Organizational Setting

Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) not only pose serious threat to the global animal and human health but also compromise sustainable development goals (SDGs) including but not limited to food security, peoples’ livelihood, national, regional and global economies. FAO, NSAH is implementing global programs for control and eradication of TADs, assisting Members in vaccine procurements and in the designation of reference centres to provide technical device and services to FAO Members on issues related to FAO’s mandate. The incumbent will participate and lead activities in the elimination of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) type C, vaccine procurements and designation of reference centres.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the Chief, Animal Health Service (NSAH)/Chief Veterinary Officer FAO CVO), and the direct supervision of the Senior Animal Health Officer (Virology), the incumbent will focus on providing required technical support in the designation of reference centres, procurement of veterinary vaccines, and development and implementation of action plan towards the global elimination of FMD type C.

Technical Focus 

The incumbent will focus on providing required technical support for the development of technical documents to assist regions and national veterinary services to control TADs.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Participate in the FAO-WAOH taskforce meetings and provide support in finalizing FMD type C questionnaires for dissemination and analysing the outcome for publication and awareness raising;
•    Take a leading role in the organization and logistical coordination of the FAO reference centres designations, and work closely with the FAO officers in the new applications and extension of designations;
•    Contribute to preparation of manuscripts on FMD and rinderpest for peer-reviewed publications;
•    Assist the technical competent officer in the procurement of veterinary vaccines, short-listing of qualitied vaccine manufacturers  and monitor the rinderpest vaccine reserves;
•    Assist in the organization and coordination of technical meetings; specifically in the preparation of agenda, meeting reports, and follow-up on action items, press releases, newsletters and more;
•    Lead the activity on the development of concept notes and project proposals for resource mobilization to continue advancing in FMD control, others as required;
•    Represent the FAO at international and regional meetings; and
•    Perform other related duties as required.

 
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    A university degree in veterinary medicine is required, and advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, virology, disease management or related field in transboundary animal diseases is desirable.
•    At least five-years relevant experience.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the FAO languages; Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese or Russian for Consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSA.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Work experience in national and international entities and industry
•    Extent and relevance of experience in transboundary animal diseases with main focus on TADs
•    Extent and relevance of experience in surveillance, vaccinology and diagnostics
•    Good understanding of institutional issues related to animal health in developing countries