Consultant –Plant and Livestock Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Projects

Organizational Setting

The Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications implements the IAEA's Major Programme 2, \"Nuclear Techniques for Development and Environmental Protection\". This Major Programme comprises individual programmes on food and agriculture, human health, water resources, environment and radiation technologies. These programmes are supported by laboratories in Seibersdorf, Monaco and Vienna. The Major Programme's objective is to enhance the capacity of Member States to meet basic human needs and to assess and manage the marine and terrestrial environments through the use of nuclear and isotopic techniques in sustainable development programmes. 

The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture assists Member States of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA in using nuclear techniques and related technologies to improve food security, alleviate poverty and promote sustainable agriculture. The Joint Centre consists of five Sections, each with an associated laboratory (located in Seibersdorf, 45 km south-east of Vienna), in the areas of: animal production and health; plant breeding and genetics; insect pest control; soil and water management and crop nutrition; and food safety and control. 

The Insect Pest Control Section and Laboratory assist Member States with the development, dissemination and transfer of sterile insect and related environmentally friendly technologies for the area-wide integrated suppression, containment or eradication of major insect pests affecting crops, livestock and human health.

Main Purpose

The main purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical expertise to Member States through Technical Cooperation projects (TCPs) for the validation and implementation of a Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) based integrated pest management scheme. The consultancy will address the high demand to provide field support in the area of plant pests  The consultancy will also address the recent re-introduction of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in Central America and Mexico which poses a risk for other Member States, The technology is transferred through designing and planning of TCPs, expert missions, training, provision of specific materials and equipment and through project oversight. The consultancy will also include support to the IAEA flagship initiative \"Atoms4Food\", including the preparation of the project proposals, implementation of the approved project and reporting of results.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Provide technical input to the design and implementation of 9 national TC projects and 3 regional projects. This includes the transfer of SIT technology to Morocco for control of the Mediterranean fruit fly through the establishment and operation of a mass rearing and sterilization facility. 

Provide technical expertise to capacity development for SIT implementation in Uruguay aimed at the territorial eradication of the NWS. 

Provide technical expertise for the validation of SIT technology at pilot level to establish and maintain Mediterranean fruit fly free areas in El Salvador through the construction and operation of a sterile fly release facility,  of SIT to control the codling moth in China using SIT, and supporting the development of a GSS strain for the South American fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus aimed at applying SIT for population suppression and eradication in Argentina, Brazil, and Peru, among others.   

Provide technical input to the operating Mediterranean fruit fly suppression programme in Agadir including the mass rearing and sterilization facility and implementing the field actions. 

Provide expert advice through Technical Advisory Panels upon the incursion of an invasive regulated pest and the official request by Member States. 

Provide technical advice by preparing contingency plans to delimit the pest incursion, eradicate the pest outbreak and strengthen early detection and pest exclusion phytosanitary measures. Contribute to IPC publication of Manuals and scientific papers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Insect Pest Control

Qualifications and Experience

Advanced degree (masters) in Entomology or Biological Sciences or related field.

Knowledge in the areas of biology and ecology of fruit flies and the New World Screwworm (NWS) 

Minimum 5 years' experience in managing operational programme to contain and eradicate the NWS and fruit flies using SIT.

Being familiar with the NWS problem in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Wide network of contacts at the national veterinary services and international and regional organisations is an asset.  

Good knowledge of oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) an asset.

Remuneration

The remuneration for this consultancy is a daily fee of up to a maximum of € 350, based on qualifications and experience. In case duty travel is required within the assignment, a daily subsistence allowance (DSA) and travel costs are provided. Health coverage and pension fund are the responsibility of the incumbent.