Fall Armyworm Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization Of the United Nations

Organizational Unit: SNE

: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition: PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Grade Level: N/A

Primary Location

Home-Based

Duration: 50 days

Organizational Setting

The Fall Armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda E. Smith) is an insect pest that attacks more than 80 species of plants, with a preference noted for maize cultivation. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and was first reported in early 2016 in West and Central Africa, including Benin, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe and Togo. Then in southern Africa at the end of 2016. It then spread to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The current phytosanitary situation indicates the presence of the caterpillar in 50 of the 54 African countries and almost in African countries (Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Niger, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Egypt, Sudan, and Togo). In addition to corn, it attacks several crops such as rice, sorghum, millet, sugar cane, market gardening. This pest has been reported in different wilayas in Mauritania and poses a threat to other Maghreb countries surrounded by infested countries. The cross-border nature of this pest requires pooling efforts and working together, in a concerted manner at all levels (national, sub-regional and regional).

Reporting lines

The incumbent will work under the general supervision of the FAO Representative, the technical supervision of the FAO Officer (LTO/SNE), and in close collaboration with the other international consultants and the project coordinator.

Technical Focus:

Biological control / integrated pest management.

Tasks and responsibilities

the technical specialist will undertake the following duties:

• Participate in the national and regional project workshops;
• Assist in evaluation of the current situation, providing baseline data on FAW and its prevention measures applied in the country;
• Conduct training and awareness raising sessions for the plant protection technicians and other stakeholders in the country;
• Prepare the development of contingency and monitoring national action plans of FAW in the country
• Follow up the distribution of monitoring material and collection of data via FAMWES
• Lead the implementation of project field activities related to survey and control operations;
• Prepare training and awareness raising materials on FAMEWS mobile app and global platform, prevention and management;
• Provide the technical advice, training and guidance on FAMEWS mobile app and global platform, prevention and management to the stakeholders;
• Lead the monitoring activities in the country in line with the country action plan;
• Liaise with stakeholders as necessary to promote awareness of FAW and FAW monitoring activities, including capacity building to enhance the ability of stakeholders to use data to guide decision-making;
• Contribute to the development of contingency and monitoring regional action plans of FAW in the Maghreb
• Prepare technical reports of the activities, end of mission reports, and final country report at the end of the project as required;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in plant protection.
• At least five years’ experience in biological control or integrated pest management, including field experience in cereal pest management;
• Working knowledge of Arabic and English
• Tunisian nationality or Tunisian resident authorised to work in Tunisia.

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 or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable;
• Extent and relevance of experience at international level;
• Ability to write briefs and reports;
• Ability to work under pressure and meat deadlines;
• Familiarity with FAO policies and programmes and systems is desirable.
• Knowledge or experience in field project implementation is preferred.
• Good organizational and teamwork skills are required

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