Posted on Fri, 22 May 2020, 12:33

Deadline on Sun, 28 Jun 2020, 21:55

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat is soliciting: 

• Nominations* for appropriately qualified experts to take part in Virtual Working Groups (WG) to develop e-learning materials on “Phytosanitary export certification system***”; 
• Submissions of any existing relevant materials for the development of additional resource(s) on phytosanitary export certification system;  
• In-kind contributions such as photographs, videos, and existing e-learnings to support the development of the above described resource(s). 

These materials will be prepared under the framework of the FAO project to support the COMESA trade facilitation programme (GCP/INT/387/COM).

Background  

During the 5th Implementation and Capacity Development Committee (IC) meeting, held on 18-22 November 2019 in Rome, the IPPC Secretariat presented the project “FAO support to COMESA trade facilitation programme” (GCP/INT/387/COM). Among other activities, this project, managed by the IPPC Secretariat, specifically includes the development of a training course on “IPPC electronic phytosanitary certification (ePhyto) in export certification systems” in 2020. Additional training is planned for 2021 on surveillance, diagnostics and inspection. The IC endorsed this project, agreeing that it is aligned with the IPPC strategic objectives, has strategic value and should be considered a priority. The IC requested that the Secretariat inform the CPM about their endorsement.  Travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has required the IPPC Secretariat to consider other modalities of delivering capacity development activities on this topic. As face-to-face training is no longer possible, the IPPC Secretariat has decided to develop e-learning materials.
Furthermore, on May 2020 the IPPC ePhyto Steering Group noted that developing a specific e-learning on ePhyto was not necessary, considering existing training materials available. As a consequence, the e-learning materials to be develop will focus on export certification.
The development of the e-learning materials for “Phytosanitary export certification system” is partially funded by the FAO project to support the COMESA trade facilitation programme (GCP/INT/387/COM) and through co-financing and in partnership with relevant institutions. In order to optimize efforts and resources, the IPPC Secretariat, where possible will follow established procedures for the development of this type of materials, including input from international experts. These materials would then be available to all IPPC contracting parties, not just COMESA countries.  

Purpose of the e-learning materials on “Phytosanitary export certification system”

Held and rejections of exported consignments of plants or plant product at the border not only provoke economic losses to the traders but, if they are too frequent, question the reliability of the phytosanitary export certification system of the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the country of origin toward the NPPO of the country of destination and can interfere in their relations. The reasons of the held or rejections can be the finding of a quarantine pest on the commodity but also incorrect phytosanitary certificates. The e-learning materials will provide an interactive way for countries to evaluate their phytosanitary export certification system and develop a roadmap to improve its efficiency.

Who can Apply and Contribute: 

• Nominations, submissions and in-kind contributions must be submitted to the IPPC Secretariat ([email protected]) by a National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) or a Regional Plant Protection Organizations (RPPO) by 28 June 2020.  
• Nominated experts include qualified individuals from:  
• National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs)
• Regional Plant Protection Organizations (RPPOs)
• Relevant scientific or regulatory institutions
• Nominations for qualified experts need to be accompanied by a Summary of Expertise, an up-to-date CV and a signed Statement of Commitment
• Specific Practical Expertise Required:  
• Managing phytosanitary export certification
• Managing phytosanitary import inspections (would be appreciated)
• Development of training materials and e-learning courses
• Delivering face to face or distance training courses through tutoring

Deadline:  Nominations and Submissions are due 28 June 2020. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: One virtual meeting is expected to be organized every month, starting in mid-July 2020 and foreseen to continue until December 2020. In addition, experts should participate in the review of the material submitted and in the preparation of the training materials. These tasks may represent an average of one day of work per month.

Experts may also act as tutors through distant learning from December 2020 until February 2021.

Submissions:

Nominations, Technical Materials and in-kind contributions should be submitted by an NPPO or RPPO by 28 June 2020.

Please submit by e-mail to the IPPC Secretariat ([email protected])  and copy Mr Denis Allex ([email protected])

Include the name of the nominating NPPO/RPPO and the words “Call for Experts: Phytosanitary export certification” and/or “Technical Materials: Phytosanitary export certification system” and/or “Expression of Interest to support the phytosanitary export certification system” in the subject line.

Submissions of relevant technical materials should be accompanied by a statement granting the IPPC Secretariat permission to publish and use the materials and identifying any materials that are specifically excluded, as deemed necessary. 

Additional information   

• Additional information: e-learning material on phytosanitary export certification system
• Nominee details and summary of expertise - IPPC Working Group (WG) to develop e-learning materials on phytosanitary export certification system
• Statement of commitment – e-learning materials on phytosanitary export certification system