Technical Specialist (Animal Health)

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• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
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• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) is responsible for leading FAO's response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the region and, in collaboration with the Regional Programme Leader (RPL), departments and divisions at headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RAP also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RAP develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

The Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) Regional and Country Teams are dedicated to working with governments in preventing and controlling emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases by working closely with national and international stakeholders in the animal production and health sector. The tasks envisaged for this consultancy are to be carried out through the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), which is currently implementing a number of projects in various countries in Asia.

The purpose of the Regional Call is to attract expertise for the Consultant and Personal Services assignments as they become available in ECTAD’s area of work. The Regional Call will create a roster of Applicants that will be used to identify candidates for these assignments, at regional or country level in the region. Depending on the task to be undertaken, the appointment will be on a short-term contract, lasting from several days up to 11 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and depending on the resources and needs of the Organization.

Reporting Lines

The incumbents will report to a Team Leader of the assignment holding staff member position in the organisation.

Technical Focus

The ECTAD unit is seeking to recruit profiles in the various technical areas related to the ECTAD programmes covering FAO’s mandate, priorities and strategic framework, and the SDGs. The incumbents will work to support disease prevention and control in major Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs), Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs) and zoonotic diseases present in the region (e.g. Avian Influenza (AI), African Swine Fever (ASF), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Petite de Peste Ruminants (PPR), etc.). The incumbents will effectively address the challenges posed by Transboundary Animal Diseases, Emerging Infectious Diseases, and zoonotic diseases in the region.

Below is a list of areas that will be covered by the Technical Specialist (Animal Health) roster\:

• Epidemiology
• Laboratory
• Disease Surveillance
• Animal Health Economics
• Herd Health Management
• One Health approach
• Antimicrobial Resistance in Animal Health

Tasks and responsibilities

The assigned tasks and responsibilities related to the various profiles include but not limited to the following elements\:

• Support the design and implementation of projects and programmes carried out by ECTAD in the Asian Region
• Provide technical support into the design and implementation of disease prevention and control programmes.
• Provide technical advice and expertise and strengthen country preparedness and response to animal health related emergencies at all levels.
• Enhance country public and private sector capacities and partnerships (consultants only)
• Facilitate knowledge management, capacity building and dissemination of information in the required areas at country and regional level.
• Coordinate with relevant partners at various levels in the implementation of specific tasks (consultants only)
• Design and support the organisation of events relevant to the various programmes and projects.

The assigned tasks and responsibilities related to Epidemiologist can include the following elements\:

• Conduct epidemiological investigations during outbreaks to identify sources, transmission pathways, and risk factors. (consultants only) Collaborates with laboratory specialists for timely confirmation.
• Analyse epidemiological data to identify trends, patterns, and hotspots. Conducts risk assessments for disease introduction, establishment, and spread within the region.
• Collaborate with specialists (laboratory, veterinary, public health) for a One Health approach. Communicate findings to stakeholders and policymakers in a clear and accessible manner. (consultants only)
• Conduct research to expand understanding of disease epidemiology. Establish and maintain early warning systems for rapid detection of emerging diseases.
• Build capacity among health and veterinary professionals in epidemiological methods and surveillance. Provide training on surveillance techniques, data collection, and reporting standards, ensuring a standardized and coordinated approach across regions. (consultants only)

The assigned tasks and responsibilities related to Laboratory Specialist can include the following elements\:

• Perform diagnostic tests and research to identify and characterize pathogens associated with diseases.
• Support rapid and accurate detection of diseases like Avian Influenza (AI), African Swine Fever (ASF), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), etc.
• Collaborate with epidemiologists to enhance disease surveillance through laboratory data.
• Respond swiftly to disease outbreaks, collaborating with field teams for rapid confirmation.
• Train laboratory staff in advanced diagnostic techniques and quality assurance. (consultants only)
• Collaborate with regional laboratories to strengthen overall diagnostic capabilities.
• Ensure adherence to quality control standards and maintain laboratory accreditation. Manage and analyse laboratory data to contribute valuable insights for disease control.

The assigned tasks and responsibilities related to Disease surveillance Specialist can include the following elements\:

• Develop and implement robust surveillance systems for TADs, EIDs, and zoonotic diseases.
• Analyse surveillance data to detect trends, patterns, and potential outbreaks. Prepare timely and accurate reports for decision-makers.
• Collaborate closely with epidemiologists and laboratory specialists to integrate surveillance data for comprehensive disease understanding.
• Provide training to regional staff on effective surveillance techniques, ensuring a standardized and coordinated approach. (consultants only)
• Develop plans for rapid response to emerging diseases, facilitating quick decision-making and deployment of control measures.

The assigned tasks and responsibilities related to the consultancy of the Animal Health Economics Specialist can include the following elements\:

• Provide thematic leadership for regional animal health economics, value chain analysis, impact assessment, and policy work for ECTAD Asia.
• Coordinate ongoing socio-economic inputs to the prevention and control of priority zoonosis including zoonotic influenza, transboundary animal, and emerging zoonotic infectious diseases as well as antimicrobial resistance in the Asia region.
• Lead the gap analysis in socio-economic inputs for the ECTAD Asia programme and develop strategies and plans of actions to address the gaps.
• Supervise and lead the socio-economic studies of relevant projects of the ECTAD Asia programme, including ECTAD country projects\:
• Develop conceptual framework for new socio-economic studies and assist in the selection of consultants or service providers to implement new activities.
• Coordinate the knowledge and information sharing on socio-economic activities in Asia with ECTAD colleagues in Africa, Middle East, and headquarters.
• Contribute to the assessment of animal health policies for the livestock sectors.
• Provide regional coordination and inputs to the ECTAD Country teams regarding socio-economic-related activities and support the design of assessments at country level to measure the impact of their initiatives and explore collaborations with potential partners for conducting impact assessments.
• Provide technical inputs into publications, technical reports, and other technical documents, and participate in expert/networking groups relevant to the ECTAD Asia programme.
• Oversee the capacity building initiatives on value chain analysis for animal disease risk management in Asia.

The assigned tasks and responsibilities related to Herd Health Management Specialist can include the following elements\:

• Develop and implement herd health management strategies to prevent the introduction and spread of TADs, EIDs, and zoonotic diseases.
• Establish and enforce biosecurity protocols within herds to minimize the risk of disease transmission and outbreaks.
• implement robust monitoring and surveillance programs to detect early signs of diseases within herds.
• Collaborate with Emergency teams to ensure coordinated efforts in disease prevention.
• Provide training to farmers and herd managers on effective herd health practices. (consultants only)

The assigned tasks and responsibilities related to One Health Specialist can include the following elements;

• Advocate and implement the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health for comprehensive disease prevention and control.
• Collaborate with FAO, Emergency Center, and relevant stakeholders to foster interdisciplinary partnerships in addressing TADs, EIDs, and zoonotic diseases.
• Establish joint surveillance systems to monitor and assess the prevalence and spread of diseases across human and animal populations.
• Contribute to the development of cross-sectoral policies and guidelines that align with One Health principles for effective disease prevention.
• Conduct training programs to build capacity among professionals and communities on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and raise awareness about One Health concepts and practices in the region. (consultants only)

The assigned tasks and responsibilities related to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Specialist can include the following elements;

• Implement surveillance systems to monitor and analyse antimicrobial resistance patterns in animal populations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of guidelines for responsible use of antimicrobials in animal health.
• Conduct educational programs and outreach initiatives to promote awareness and responsible practices among stakeholders in the Asia region. (consultants only)
• Collaborate with FAO and Emergency Center teams to integrate antimicrobial resistance considerations into broader disease prevention and control strategies.
• Engage in research initiatives to understand and address antimicrobial resistance in the context of TADs, EIDs, and zoonotic diseases.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree relevant to the above areas (e.g. veterinary sciences, biomedical sciences, animal health economics, etc.)
• For level C (Consultants/PSA)\: at least one year of relevant experience
• For level B (Consultants/PSA)\: at least five years of relevant experience
• For level A (Consultants/PSA)\: at least twelve/fifteen years of relevant experience respectively
• For Consultants\: Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other\: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish / For PSAs\: only working knowledge of English is required.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, desirably in field locations
• Extent and relevance of experience in a technical area of assignment
• Extent and relevance of experience in providing technical support at local, national, or regional levels.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge in the implementation of international instruments related to pertinent field of expertise.
• Extent and relevance of professional experience in project and/or programme formulation and implementation
• Familiarity with and understanding the work of international organisations, regional entities, and national governments.
• Ability to support resource mobilization efforts.
• Ability to organize and conduct technical meetings, conferences, and workshops when applicable.

Selection Criteria
• Based on requirements, competencies, and skills.

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

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO 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
• 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.

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