Biocontainment Infrastructure and Biomanufacturing Design Expert

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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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Organizational Setting

Livestock health is a cornerstone of agricultural productivity, food security, and public health. Emerging and endemic animal diseases pose significant threats to the livestock sector, necessitating the availability of effective and timely diagnostic tools and vaccines. Currently, the country relies heavily on imported vaccines and diagnostic biologicals, which are subject to delays, high costs, and supply chain disruptions. For instance, Bhutan procures livestock vaccines worth 12 million and diagnostic biologicals worth 5 million annually. Recently, with the procurement of LSD vaccine, the annual budget for livestock vaccine has shot up to 30 million annually. Additionally, some of these vaccines are in short supply, not available in the region resulting in unavailability.
Moreover, the production of biologicals for diagnostic purposes will require handling and production of certain high-risk pathogens. This will require specialized bio-containment facilities to mitigate risks of accidental release and to ensure biosafety, biosecurity and environmental safety. In this context, establishing a national facility equipped to produce livestock vaccines and diagnostic biologicals under strict biocontainment (e.g., Biosafety Level 2 and 3 standards) is seen as a strategic priority. This facility will cater to national needs and potentially supply regional demand, aligned with international standards and sustainability goals.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of FAOR and technical supervision by the project lead technical officer in RAP (LTO), and in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, national counterparts, FAO CO, the consultant will be directly recruited and under the supervision of the FAOR, Bhutan and the incumbent will work together with the team from the Department of Livestock and PMU, FAO CO.

Technical Focus

• Assess the feasibility of establishing a bio-manufacturing unit with biocontainment capability to produce livestock vaccines and diagnostic biologicals
• Develop a detailed blueprint for the infrastructure, including process-specific equipment and technology needs
• Develop phased implementation plan with budget estimates, timelines, risk analysis, regulatory considerations, and capacity development strategies for successful operationalization of the facility
• Propose institutional, financial, and operational frameworks to ensure sustainability and compliance
• Explore potential for exporting high demand vaccines to countries in the region and beyond

Tasks and responsibilities

Needs assessment

• Analyze the current and projected livestock disease burden (priority diseases) at national and regional levels
• Identify gaps in current diagnostic biologicals and vaccine availability and timeliness
• Review current national and regional capacities for vaccine and diagnostic production, including public and private sector actors

Technical and infrastructure feasibility

• Define the types of vaccines and diagnostics to be produced (e.g., In-vitro, in-vivo, viral, bacterial, live attenuated, inactivated)
• Identify the required biosafety level for handling target pathogens
• Develop a blueprint for bio-manufacturing infrastructure suited for high level biocontainment, including layout requirements for the facility (clean rooms, containment areas, animal holding units, quality control labs, shelf life and vaccine storage, etc.)
• Recommend process-specific equipment and technology platforms
• Conduct site assessment and utility requirement analysis (HVAC, backup power, effluent systems, sterilization units etc.)

Regulatory and policy framework

• Review relevant national and international regulations related to vaccine and diagnostic biologicals production, biosafety and biosecurity (e.g., WOAH, WHO, FAO, ISO, GMP standards)
• List licenses, certifications, and policy frameworks needed for facility establishment and operation
• Suggest policy adjustments or frameworks to support the facility’s operation

Institutional and operational framework

• Propose possible institutional models (e.g., government-led, public-private partnership, autonomous institute)
• Outline staffing needs, organizational structure, and required technical expertise
• Assess potential for collaboration with research institutions, universities, and private sector partners

Financial and economic feasibility

• Estimate capital investment costs for establishing the facility based on the blueprint
• Outline recurring operational costs (staffing, maintenance, raw materials, etc.)
• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis and economic viability study
• Recommend financing options (government, development partners, PPP models)
• Suggest pricing and business models for sustainability

Risk analysis

• Identify potential risks\: biosafety, biosecurity, financial, technical, regulatory, operational
• Map supply chain vulnerabilities for raw materials and critical inputs
• Recommend mitigation strategies and contingency strategies

Capacity building and human resource development

• Assess capacity gaps and training needs for technical and support staff
• Propose a phased capacity building roadmap (short-term, mid-term, long-term)
• Include potential for international collaboration or twinning programs including technology transfer

Environmental and social considerations

• Identify potential environmental impacts (e.g., biological waste, emissions, land use)
• Propose environmental safeguards and compliance with national environmental laws
• Consider social implications, such as community acceptance and biosecurity awareness

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in veterinary medicine, microbiology, biotechnology, biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline (with a specialization in vaccine development, bioprocess engineering, or immunology)
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in animal or human vaccine development and production, including biomanufacturing process design and similar field.
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• In-depth knowledge on Vaccinology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Veterinary Medicine, Microbiology, Public Health, Biotechnology, or related disciplines
• In-depth knowledge on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance, Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), Facility layout and equipment specification.
• Demonstrated experience conducting technical and economic feasibility studies for biomanufacturing or vaccine production.
• Proven track record in designing vaccine production infrastructure, particularly in low- and middle-income countries or resource-limited settings.

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
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• 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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