National Project Coordinator

Organizational Setting

Vietnam’s impressive performance in recent years has led the country as global supplier in various agricultural products, including coffee, rice, cashew nuts, and pepper. The country’s achievement in reaching an export turnover of $53.1 billion in 2023 reflects its significant role in the international market for agricultural, forestry, and fishery products1. However, Vietnam’s agricultural exports are easily affected by external factors. It is overly dependent on the Chinese market, and its agricultural products do not as yet meet strict global standards. The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), implemented since 1 August 2020, has been a boon for Vietnam’s economy. The exports from Viet Nam to the EU have surged by 20% annually. The World Bank forecasts that by 2030, the EVFTA could elevate Vietnam’s GDP and exports by 2.4% and 12%, respectively, potentially uplifting 100 000 – 800 000 people from poverty by the same year. However, despite the promise of the EVFTA, accessing the EU market presents challenges, particularly for agricultural products. Compliance with multiple standards encompassing laws on food, veterinary health, and regulations pertaining to consumer health protection, toxic substances, antibiotic, and pesticide residues is essential.

Viet Nam is a major player in the global agricultural market, with a diverse range of exports that reach many countries worldwide. Viet Nam is one of the largest rice exporters in the world with specialty rice types e.g. jasmine rice, white rice, and glutinous rice. Viet Nam is the second largest exporter of coffee globally, primarily exporting Robusta coffee and also world’s leading black pepper exporting country. Cashew Nuts is the third most important commodity of export from Viet Nam besides massive share in dragon fruit, mango, lychee, rambutan, and longan. The country is known for its specialty teas such as lotus tea and jasmine tea. Other agricultural products include rubber, wood and wood products, and spices.

All the three countries Pakistan, Lao PDR and Viet Nam expressed their interest for seeking FAO support in reviewing and aligning SPS systems and regulations with the standards outlined by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Ensuring compatibility with international standards is imperative for facilitating smoother trade relations, safeguarding food safety standards, and boosting country’s competitiveness in the global market. 

The relevant ministries have sought technical assistance from the FAO to evaluate and enhance country’s phytosanitary infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and organizational capacities by using Phytosanitary Capacity Evaluation (PCE) tool developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). 

The overarching goal of FAO technical assistance project is “To enhance the phytosanitary capacities of Pakistan, Lao PDR and Viet Nam, thereby stimulating agricultural trade and contributing to the economic growth and development” 

The PCE is an interactive tool designed to conduct a situational analysis of the existing phytosanitary system, and to help the NPPO assess its progress over time in the implementation of the IPPC and the international standards on phytosanitary measures. The benefits of the tool include:

• Identification of gaps in the phytosanitary system which need to be addressed.
• Conducting a stakeholder analysis and keeping track of stakeholders that are relevant in the phytosanitary system of the country.
• Conducting a problem analysis to identify the root cause of the gaps identified.
• Conducting and documenting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) in managing an effective phytosanitary system.
• Assist in the development of a strategy to address key weakness identified. The PCE includes a logical framework tool that can be used to generate a strategic framework for enhancing the phytosanitary system in the country.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision by the FAO Representative, technical supervision by the Senior Agricultural Officer (Plant Protection) in FAO-RAP, day-to-day management by Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) and in collaboration with the Programme Specialist for Soil Health and Food Systems at FAO in Vietnam and the international consultant for the project. The incumbent will work to ensure the timely implementation of the project and timely providing all relevant deliverables of the project.  

Technical Focus

• The National Project Coordinator will support the implementation of the project activities and provide technical assistance in PCE process and development of a strategic plan for phytosanitary in Viet Nam.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support in preparation of a project proposal for an approval of Government of Vietnam
• Conduct the PCE process for Vietnam
• Provide support in preparation and organizing together with relevant specialists a strategic planning workshop developing a strategic plan for phytosanitary capacity development, and relevant workshops for the strategic plan implementation
• Provide support in preparation a strategic plan for phytosanitary capacity development for Viet Nam
• Provide support in preparation and organizing together with relevant specialists related training workshops planned in receipt country according to the project proposal
• Provide technical support in organizing dialogue with resource partners to present the strategic plan with focus on resources mobilization to implement the recommended actions in strategic plan
• Provide technical assistance for feedback and clarification to the comments from project teams, FAO officers, governments counterparts, local institutions, relevant stakeholders, and draft a national project report
• Prepare communication materials, knowledge products and reports and submit them to International Consultants (IC) for review and clearance. After the clearance from IC, submit the documents for Lead Technical Officer (LTO) clearance.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

• Advanced university degree preferably in Plant Protection, Agronomy or related field is required
• Minimum 10 years of experience in plant protection issues in Vietnam
• Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese.
• National of Viet Nam.

Source: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2403588