Laboratory Specialist

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 Africa. Within the ECTAD framework, the Animal Production and Health Division (AGA) is closely working with the Emergency and Resilience Division (PSE) under the Strategic Program 5 (SP5) to support various aspects of the animal health programme of FAO, including the Emerging Pandemic Threats (EPT-2) and Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) Programmes.

Reporting Lines

Depending on the duty station, the Laboratory Specialist reports to the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO/Chief, Animal Health Services), and works under the functional and administrative supervision of the relevant Assistant Director General/Regional Representative or FAO Country Representative, and the direct supervision of the appropriate line manager of ECTAD (Country Team Leader or Regional Manager or Global Coordinator), and in collaboration with the Head of the Emergency Prevention System for Animal Health (EMPRES-AH), the EMPRES Lab Unit at headquarters and the Animal production and health officers from the Regional and sub-Regional Offices and Country Offices.

Technical Focus

Technical support and guidance to laboratory activities under AGA-TCE/ECTAD, EMPRES and SP5 projects.

Tasks and responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of work plans (WPs) for the GHSA ‘National Laboratory System’ and ‘Biosafety and Biosecurity’ Action Packages;
Assist in coordinating nationally, regionally or globally as appropriate, the laboratory activities designed for the prevention, control of main transboundary animal diseases (TADs), either zoonotic or non-zoonotic;
Provide technical support and guidance for the assessment of the status of capacities in the priority EPT-2 countries of the region and develop, supervise and lead the implementation of the regional and national programmes and activities to strengthen laboratory capacity of member countries, where required;
Review FAO Laboratory Mapping Tool results, support countries in carrying out follow up self-assessment rounds to measure progress made in addressing identified gaps from previous assessment;
Supervise the implementation of laboratory quality assurance and biosafety and biosecurity improvement programme;
Plan, and lead the organization of workshops related to laboratory diagnosis, laboratory management and other laboratory topics;
Support the EPT-2 national laboratory capacity building programmes and ensure active participation of the national Animal Health service laboratories in the regional laboratory quality assurance and biosafety and biosecurity improvement programme;
Contribute to strengthening of the national and regional laboratory networks, and support lab capacity development for the country-prioritized endemic and other emerging high impact diseases;
Advocate and facilitate close collaboration between epidemiology and laboratory teams to enhance surveillance and early detection
Coordinate with AGAH headquarters, FAO/International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and designated World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and/or FAO Reference Centres for TADs and zoonotic emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) to ensure technology transfer, reference reagents and trouble-shooting support;
Participate, when required, in World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa WHO AFRO Joint External Evaluation (JEE) missions to ensure effective contribution of the animal health sector in the implementation of the International Health Regulation (IHR, 2005) under the One Health approach;
Enhance cross-sectoral technical cooperation with the human health sector with respect to zoonotic diseases, particularly using FAO tools/guidelines/strategy (4-Way Linking platform, Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program for Veterinarians (FELTPV), etc.);
Advocate and supervise harmonization of data collection processes and sharing of data at national, regional and global levels;
Collaborate in the elaboration of strategies for animal disease prevention management and control;
Participate in emergency preparedness and response missions;
Identify needs and support procurement of appropriate laboratory equipment and laboratory reagents;
Provide technical support and encourage data sharing for OFFLU-related activities through FAO OFFLU liaison officer (HQ);
Contribute to the preparation of project reports and work plans as required by the Governments, FAO and/or donors;
Contribute to resource mobilization through writing project proposals;
Performs other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING


Minimum Requirements

Advanced university degree (for Consultants)/ University degree (for PSA) in veterinary or biological sciences and relevant post-graduate training or experience in laboratory management and diagnostics;
At least 5 years of proven experience in laboratory diagnostics, good laboratory management practices, and/or in management and implementation of infectious disease control programmes, preferably in developing countries;
Working knowledge of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian (for Consultants)/ working knowledge of English, French or Spanish (for PSA).

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, particularly in field positions is desirable.
Extent and relevance of experience at international level.
Ability to write briefs and reports
Ability to work under pressure and meat deadlines
Familiarity with FAO policies and programmes and systems is desirable
Selection Criteria
Based on requirements, competencies and skills.