Organizational Setting
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international agreement on plant health with over 180 contracting parties, which aims to protect the world's cultivated and wild plants by preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests. The IPPC is a Convention approved by the FAO Conference in adherence with Article XIV of the Constitution of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The IPPC Secretariat is hosted by FAO and is responsible for facilitating the implementation of the Convention as well as the development and implementation of International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) to fulfil the IPPC's mandates. The IPPC is also the implementing organization of the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) and the International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) with FAO.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent reports to the Integration and Support Team (IST) Lead, in close collaboration with the IST Communications Specialist and communication focal points of the IPPC Secretariat units.
Tasks and responsibilities
Under the general supervision and guidance of the IST Lead, the incumbent will copy-edit and proofread publications and documents, and write reports as follows:
• Pre-draft the reports of IPPC-related meetings based on the meeting documents.
• Manage report-writing processes, including planning, drafting, editing and revising, for IPPC Governing and Subsidiary Body meetings including:
o Report of IPPC governing and subsidiary bodies (CPM, CPM Bureau and Strategic Planning Group)
o CPM Focus Groups
o Technical Panels
o International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) 2026
o Regional Workshops
o Technical Consultation among Regional Plant Protection Organizations (TC-RPPOs)
o APP meetings and events
• Coordinate review processes and ensure that meeting reports are reviewed by relevant IPPC officers and cleared by the assigned senior officer/team leader.
• Maintain, and update as needed, the IPPC style guide in alignment with the latest FAO Style guide.
• Provide editorial support to review, proofread, rewrite and edit IPPC materials to improve readability including articles, documents, minutes, IPPC guides, factsheets and manuals.
• Apply FAO and IPPC publication style guidelines, editorial policy and publishing requirements to reports and other published materials.
• Ensure adherence to FAO/IPPC templates and layouts.
FAO Standards and guidelines:
• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes.
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:
FAO Strategic Framework :
FAO social media policy and guidelines:
Social Media Branding Guidelines:
FAOSTYLE
FAO terminology
FAO Names of Countries
Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• For Consultants:
Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agriculture, languages, journalism, communication, social science, business administration or related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs:
University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in agriculture, languages, journalism, communication, social science, business administration or related field.
• At least 3 years of progressive experience in technical writing, rapporteurship, editing within an international development context. Proven track record of attending high-level technical meetings and synthesizing complex discussions into concise, accurate meeting reports or briefing notes.
• Full proficiency in English.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Strong analytical and report writing skills and demonstrated ability to synthesize and summarize meeting minutes, particularly from high-level meetings and conferences.
• Keen eye for detail and demonstrated ability to apply editing and copyediting styles, e.g. FAO Style, IPPC Style, Chicago Manual of Style, etc.
• Pro-active attitude and demonstrated ability to deliver quality documents on time.
• Good communication skills, including during interaction with teams, partners and through e-mail and Zoom.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi-cultural and geographically dispersed teams, including through remote work and with flexibility in adjusting to different time zones.
• Advanced skills in MS Word (specifically using Styles and Track Changes) and collaborative platforms like MS Teams or SharePoint.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
• Strong familiarity with phytosanitary measures, biosecurity, or the WTO-SPS Agreement, complemented by an understanding of FAO/UN policies, administrative procedures, and operational frameworks. is an asset.