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National Technical Advisor – Laboratory Services

Dhaka

  • Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
  • Location: Dhaka
  • Grade: All levels - NPP - National Project Personnel - Local Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Biology and Chemistry
    • Project and Programme Management
    • FABGD
  • Closing Date: Closed

IMPORTANT NOTICE\: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

Qualified female applicants are encouraged to apply.

People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Organizational Setting

The project OSRO/BGD/505/USA seeks to support the Government of Bangladesh at different levels to contribute in improving food security and public health through strengthened veterinary services in Bangladesh. This project will focus on a package of interventions specifically tailored to address the challenges identified. ECTAD Bangladesh will liaise with the veterinary faculties of Bangladeshi Universities to support the development of a revised disease control curriculum that will serve as a solid technical foundation for preparing university lecturers and processors as well as field trainers. The project also aims to provide nationwide support to laboratories for improved diagnostic capacity and influenza antigenic characterization for vaccine monitoring, train and equip field and laboratory officers in the surveillance SOPs, facilitate training of laboratory and field staff on PREDICT protocols for EID virus and AMR detection (funded by PREDICT-2) and evaluate, repair and calibrate laboratory equipment as needed.

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Bangladesh and direct supervision of the ECTAD Country Team Leader, and in close collaboration with the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), the duties and responsibilities will include, but not limited to the followings.


Technical Focus

Support to implementation of FAO nutrition and food systems agenda at global, regional, sub regional and/or country level.

Tasks and responsibilities
  • Provide specialized technical assistance to the Central Disease Investigation Laboratory (CDIL) and Field Disease Investigation Laboratories(FDIL) in the areas of molecular and microbiological diagnostics, including PCR, bacterial culture, and antimicrobial sensitivity testing;
  • Serve as the communication liaison and in-country focal point with the Technical Advisor – Epidemiology and international laboratory partners for all laboratory-related ECTAD activities;
  • Prepare technical specifications for procurement of laboratory-related supplies, reagents, and equipment;
  • Provide necessary follow-up for repair and routine maintenance of any FAO-provided laboratory equipment;
  • Provide detailed bench-top guidance to counterpart laboratory staff as needed to build staff laboratory competencies;
  • Guide GOB laboratories on the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to testing for zoonotic pathogens and assessing AMR;
  • Follow up with laboratory personnel to ensure test results are being reported to the Epidemiology Unit as instructed by DLS;
  • Ensure timely completion and follow-up on biosafety assessments of designated laboratories;
  • Perform other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, or related subject. Master’s degree with a concentration in laboratory sciences preferred;
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English and fluency in Bengali.
  • National of Bangladesh
FAO Core Competencies
  • Results Focus
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Building Effective Relationships
  • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

  • Extensive knowledge of City Governance frameworks related to legislation, policy, and regulation in Bangladesh;
  • Experience of working within or with state structures on similar issues would be of advantage;
  • Skills in advocacy, tact and a high degree of discretion and integrity;
  • Demonstrated competency in planning, facilitating, and executing project activities;
  • Demonstrated competency in capacity building and training
  • High-level managerial, supervisory, analytical and negotiating skills;
  • Excellent ability to communicate in a credible and effective manner;
  • Proficiency and experience in basic molecular and microbiological techniques (serology, PCR, bacterial culture, virus isolation, antimicrobial sensitivity testing, etc.);
  • Previous experience with training and training module development is preferred but not required;
  • Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint;
  • Ability to work efficiently with minimal direct supervision;
  • Interpersonal and communication skills to maintain good working relationships with people from different nationalities and culture backgrounds;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact\: Careers@fao.org
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
  • Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications
  • For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website\: http\://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/

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


This vacancy is now closed.