Coconut Pest and Disease Expert

Organizational Setting

FAO is currently implementing project TCP/TUV/4101, “Enhancing agricultural resilience through pest and disease management in coconut and climate-smart livestock development”. The project aims to assist Tuvalu in the coconut component of the project through two key outputs: 
-    a diagnostic and geospatial assessment report on the spread of coconut pests and diseases across islands in Tuvalu, and 
-    a National Coconut Pest and Disease Management Strategy.

The project will be implemented in partnership with SPC and the Tuvalu Ministry of Natural Resources Development. Activities will include assessment of coconut pest and disease incidence in plantations across the country, reliable laboratory diagnostics, capacity strengthening of key stakeholders in priority areas, and establishment of long-term strategies and systems for sustainable coconut pest and disease management.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for the Pacific and the direct supervision of the Lead Technical Officer, the consultant will work closely with Tuvaluan ministry counterparts, SPC and relevant stakeholders.

Technical Focus

Coconut agronomy, coconut pest and disease diagnosis and management, geospatial assessment, field survey design, laboratory sample coordination, stakeholder capacity building, ministry and service provider relationship management, and development of a national coconut pest and disease management strategy for Tuvalu.

Tasks and Responsibilities

•    Conduct an inception meeting with the Tuvalu Department of Agriculture, SPC and relevant national stakeholders to confirm the assignment scope, workplan, survey methodology, island coverage, data requirements, logistical arrangements and coordination mechanisms.
•    Review background documents, previous mission findings, pest and disease records, laboratory information, biosecurity procedures and related coconut rehabilitation initiatives to establish the baseline and identify priority knowledge gaps.
•    Oversee the development or adaptation of a practical coconut pest and disease survey protocol, including field observation methods, symptom scoring, sample collection and preservation, GPS/geospatial data capture, data recording templates, photo documentation and quality control measures.
•    Coordinate with SPC to ensure training of trainers and mentoring of agriculture, biosecurity and extension officers in pest and disease identification, field diagnostics, geospatial recording, sample collection, preliminary laboratory handling and safe movement of plant materials.
•    Lead demonstrative field assessments on the main island of Tuvalu to document incidence, distribution, severity and likely spread of coconut pests and diseases, including geotagging, hotspot mapping, collection of representative samples and consultation with island authorities, communities and farmers. At this time, ensure Training of Trainers from the ministry staff so they can do the same activities in out islands.
•    Coordinate with SPC on preparation, packaging, documentation and submission of representative samples to appropriate diagnostic laboratories and support interpretation of laboratory findings together with field observations.
•    Coordinate with SPC on the diagnostic and geospatial assessment report, including methodology, island-level findings, diagnostic results, maps and geospatial outputs, risk assessment, priority affected areas, immediate response options and follow-up recommendations.
•    Facilitate technical consultations with the Department of Agriculture, Kaupule representatives, FAO, SPC and other stakeholders to validate findings and agree on priority short-, medium- and long-term coconut pest and disease management actions.
•    Lead the development of the National Coconut Pest and Disease Management Strategy for Tuvalu with SPC, covering surveillance and monitoring, integrated management measures, biosecurity and inter-island movement controls, institutional roles, capacity-building needs, communication and awareness measures, and an implementation roadmap.
•    Prepare practical technical guidance and awareness materials to support implementation by national officers, island authorities, extension staff and coconut-growing communities, including key messages on prevention, early detection, reporting and management of priority pests and diseases.
•    Present the draft assessment report and draft strategy to the Tuvalu Department of Agriculture for review, incorporate feedback and submit final versions with relevant datasets, maps, training records, consultation notes and recommended follow-up actions.
•    Manage monitoring and closure of the Letters of Agreement with SPC and the Ministry and provide technical inputs for preparation of the project terminal report.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agriculture, agronomy, plant pathology, crop protection, entomology, plant health, coconut production systems or a closely related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•    At least five years of relevant professional experience in coconut agronomy, pest and disease diagnosis and management, plant health surveillance, integrated pest management or related agricultural development work.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Strong technical knowledge of coconut production systems, coconut pest and disease identification, field diagnostics and integrated pest and disease management.
•    Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing pest and disease surveys, including geospatial data capture, sample collection, data recording and quality assurance.
•    Experience coordinating laboratory diagnostics and interpreting diagnostic results together with field observations.
•    Ability to prepare clear technical reports, strategies, guidance notes, training materials and awareness products for government officers, island authorities, extension staff and communities.
•    Strong facilitation, stakeholder consultation and capacity-building skills.
•    Knowledge of Pacific Island agricultural systems, biosecurity challenges and coconut value chains is an advantage.

Selection Criteria

•    Experience in coconut production in the Pacific region will be highly regarded 
•    Extent and relevance of experience in coconut agronomy, coconut pest and disease diagnosis, plant health surveillance and integrated pest management.
•    Demonstrated ability to design and implement field surveys, geospatial assessments and diagnostic sample management systems.
•    Quality and relevance of previous experience in preparing pest and disease management strategies, technical guidance and capacity-building materials.
•    Experience working with governments, regional organizations, island authorities, communities and farmers in small island or Pacific contexts.
•    Ability to coordinate partners and deliver high-quality outputs within the agreed timeframe and working-day allocation.