Job Posting: 21/Jan/2026 Closure Date: 04/Feb/2026, 4:59:00 PM Organizational Unit: NSP - Plant Production and Protection Job Type: Non-staff opportunities Type of Requisition: Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement) Grade Level: N/A Primary Location: Italy-Rome Duration: Up to 11 months, with the possibility of extension Post Number: N/A IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
- FAO 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 person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
- FAO, 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 discrimination
- FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations._ **Organizational Setting** A COF.REG/PSA incumbent is engaged by the Organization under Project UNJP/GLO/1420/EC - Implementation of ePhyto in Central Africa and European Union Countries to provide specialised expertise, technical skills and knowledge for the delivery of specific project tasks of a temporary nature. 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. **Reporting Lines** The Regional ePhyto Coordination is under the supervision of the IPPC Implementation and Facilitation Unit Lead. **Technical Focus** In this context, the incumbent will support the IPPC Secretariat in analyzing the current phytosanitary certification scenario and the technological landscape, identifying country-level gaps, expected benefits, and requirements, and collaborating with stakeholders on the definition, implementation, deployment, monitoring, and progressive adoption of the ePhyto solution (ePhyto GeNS and Hub). This includes capacity building, user support, and performance reporting, to strengthen national phytosanitary systems under the IPPC framework. **Tasks and responsibilities**
- Analyze the current phytosanitary certification scenario, plant product trade, and the technological landscape
- Produce a report on country-level gaps, expected benefits, and technical requirements
- Contribute to the definition of the recommended implementation and deployment plan
- Develop, in collaboration with stakeholders and national users,



the implementation plan for ePhyto GeNS and the Hub
- Support and collaborate in the training of national NPPO staff on the adoption and use of the ePhyto solution
- Support the activities related to the Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE), ensuring alignment between PCE findings and ePhyto implementation plans
- Coordinate with the IPPC Capacity Development / e-Learning (IPPC Health Campus) team to support access to and use of relevant online training materials
- Collaborate with the technical team in the implementation of solution components, including core modules, system integration, and interoperability
- Organize testing, validation, and final approval (sign-off) activities to ensure the proper implementation of ePhyto at country level
- Act as a focal point to support users during initial configuration and early adoption phases of the solution
- Define and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure usage trends, adoption levels, and the technical performance of ePhyto GeNS and the Hub
- Report on ePhyto implementation performance, including measurable and quantifiable benefits achieved
- Lead and manage national-level transitions by defining roles and responsibilities to ensure ongoing maintenance and progressive adoption of the ePhyto solution
- Maintain regular correspondence and coordination with NPPOs, FAO country and regional offices, and relevant partners to ensure alignment and effective implementation
- Draft minutes, progress reports, concept notes and any necessary document
- Participate in and support all stakeholder meetings to understand needs and propose concrete implementation solutions
- Undertake travel, as required, to participate in meetings, in line with applicable travel restrictio

📌 Regional Ephyto Specialist (Roma)
🏢 Fao
📍 Roma