Pacific Plant Protection Organisation Coordinator

Pacific Plant Protection Organisation Coordinator

SPC - Secretariat of the Pacific Community

Suva, Fiji

The role - Pacific Plant Protection Organisation Coordinator will play a pivotal role in supporting plant protection efforts and the PPPO’s mission to protect and enhance plant health, biosecurity and phytosanitary standards compliance in the Pacific region. This leadership position involves managing administrative functions of the PPPO Secretariat, facilitating communications, and ensuring the smooth operation of the organisation’s initiatives, events, and programs. The position will serve as a key liaison between member countries, partners, and stakeholders, promoting collaboration and sharing best practices in plant protection and biosecurity, sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS).

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Administrative oversight

• Provide high-level administrative support to the Director LRD, Program Lead of Markets for Livelihoods, Chair/Vice Chair of PPPO, the ExCo and the Regional Technical (Full) Board;
• Draft, review, and edit correspondence, reports, and documentation as required;
• Ensure the maintenance of web pages, up-to-date filing systems, both electronic and hardcopy of PPPO reports, publications, etc. for easy retrieval of information;
• Lead the planning and compilation of concept notes, meeting announcements and organisation of meetings and workshops.

Communication and liaison

• Act as the primary PPPO point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including Member Countries, international organizations, regional development partners and NGOs;
• Ensure dissemination of all IPPC communication to Members and correspond/liaise with other RPPOs in progressing plant health and biosecurity priorities or other matters of mutual interest;
• Coordinate and facilitate communication among Member States, ensuring timely distribution of information, meeting minutes, reports, and relevant documentation;
• Organise and manage meetings, conferences, Talanoa sessions and workshops, including logistics such as venue selection, agenda preparation, and participant coordination.

Technical advice, strategic planning and support

• Provide leadership as well as scientific and technical support to PPPO;
• Lead the formulation and implementation of PPPO’s strategic objectives and work plans;
• Lead the development of policies, guidelines, and protocols related to plant protection and biosecurity in the Pacific region including regional standards and support the review of national legislations, regulations and policies to align with international standards;
• Coordinate the preparation of discussion documents and concept papers on regional and international phytosanitary issues critical to PPPO.

Project management, programming and coordination

• Monitor ongoing projects and initiatives, ensuring they align with PPPO’s strategic goals and objectives;
• Monitor grant funding arrangements;
• Assist project leaders by providing administrative support, tracking progress, and compiling reports;
• Facilitate collaboration and partnership development with other organizations and institutions focusing on plant protection.

Key selection criteria:

Qualifications

• Degree in agriculture or related field (e.g., agronomy, biology, plant protection, plant pathology, entomology, biosecurity) or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years work experience in administrative, secretarial or project management role, preferably in an international or non-profit setting, including work experience in national plant protection setting;
• Practical experience with PPPO and IPPC standard setting and other activities;
• Demonstrated experience in scientific research and development as well as project. writing/resource mobilisation in Biosecurity SPS;
• Knowledge in addressing Biosecurity and SPS non- compliance issues, bilateral/multi-lateral negotiations and technical report writing;
• Strong communication skills, creative thinker and ability to work independently and within a multicultural team;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with strong writing ability at a project donor reporting level.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Apply Now