Coconut Pest and Disease Expert

Provides specialist coconut pest and disease support for Tuvalu by leading field and geospatial assessments, coordinating laboratory diagnostics and partner capacity building, and translating validated findings into a national management strategy, technical guidance and long-term surveillance systems.

• Confirm the assignment scope, survey methodology, island coverage and coordination arrangements with national partners
• Review pest records, laboratory information, biosecurity procedures and coconut rehabilitation evidence
• Develop a coconut pest and disease survey protocol covering observations, samples, geospatial capture and quality control
• Train agriculture, biosecurity and extension officers in diagnostics, geospatial recording and safe sample handling
• Lead field assessments, hotspot mapping and representative sample collection on Tuvalu’s main island
• Coordinate laboratory submissions and interpret diagnostic results with field observations
• Produce the diagnostic and geospatial assessment report and validate findings with national stakeholders
• Develop Tuvalu’s national coconut pest and disease management strategy, guidance materials and implementation roadmap

• Advanced university degree in agriculture, agronomy, plant pathology, crop protection, entomology, plant health, coconut production systems or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant 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
• Working knowledge at level C of English

• Home-based assignment with field assessment activities in Tuvalu
• Medical fitness, residency or visa requirements and security clearance may apply