Coconut Pest and Disease Expert

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.
• Coverage of activities includes 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.
• 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.

Experience and Skills

• 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.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in coconut agronomy, coconut pest and disease diagnosis and management, plant health surveillance, integrated pest management or related agricultural development work.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.
• 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.