project proposal, in the STDF format, based on the needs identified through the PCE process.

• Develop a mega project proposal document for targeting other development partners for funding.

• Facilitate the review documents for both project proposals by team of experts and have these ready for sharing with the relevant stakeholders.

• Conduct desk work to incorporate the comments given in the review workshop in the final project proposals.

• Finalize the documents for the two project proposals.

• Present the documents for the two project proposals to a selected group of experts for final review; 

• Produce the final versions of the two project proposals and submit to the FAOR;

• Produce terminal report of the entire PCE process on his service;• Perform other related duties as required.

Job Requirements:

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in plant pathology/entomology/weed science

• 5 years of relevant experience in plant quarantine• Working knowledge (level C) of the FAO official language used for communication within the country (English) and working knowledge of the local language (Amharic)

• National of Ethiopia or resident of the country with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location with focus on phytosanitary service

• Extent and relevance of experience in plant quarantine service

• Extent and relevance of experience in problem diagnosis and project development in plant protection with a focus on phytosanitary systems

• Familiarity with the organizational setting of FAOET

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).

• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.

• Only language proficiency certificates from UN-accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.

• For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/

• An appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. 

How to Apply

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO using THIS LINK and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills

• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications

• Incomplete applications will not be considered

• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application

• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered

• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile

• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT