Vacancy IICA: Risk Communication in Agricultural Health, Food Safety and Biotechnology Officer

• POSITION: Risk Communication in Agricultural Health, Food Safety and Biotechnology Office 
• TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: Temporary: 2 years 
• EXPIRATION DATE: September 7, 2012 
• DUTY STATION: San José, Costa Rica 

Description of duties:
IICA is seeking an Associate Professional Officer (APO) through the joint USDA/FAS/IICA Program to support the work of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in providing technical expertise concerning the preparation and implementation of Risk Communication and Crisis Communication in programs related to animal health and/or plant health, biotechnology and biosafety across the agri food chain. We seek to hire a motivated individual who is creative, articulate and familiar with the issues and challenges associated with Risk Communication and Crisis Communication (emergency response) in animal or plant health and biotechnology and biosafety. Based at IICA’s Headquarters in San José, Costa Rica, the successful candidate will provide support in proposing, promoting and supporting efforts aimed at improving and modernizing national animal or plant health services in Latin America and the Caribbean in relation to Risk Communication programs including conducting and carrying out strategic planning initiatives among other things. The incumbent will report directly to the Head of the Program of Agricultural Health and Food Safety based in Headquarters.

The Risk Communication Officer will:

• Assess emerging issues in animal health and plant health and biotechnology and biosafety that may provide opportunities or pose threats at the national, regional and hemispheric levels. Prepare concise and well-documented reports for decision makers that outline possible actions and decisions regarding Risk Communication and crisis communication of such issues, including the costs and benefits associated with each action. 
• Develop a network of experts and materials in traditional as well as nontraditional Risk Communication in animal health, particularly in relation to zoonotic diseases, and in plant health threats of importance to the hemisphere, and others that may present an emerging threat to animal or plant health. 
• Contribute to the administrative and technical management of projects in areas of Risk Communication and crisis communication (emergency response). 
• Work effectively with diverse groups at the highest management level as well as at the scientific, technical, administrative and field level. 
• Plan, hold and direct technical events. Prepare presentations, written and/or using audiovisuals, on topics of importance in Risk Communication and crisis communication related to animal health, plant health, biotechnology and biosafety of GMOs. 

Qualifications and Competencies Education:
College degree in Veterinary Medicine, Agronomy, Biotechnology or similar from an accredited university. Training in Risk Communication of animal diseases or plant pests is a must. Languages: Fluency in English or Spanish, and sufficient command of the other language to allow for effective oral and written communication. 

Experience: 

• Experience in leading initiatives, projects, and processes involving diverse groups of people.
• Knowledge of international norms concerning animal health and/or plant health is a plus. 
• Knowledge of international norms regarding GMOs, in particular Cartagena’s Protocol and Codex Alimentarius. 
• Experience in biosafety and risk analysis regarding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is desirable. 

Specific competencies: 

• Ability to prepare risk and crisis communication programs and deliver technical presentations. 
• Ability to work with government officials, animal producers and/or farmers. 
• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and writing communication). 
• Readiness and ability to work as a member of a team.