CAR: National Consultant Specialist in Plant Protection

Feb 6, 2021 | Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN
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The overall objective is to support FAO in its Technical Cooperation program for the country, contributing to its positioning as a dynamic and modern organization in the eradication of hunger and rural poverty, in the promotion of agriculture, fishing , animal husbandry and the sustainable management of natural resources for the benefit of vulnerable rural communities and populations.

Hierarchical position

The consultant will work under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in the Central African Republic, the direct supervision of the Program Officer with the support of other FAOCAF Pools and in close collaboration with the concerned units of the office under FAO Regional Office for Central Africa (SFC) and FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF) as well as FAO Headquarters (Headquarters / HQs)

Area of ​​specialization 

Plant / plant production

Tasks and Responsibilities

The Agronomist Consultant, specialist in crop protection will be responsible for the various tasks described below:

  • Make an inventory and a detailed analysis of the production incidences / losses due to the main crop pests in the main cassava production areas in CAR ; 
  • Identify pathogens ( mosaic, brown streak and fall armyworm) by collecting samples by locality and preparing the material to be studied;
  • Initiate partnership possibilities with research institutions (ICRA, University of Bangui, etc.) through the preparation of memoranda of understanding, specifications to characterize the pathogens responsible for diseases (molecular diagnosis, sequencing, phylogeny of viruses identified, etc.);
  • Contribute to the formulation of project documents to address the challenges identified;
  • Present the results of the analysis and draw up maps on their evolution in CAR;
  • Disseminate the results and maps developed in the FAO global platform (eg FAMEWS);
  • Liaise between national institutions if necessary (MADR Crop Defense services, ICRA, LASBAD, ACDA) to better publicize the surveillance activities of these pests, including capacity building of stakeholders to use the data to guide the decision making ;
  • Prepare the content of training and practical work modules and ensure the training of State agents and project managers, as well as the preparation of the content of popularization brochures on control methods ;
  • Prepare and submit to FAO technical reports on FAO activities as needed (field mission reports; interim reports and consultation report) presenting the results and proposing guidance for loss mitigation;
  • Undertake any other tasks deemed necessary to accomplish the assigned missions;
  • Prepare a final report outlining the activities carried out as well as the conclusions and recommendations; and
  • Perform any other task at the request of technical services.

Applications will be considered with regard to the following criteria:

Minimum conditions to be fulfilled

  • Be a national of the Central African Republic or reside in the country with a work permit;
  • University degree (at least Bac + 5) in Agronomy or in other equivalent fields with training in crop protection;
  • Minimum 5 years of field experience in the field of plant protection;
  • Fluent knowledge of French and knowledge of English is an asset;

Basic skills required by FAO

  • Be results oriented
  • To have team spirit
  • Communication skills
  • Establish constructive relationships.
  • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Technical / functional skills

  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Ability to work in a team in a multidisciplinary environment
  • Good experience in the field of agricultural advocacy and more specifically in the development of agricultural advocacy strategies.
  • Ability to plan, organize tasks and coordinate the activities of a working group.
  • Educational and communication skills;
  • Experiences with the United Nations System is an advantage.
  • Good analytical and conceptualization skills and be gender sensitive;
  • Good communication, analytical and writing skills;
  • Good teaching and communication skills: Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form;
  • Good command of computer tools. Knowledge of "Word and Excel" software is required;
  • Experience in planning and project cycle including monitoring and evaluation methods;

   
 Please note that all applicants must adhere to FAO's values ​​- commitment to the Organization, respect for each other, integrity and transparency.

Further Information

  • FAO does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing of the file).
  • Incomplete application files will not be examined. For questions or assistance, contact Careers@fao.org  : .
  • Applications received after the closing date of the notice will not be accepted.
  • Only language proficiency diplomas issued by external providers recognized by the United Nations and / or the results of official FAO examinations (level B and C language proficiency exams and language recruitment test) will be accepted as certification of the level of knowledge of the languages ​​indicated in the online application form.
  • For further questions, please see the Employment at FAO webpage: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/fr/ 

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application form on the FAO recruitment website, Jobs at FAO . Incomplete application files will not be examined. Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be considered.


Applicants are encouraged to register their application by allowing ample time before the deadline.
For assistance, write to:  Careers@fao.org .