PLANT HEALTH CLINIC FACILITATOR – Pacific Community

JOB DESCRIPTION & SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Attractive local package
Friendly and supportive team environment
Join the principal development organisation in the Pacific region

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Land Resources Division (LRD) provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories on all aspects of agriculture and forestry. This includes plant protection, conservation, plant genetic resources, animal health and production, agroforestry, biosecurity and trade facilitation, and sustainable systems for agriculture, forestry and land management. This work has two objectives: improved food and nutritional security, and resilient communities. The division’s services are provided through seven technical/thematic teams: Animal Health and Production; Plant Health; Biosecurity and Trade Facilitation; Forest and Agriculture Diversification; Crop Production and Extension; Genetic Resources; and Forests and Trees.

The Plant Health Clinic Facilitator is responsible to support plant health clinic (PHC) activities in Pacific Island countries to support pests and disease surveillance and management using integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. The incumbent will support SPC Plant Health Team to work with the region’s Ministries of Agriculture in the identification, mobilisation, and capacity building of national PHC champions on the principles and application of plant health clinic approach related to data collection, monitoring, and documentation of PHC activities to support decision and integration of Plant Health Clinics into agricultural extension services.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Plant Health Clinic Facilitator

Support Plant Health to promote PHC principles and practices with ministries of agriculture and universities in establishing and planning of plant health clinics activities in countries
Facilitate the identification and mobilise national plant health clinic champions in countries
Support institutionalization of PHCs principles to relevant institutions
Plant Health Clinic Training

Support capacity building support for extension services (plant health doctors) on the establishment and implementation of PHC using the PHC manual.
Facilitate face to face PHC trainings in countries
Support the promotion of online PHC using online platforms to support scale out of PHCs to SPC member countries
Research and data analysis

Facilitate the collection, analysis, and use of plant health clinic data to support pests and disease management in the region
Facilitate PHC data is collated, analyzed and managed properly and is accurate and up to date.
Support data and information is shared/disseminated amongst partners through appropriate communication channels in supporting planning and decision making on pests and disease management in the region and in countries
Communication and networking

Support PHC network amongst countries to support information sharing on pests and disease diagnostic and advise
Support PHC network for ongoing joint response to pests and disease surveillance and diagnostics across the region
Facilitate regular communication and sharing of updates with partner countries and relevant stakeholders to promote awareness and visibility f PHC activities in countries.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

Degree in agriculture and/or relevant science
Knowledge and experience

At least 3 years relevant work experience
Knowledge of Integrated pest management
Knowledge of integrated plant protection
Essential skills

Excellent communication (verbal and writing skills)
Possess good training skills
Ability to work as a team
Language skills

Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 31 December 2023 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance

Remuneration – The Plant Health Clinic Facilitator is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2022 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of 2,232-2,790 per month, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.