Consultancy - Entomologist (Red Palm Weevil Management Project)

ICBA is seeking an experienced and motivated Entomologist to support activities related to the management of Red Palm Weevil (RPW) in date palm systems. The role focuses on promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and ensuring the effective implementation of project plans. The Entomologist will contribute to the effective coordination of ICBA’s technical components in the overall RPW project and ensure the timely delivery of outputs. It includes conducting field surveys, designing and executing experimental trials to assess the impact of GAP, integrating and evaluating tools for RPW control to improve palm tree health, and supporting capacity-building programs for farmers and stakeholders.

• Conducting surveys, field assessments, and other data collection activities to assess agricultural practices related to RPW management in date palm systems.
• Overseeing experimental trials for on-farm evaluation of technologies, practices, and solutions, including agricultural, sanitation, phytosanitary regulations, habitat manipulations, and environmental stressors on RPW incidence and palm health.
• Oversee the collection, analysis, and management of data related to planned agronomic and sanitation experimentation and assist in the management of project documents.
• Assist in the preparation of GAP protocols, technical guides, and certification for pest-free palm seedlings.
• Provide technical support to Farmer Field Schools and implement field demonstration plots to demonstrate the impact of GAP on RPW control.
• Support implementing capacity development and awareness programs on IPM and RPW GAP to strengthen human and institutional capacities.
• Assist in developing communication materials to raise awareness on the risk of RPW, on the implementation of GAP, and the consequences of bad RPW management.
• Assist in the preparation of technical progress reports and budget expenditures reports in accordance with ICBA standards.
• Coordinate logistics for field operations, scheduling site visits, organizing transport, and ensuring timely delivery of supplies and materials.
• Oversee the project’s tools, equipment, field structures, etc., and ensure their best upkeep.

Essential:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Entomology, Plant Protection, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in field pest management, preferably with date palms and/or RPW.
• Knowledge of management approaches RPW control and date palm pests.
• Capacity to undertake experimentation, field surveys and work in rough field conditions.
• Excellent communication and writing skills in Arabic and English.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and a team player.
• High level of organization, ability to manage multiple tasks in a diverse environment.
• Excellent technical writing skills and proven relevant publication record

Desirable:

• Hands-on proficiency with IPM
• Familiarity with working with date palm production and or RPW
• Knowledge of field experimentation and statistical analysis methods.

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  This is a consultancy opportunity and not full-time employment with ICBA. The work location is ICBA, Dubai.