Plant Protection Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO's office for Lebanon is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under Lebanon. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant Ministries at country level. This position is based in FAO Representation in Beirut, Lebanon. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and direct supervision of the Programme Leader and in close coordination with other Units and colleagues in the office, the Plant Protection Specialist will carry out the below activities.

Technical Focus

The Plant Protection Specialist will provide technical leadership and support on sustainable plant health management, focusing on the prevention, surveillance, and control of priority pests and diseases affecting agricultural production. The technical focus of the role emphasizes on strengthening national plant protection systems, promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches, enhancing early warning and rapid response capacities, and supporting the responsible and safe use of pesticides in line with FAO and international standards. The specialist contributes to policy development, capacity building, field implementation, and coordination with national authorities and stakeholders to reduce crop losses, improve resilience against transboundary pests, and ensure compliance with phytosanitary regulations.

Tasks and responsibilities

Plant Protection:

• Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of plant protection activities within FAO Lebanon projects, ensuring alignment with IPM principles and international standards.
• Conduct field assessments to identify priority pests and diseases, analyze risks, and recommend appropriate surveillance, prevention, and control measures.
• Strengthen national pest monitoring and early warning systems, including data collection, analysis, and reporting mechanisms.
• Provide technical guidance on the safe and responsible use of pesticides, in line with FAO’s Code of Conduct and relevant phytosanitary regulations.
• Develop and deliver training programmes for extension officers, farmers, and national partners on IPM, pest diagnostics, and best plant health practices.
• Support the development and review of national plant protection policies, strategies, protocols, and technical guidelines.
• Prepare technical reports, briefs, and inputs for project proposals, ensuring quality and evidence-based recommendations.
• Coordinate with ministries, research institutions, and other stakeholders to harmonize plant protection interventions and exchange technical knowledge.
• Provide technical backstopping to field demonstrations, pilot initiatives, and emergency responses to pest outbreaks.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of plant protection activities, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and compliance with FAO standards.

Programme/Project Management:

• Contribute technical inputs in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, in close collaboration with other stakeholders.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments and relevant stakeholders in the preparation and implementation of projects and programmes in the thematic field.
• Provide advice to develop policies and strategies and lead in technical input on system strengthening/policy review options,
• Lead in capacity development activities related to the respective thematic area/portfolio.
• Ensure technical quality assurance and quality control of the technical outputs of the project.
• Ensure smooth project implementation through the coordination of regular stakeholder meetings.
• Prepare detailed work plans for the project in collaboration with project staff and stakeholders and make implementation arrangements for the field activities and training.
• Assist in the preparation of technical specifications of inputs, supplies, and equipment, envisaged in Programmes’ documents and assist in the procurement process.
• Consult and communicate regularly with key project stakeholders, government, partners, beneficiaries, and donors.
• Represent FAO in interagency clusters and technical working groups.
• Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for consultants and follow up on their recruitments and assignments on time.
• Coordinates the work of Consultants/Experts assigned to the project.
• Contribute to the preparation of Letters of Agreements (LoAs) for Service Providers (SPs) for respective activities.
• Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system and ensure strong learning, communication, and knowledge management within the project team and with wider stakeholders.
• Provide technical input to various written outputs, e.g. drafts of background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, project activity reports, etc.
• Provide advice and technical expertise to knowledge management activities including the documentation of lessons learned / best practices and the preparation of publications in the thematic area.
• Document best practices, success stories and lessons learned based on beneficiaries' feedback and own observations from the field.
• Assist in preparation of periodic progress and ad hoc reports, monitoring reports, and final narrative Programmes reports for submission to donors.
• Contribute to preparation of reports (monthly, interim narrative and terminal donors’ reports).
• Perform other related duties and activities as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in plant protection, entomology, plant pathology, agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in plant health management, pest and disease surveillance, IPM implementation, or related technical areas.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Arabic National of Lebanon.

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong technical expertise in plant protection, including pest and disease diagnostics, surveillance methodologies, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches.
• Familiarity with FAO standards, including the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), phytosanitary measures, and the FAO Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management is an asset.
• Proven ability to design and implement field activities, conduct technical assessments, and provide evidence based recommendations.
• Experience delivering capacity development activities, including training for farmers, extension services, and government counterparts.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to prepare high quality technical documents, guidelines, and policy inputs.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with government institutions, research bodies, NPPOs, and other stakeholders in the plant health sector.
• Good communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to translate technical content into practical, user friendly guidance.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and deliver within tight deadlines.
• Strong teamwork, problem solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

• Experience with a UN Agency or International NGO is desirable.
• Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Suite.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Proven experience in partnership development, capacity building, and knowledge management. Understanding of agricultural production systems, value chains, and rural development dynamics. Familiarity with international development practices and donor procedures is an asset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and communicate complex financial concepts to diverse audiences. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other relevant languages is an advantage
• Proven skills of report writing and communication

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
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.