Overview
Expert to conduct a diagnostic and geospatial assessment of coconut pests and diseases and develop a National Coconut Pest and Disease Management Strategy for Tuvalu.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct an inception meeting to confirm 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.
- Oversee the development or adaptation of a practical coconut pest and disease survey protocol.
- Coordinate with SPC to ensure training of trainers and mentoring of agriculture, biosecurity and extension officers.
- Lead demonstrative field assessments on the main island of Tuvalu to document incidence, distribution, severity and likely spread of coconut pests and diseases.
- Coordinate with SPC on preparation, packaging, documentation and submission of representative samples to appropriate diagnostic laboratories.
- Coordinate with SPC on the diagnostic and geospatial assessment report.
- Facilitate technical consultations with stakeholders to validate findings and agree on priority management actions.
- Lead the development of the National Coconut Pest and Disease Management Strategy for Tuvalu with SPC.
- Prepare practical technical guidance and awareness materials.
- Present the draft assessment report and draft strategy for review, incorporate feedback and submit final versions.
- Manage monitoring and closure of Letters of Agreement and provide technical inputs for the project terminal report.
Required Experience
At least five years of relevant professional experience in coconut agronomy, pest and disease diagnosis and management, plant health surveillance, integrated pest management or related agricultural development work. Experience in coconut production in the Pacific region will be highly regarded. 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. Experience working with governments, regional organizations, island authorities, communities and farmers in small island or Pacific contexts.
Qualifications
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. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
