ISPM Plain English Specialist

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat is hosted within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). IPPC develops International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) to protect plant health while facilitating safe international trade.
The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM), the IPPC’s main governing body, has recognized the need to improve the clarity, accessibility and usability of ISPMs, while safeguarding their scientific and legal integrity. Consequently, the CPM requested the IPPC Secretariat to engage a Plain English specialist to guide on the application of plain language principles in the standard-setting process.
 

The ISPM Plain English Specialist will work as a consultant under the overall supervision of the Standard setting lead of the IPPC Secretariat and in close coordination with the Expert Working Groups (EWGs) and the CPM Bureau.

The consultancy focuses on the application of internationally recognized plain language principles (such as ISO 24495-1) to explain complex technical and regulatory texts, specifically for draft ISPMs. The aim of using plain English texts is to improving clarity, readability and usability for Contracting Parties without altering their technical accuracy or legal meaning.

• Observe the work of the Expert Working Groups (EWGs) involved in the drafting of the following ISPMs:
                     - Safe provision of humanitarian aid in the phytosanitary context (2021-020)
                     - Revision of the draft reorganized pest risk analysis standard (2023-037)
  
• Review draft standards from a plain-language perspective, identifying linguistic, structural, and organizational barriers to comprehension. When reviewing draft ISPM texts, apply plain-language principles, including clarity, conciseness, use of the active voice, and the application of a logical structure.
  
• Apply plain language principles, including clarity, conciseness, active voice and logical structure, to assess draft ISPM texts.
  
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to improve readability, comprehension and usability of the ISPMs while respecting the requirements of FAOSTYLE, the IPPC style guide and ISPM 5 (Glossary of phytosanitary terms).
  
• Prepare a report for the attention of the CPM Bureau, summarizing observations, challenges and recommendations.
  
• Submit a report to the CPM Bureau that presents observations and provides recommendations.
  
• Review draft ISPMs and provide annotated versions containing clear, plain-language feedback on potential improvements.
  
• Prepare concise analytical guidelines that identify transferable lessons and key considerations for future ISPM drafting.

• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes. 
  
• All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including: 
  FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en  
  FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia  
  Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en 
  FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en  
  FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm  
  FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en     
  Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). 
  
• Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.

• For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communications, professional or scientific writing, linguistics, English literature or a related field. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
  
• For PSAs: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in communications, professional or scientific writing, linguistics, English literature or a related field.
  
• Minimum of five (5) years of proven professional experience applying plain language principles to scientific, regulatory or policy documents.
  
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.

• Results Focus
  
• Teamwork
  
• Communication
  
• Building Effective Relationships
  
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

• Proven ability to simplify complex technical content without compromising scientific accuracy or legal intent.
  
• Familiarity with international standards (e.g. ISPMs, ISO…), regulatory texts or multilateral institutional processes.
  
• Experience working with multidisciplinary expert groups and providing editorial or analytical support.
  
• Strong analytical, editorial and report-writing skills.
  

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO [link removed] and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
  
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
  
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/ [link removed]. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings [link removed]. 

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• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
  
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
  
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
  
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
  
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
  
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp [link removed]