INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT ON PHYTOSANITARY CONTROLS AT BORDER INSPECTION POINTS

In 2010 Republic of Moldova started and conducted successful negotiations with EU for an Association Agreement and the country has today undertaken concrete steps toward a deeper relationship with the EU. During the last year, the negotiation team has been trained to negotiate in Moldova’s best interests and today twenty one out of twenty four chapters of the draft agreement are provisionally closed. Moreover, negotiations for the DCFTA component of the AA, are expected to start in 2011. With respect to this part of the AA, Moldova has subscribed to implement the Action Plan for the implementation of the European Commission key – recommendations drafted after the assessment of Moldova’s institutional and legal capacities to negotiate and implement the DCFTA. Therefore, Moldovan institutions have started preparing themselves for the implementation of the negotiated under Association Agreement acquis and need for valuable international expertise has been expressed. The need for preparation for implementation of the negotiated part of the agreement (including provisionally closed chapters) has been also expressed. European legislation requires that handling, preparation, processing, packaging, etc. of food is done hygienically, with hygienic machinery in hygienic premises. MAFI requested assistance to identify the Package of EU legislation necessary to be transposed and further implemented by Moldova in to comply with EU food safety legislation as regard red meat, game and meat products area. Recently, Moldova - EU Cooperation Committee had a bilateral meeting on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) issues were the current state of play of Moldova’s preparedness for DCFTA negotiations in these area was analyzed. Moldova was informed about possible evaluation mission of EU Commission’s General Directorate SANCO of evaluation of the state of implementation of European Commission’s key recommendations in SPS area, including those referring to reintroduction of veterinary and phytosanitary services at the ports of entry in Moldova (Border Inspection Points).

Duties and Responsibilities

Objectives The Project will contract an International Consultant on phytosanitary controls at Border Inspection Pointsto support MAFI in the evaluation of the current system of phytosanitary controls and to propose concrete activities (legal proposals, operational and technical proposals) for the reintroduction of Border Inspection Points. Key activities: Asses and prepare a report on the current legislation, function and current capacity (technical, infrastructure, procedural, methodological , and personal ) of the services involved in phytosanitary import/export control of plants and products of non-animal origin. Prepare a scheme of the Border Inspection Point requirements in the field of import/export of plants and products of non-animal origin in line with EU requirements and best practice including if possible drafts of adaptation plans, sketches, etc. Prepare on the basis of field visit an assessment of the needs and the approximate cost (infrastructure, technical, procedural, personnel etc.) of the 3 selected Border Inspection Point in order to be able to perform it proposed role in the new border control system. Prepare the outline technical specifications of key equipment required for the 3 selected Border Inspection Point in order for it to be able perform it role in the border control system. Prepare and discuss conclusions and recommendations with key stakeholders.

Competencies

Knowledge of and experience in the region of Central and Eastern Europe (experience in countries of transitional economy would be an asset). Similar experience in assisting government institutions within projects funded by international organizations. Qualification and/or proven skills in project coordination, credibility in dealings with governmental officials, strong team leadership abilities. Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced degree in the area(s) of Agriculture, EU law or similar field, or equivalent working experience n the sector. Experience: Minimum 5 years of working experience in the area of management and implementation of phytosanitary and food of non-animal origin control including border control. Experience of reforming and restructuring border management in accordance with EU requirements and best practice would be a very strong advantage. Competencies: Knowledge of and experience in the region of Central and Eastern Europe (experience in countries of transitional economy would be an asset) Similar experience in assisting government institutions within projects funded by international organizations. Qualification and/or proven skills in project coordination, credibility in dealings with governmental officials, strong team leadership abilities Excellent analytical and communication skills. Language: Fluency in written and spoken English, knowledge of Romanian or Russian would be an advantage. Documents to be included when submitting the proposals: Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications: Proposal: explaining why they are the most suitable for the work. Financial proposal- The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount. Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.