Virtual Learning Centre for Asia and the Pacific Coordinator

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FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality

People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

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Organizational Setting

The European Commission for the Control of Foot and Mouth Disease (EuFMD) delivers an extensive programme of activities, supporting emergency preparedness, response and control, for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and similar transboundary animal diseases (FAST diseases) in its 39 member states, to priority European neighbourhood countries and to other regions through its arrangement with FAO decentralized offices. The work plan is divided into components, with the work programme detailing objectives, activities and expected outputs for each of these. Full details are available in the EuFMD work programme.

EuFMD has established a globally respected programme of virtual trainings and manages the largest capacity-building programme in animal health in FAO with over 10,000 trainees from more than 80 countries recently taking its training courses. To extend availability of training to Asia and the Pacific, establishment of a dedicated Virtual Learning Centre (VLC) for the region is underway, to facilitate and advance the work of FAO and other regional development partners in dealing with animal health related issues.

The VLC will use online technologies to train animal health personnel in a range of areas including disease investigation, outbreak response and the progressive control of transboundary animal diseases. The VLC will be hosted by the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO RAP) in Bangkok. Initial funding support and expertise will be provided by EuFMD, with the objective to become self-sufficient and include training materials from a range of providers and topics, expanding to include disciplines outside of animal health and tailored to the needs of the region.

The assignment may be up to 11 months. The possibility of extension is subject to satisfactory performance and depending on the resources and needs of the Organization.

The purpose of this call is to attract talents to populate a roster for the position of Virtual Learning Centre for Asia and the Pacific Coordinator.

Reporting Lines

The consultant will report directly to the EuFMD Pillar III Manager, in close consultation with the FAO RAP Senior Animal Health and Production Officer and the Regional Manager of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), and under the overall supervision of the EuFMD Deputy Executive Secretary.

Technical Focus

The consultant will provide support to enhance and deliver the work programme of the VLC at regional, sub-regional and country level, under the overall guidance of the three Pillars of EuFMD’s workplan:

Pillar I – Improve preparedness for management of FMD and similar TADs (‘FAST disease’) crises

Pillar II – Reduce the risk of the FAST disease (FMD and similar TADs).

Pillar III – Sustain, enhance progress in the roll out of the GF-TADs Global Strategy for control of FMD, and increase security in the supply of effective FMD vaccines.

The EuFMD provides training courses and identifies specific needs in the regions and the opportunities of making the best use of national and international expertise to assess the effectiveness of Risk Based Strategic Plans (RBSP), improve disease risk information and assist in the design, implementation and evaluation of risk based surveillance and risk based control measures.

Tasks and responsibilities

The consultant will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Support the continued growth and sustainability of the VLC Asia and the Pacific through ensuring a regionally relevant work programme, strong collaboration and consultation, and strategic foresight to anticipate future priorities and risks for the VLC;
• Manage the implementation and quarterly review of the VLC annual work programme, ensuring it develops in a coherent manner with efficient use of human, financial and training resources, reporting on the progress made and guiding on future development;
• Manage VLC staff recruitment, supervise the VLC team and maintain oversight of VLC staff work programmes, and foster opportunities for professional development and mentoring of staff from EuFMD and other partner organizations;
• Consult with target countries, national and regional organizations, existing reports and studies in order to review specific training priorities and gaps relevant to strengthening management of TADs and other animal health priorities in the Asia Pacific region;
• In coordination with EuFMD, and based upon the consultation outlined above, regularly review the programme of online training to ensure a sustainable roll-out of courses at regional, national and sub-national levels, in line with the identified needs and priorities;
• Maintain a regional network of national training focal points for communication and coordination with veterinary services and other animal health personnel;
• Manage a multi-stakeholder advisory group of relevant regional organizations and bodies, including academic and institutional partners, to guide the identification of gaps and priorities, to promote the uptake of the VLC as a regional platform offering support for multiple training themes, and to ensure the future sustainability of the VLC;
• Manage input from subject matter experts and instructional design specialists to coordinate the development and delivery of v-learning courses and resources;
• Provide support to regional networks and organizations through provision of virtual networking solutions such as webinars;
• Support the alignment of internal quality assurance processes that assure the quality of training courses, from development to delivery, with the recommendations of the EuFMD training quality management system (TQMS);
• Support collection of relevant information after the delivery of courses in order to carry out a regular impact assessment in fulfilment of the recommendations of the EuFMD TQMS. This will include drafting an annual impact assessment report suitable to inform further planning of the training programme;
• When relevant provide subject matter expertise in the development or adaptation of v-learning courses to the regional situation;
• Undertake other relevant tasks mutually agreed and deemed necessary by EuFMD and FAORAP supervisors.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University Degree in veterinary science or related field, relevant to the duties listed.
• At least five years of relevant post graduate experience in livestock health.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and limited knowledge (Level B) of one of FAO’s Official languages: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience working for, or in support of, government veterinary services and/or international organisations in the Asia Pacific region, with experience across multiple countries desirable (relevant experience in countries outside the Asia Pacific region will also be considered);
• High level of technical knowledge of transboundary animal diseases and other animal health priorities in the Asia Pacific region, and a strong understanding of the varied capacity of governments to manage these;
• Sound understanding of veterinary education theory and experience developing and delivering veterinary training through a range of online and other modalities.

Selection Criteria

• Relevant postgraduate experience in livestock health, with experience supporting disease control and/or management in the field highly desirable;
• Experience managing capacity building projects at a national or international level, with projects involving training development and/or delivery an advantage;
• Ability to work independently and in a small team environment to effectively develop, coordinate and deliver projects under limited supervision;
• Very good communication and English language skills. Skills in other languages relevant to the Asia Pacific region would be beneficial.

Please attach a document highlighting in 200 words or less any relevant project management experience you may have.

Please make sure a copy of your highest degree obtained and all relevant certificates are uploaded to your application.

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

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