Regional ePhyto Specialist

OverviewThe International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international agreement on plant health with 185 contracting parties and 10 Regional Plant Protection Organizations. Its objective is to protect cultivated and wild plants worldwide by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests. The IPPC is governed by the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM). The IPPC Secretariat is hosted by FAO within the NSP Division and supports the development and implementation of CPM policies and activities, as well as the execution of any other functions entrusted to it. One of the Secretariat\'s core functions is to facilitate the implementation of the Convention and the development and application of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), to fulfil the IPPC mandate.The IPPC Secretariat developed, maintains and implements the IPPC ePhyto Solution, a global electronic system that enables National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs) to issue, exchange and receive harmonized electronic phytosanitary certificates in a secure, standardized and interoperable manner, in line with International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures. The objective of the call for expressions of interest for consultants and PSAs is to attract talent in order to strengthen the IPPC expert roster. Experts included in this roster may be considered when relevant opportunities arise.ResponsibilitiesAnalyze the current phytosanitary certification scenario, plant product trade, and the technological landscapeProduce a report on country-level gaps, expected benefits, and technical requirementsContribute to the definition of the recommended implementation and deployment planDevelop, in collaboration with stakeholders and national users, the implementation plan for ePhyto GeNS and the HubSupport and collaborate in the training of national NPPO staff on the adoption and use of the ePhyto solutionSupport the activities related to the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE), ensuring alignment between PCE findings and ePhyto implementation plansCoordinate with the IPPC Capacity Development / e-Learning (IPPC Health Campus) team to support access to and use of relevant online training materialsCollaborate with the technical team in the implementation of solution components, including core modules, system integration, and interoperabilityOrganize testing, validation, and final approval (sign-off) activities to ensure the proper implementation of ePhyto at country levelAct as a focal point to support users during initial configuration and early adoption phases of the solutionDefine and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure usage trends, adoption levels, and the technical performance of ePhyto GeNS and the HubReport on ePhyto implementation performance, including measurable and quantifiable benefits achievedLead and manage national-level transitions by defining roles and responsibilities to ensure ongoing maintenance and progressive adoption of the ePhyto solutionMaintain regular correspondence and coordination with NPPOs, FAO country and regional offices, and relevant partners to ensure alignment and effective implementationDraft minutes, progress reports, concept notes and any necessary documentParticipate in and support all stakeholder meetings to understand needs and propose concrete implementation solutionsUndertake travel, as required, to participate in meetings, in line with applicable travel restrictionsPerform any other related tasks as requiredMinimum RequirementsFor Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agriculture, biology, natural sciences, information technology, phytosanitary sciences, computer science, engineering, international trade, international relations, public administration, social sciences, or another related field relevant to the IPPC and the ePhyto solution. Consultants with a bachelor\'s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.For PSAs: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Agriculture, biology, natural sciences, information technology, phytosanitary sciences, computer science, engineering, international trade, international relations, public administration, social sciences, or another related field relevant to the IPPC and the ePhyto solution.At least three (3) years of relevant experience in supporting the development and implementation of technical programmes or projects, including the deployment of digital or IT solutions, capacity building, policy support, the development of tools and awareness-raising materials, and the implementation of international instruments.Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English and French.FAO Core CompetenciesResults FocusTeamworkCommunicationBuilding Effective RelationshipsKnowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional SkillsWork experience in more than one location or area of workKnowledge of IT systems supporting phytosanitary certification processes, international trade facilitationExtent and relevance of experience in analysing national contexts, identifying gaps, and defining technical requirements for the implementation of digital or IT systemsExtent and relevance of experience in supporting the implementation of IT systems, including coordination with technical teams, system integration, interoperability, and testing and validation activitiesAbility to define, analyse, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), and to use data analysis to monitor system performance, usage, and adoptionExperience and relevance in organizing, facilitating, and supporting technical meetings and stakeholder consultationsKnowledge of a third FAO language (Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is considered an asset.Call For Expressions Of Interest - Vacancy AnnouncementJob Posting21/Jan/2026Closure Date05/Feb/2026, 12:59:00 AMOrganizational UnitNSP - Plant Production and ProtectionJob TypeNon-staff opportunitiesType of RequisitionConsultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)Grade LevelN/APrimary LocationItaly-RomeDurationUp to 11 months, with the possibility of extensionPost NumberN/AImportant NoticeFAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to applyEveryone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO\'s valuesFAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discriminationAll selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checksAll applications will be treated with the strictest confidentialityFAO\'s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.#J-18808-Ljbffr