POLICY ADVISOR ON PHYTOSANITARY ISSUES |
| Location : |
Yerevan, ARMENIA |
| Application Deadline : | 21-Aug-12 |
| Additional Category | Democratic Governance |
| Type of Contract : | Individual Contract |
| Post Level : | International Consultant |
Languages Required :
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English |
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) | 02-Oct-2012 | | Duration of Initial Contract : | 1 year (160 working days) | | Expected Duration of Assignment : | 1 Year |
Background |
The EU Advisory Group (EUAG) supports the Government of Armenia in its reform agenda as further detailed in the EU/Armenia Action Plan in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The overall objective of the project is to support the Republic of Armenia (RA) in the implementation of Armenia's reform agenda and relevant international commitments assumed by Armenia including through the implementation of the ENP Action Plan (ENPAP).
The EUAG will achieve these objectives through the continued delivery of an optimal mix of policy, legal and institutional Advisory services. These services are targeted at assisting the national authorities to negotiate and conclude the EU-Armenian Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) Agreement, implement the EU-Armenia ENP Action Plan and make effective use of European Commission (EC) external assistance instruments and programmes to support the implementation of core policy areas.
The Advisor on Phytosanitary (PS) Issues will provide, in line with international and EU standards, policy advice and support in relation to PS reforms, and implementation of a possible DCFTA. Particular emphasis will be given to the ENP Action Plan in the area of PS and the Food Safety strategy as approved in 2011.
The Advisor is expected to provide policy advice and support in relation to the priorities of the ongoing Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) reform process and work in close cooperation with the State Service for Food Safety (SSFS), which is under the direct supervision of the RA Prime Minister.
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Duties and Responsibilities |
Under overall guidance and supervision of the EUAG Team Leader, the Advisor on Phytosanitary is expected to:
- Provide policy advice in the process of PS legislation reform, in particular related to plant health and phytosanitary requirements, effective implementation and enforcement of legislation;
- Provide policy advice related to plants and plant products, GMO products, quarantine pests in area of risk assessment and management, import, transit and export of goods under phytosanitary control, development of certification, control and supervision systems, capacity of laboratories, assistance in preparation and exercising training programs for the competent authority and stakeholders following the approximation of the EU SPS acquis;
- Follow-up and advice on the implementation of the Food Safety Strategy and accompanying Action Plan and support concerned ministries and agencies in their preparation for the DCFTA negotiations;
- Provide policy advisory services on all PS aspects in the preparation and implementation for a possible DCFTA between Armenia and the EU;
- Provide assistance to the Trade Policy Advisor and other trade related Advisors on DCFTA aspects and in updating and following-up the strategy and action/work plan of the EUAG;
- Develop proposals on enhancing effective utilization of other EU assistance instruments;
- Develop and maintain good working relationships with all stakeholders, related projects and the donor community, including providing assistance to the public/private stakeholders with a focus on PS issues;
- Ensure that the management reporting timelines defined in the Work Plan are adhered to and that outputs/results are delivered in a timely fashion;
- Undertake other tasks as may be requested by the EUAG Team Leader and/or the Trade Policy Advisor/Advisor on SPS Issues to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the activities.
The Advisor will adhere at all times to the provisions of the Code of Conduct. The EUAG will provide the Advisor with the interpretation/translation services required for carrying out the assignment.
Deliverables:
- Detailed work plan for 2013 (first half) drafted and approved by the beneficiary;
- Policy analysis to the RA beneficiaries on the implications of adopting EU SPS acquis with a focus on phytosanitary issues of plant health, risk analysis as well as related institutional and legal aspects and food safety issues through formal and informal meetings and consultations;
- Detailed monitoring of the RA’s implementation of the Food Safety Strategy and Action Plan in the phytosanitary areas through regular written reporting;
- A number of High-level briefings, policy advisory papers, lectures, specialized training of staff and conference presentations Contribute to public awareness of the implications of the EU SPS acquis on the RA economy and its economic operators through;
- Regular negotiation support and advice to senior officials of the RA MoA and SSFS regarding the phytosanitary aspects of the DCFTA negotiations;
- Contributions for the EUAG monthly, quarterly and annual reports
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Competencies |
- A proven track record of having been involved in phytosanitary matters at a Member State or EU Institution and/or International Organization;
- Experience in the implementation of a Food Safety Strategy, preferably with respect to increasing compatibility of the SPS system with EU and international standards;
- Strong familiarity with the EU acquis in the area of SPS; solid knowledge of EU phyto-sanitary practice and policy; good understanding of the institutional dimension of SPS-related administrations;
- Knowledge of rules and procedures of the European Commission and other EU institutions;
- Highly developed coordination and facilitation skills and the ability to negotiate complex agenda with a broad range of stakeholders.
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Required Skills and Experience |
- A relevant educational background, an advanced university degree in Biology, Agronomy or Microbiology with specialization on Plant protection, Plant genetics or related fields;
- A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience;
- Proficient command of English. Knowledge of other EU community languages and some knowledge of Armenian or Russian would be an asset.
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UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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