Antimicrobial Resistance Use/ Situational Analyst

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background, and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented member nations, and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct and to uphold our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination
• All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• 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

Organizational Setting

The Food Systems and Food Safety Division of the Economic and Social Development Stream supports the strengthening and transformation of food systems, including the strengthening of food safety and quality at national, regional and international levels. Inter alia, this involves providing scientific advice on food safety issues, support to programmes of capacity development and facilitation of effective communication and access to information by all Member countries on food safety and quality issues. The Food Systems and Safety Division is a recognized global leader in the provision of scientific advice on food safety issues to support the establishment of international standards for the safety and quality of foods.

In 2015 FAO adopted a resolution on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) followed by the FAO Action Plan on AMR in 2016, which has been updated. Within FAO, AMR is addressed in a multi-sectoral manner and involves the close collaboration of staff working on, among others, Animal Production and Health, Food Safety and Quality, Plant Production, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Land and Water and Development Law at global, regional and country levels. FAO’s overarching role in the area of AMR is to support the food and agriculture sector to address this global threat in a manner that reduces the use of antimicrobials in the sector so as to minimize its contribution to AMR in the context of sustainable food production systems and ongoing efforts to address food and nutrition security. FAO supports the development of global guidance and facilitates regional and national initiatives to develop and implement National Action Plans (NAP) on AMR and integrate measures to address AMR into food and agriculture production and food safety systems. FAO works closely with its Tripartite partners, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to promote a One Health approach to addressing AMR at all levels.

Countries around the globe are striving to refine and implement their NAPs on AMR. FAO is poised to assist countries achieve this goal. One helpful approach to assess strengths and prioritize actions involves regular mapping and status of systems, infrastructure, services, and governance on the subject of AMR. An understanding of these factors are considered critical in program planning, priority setting, and evidence-based policy development. The AMR country-level risk consultant will, using a variety of available tools, collect data on the topics related to AMR focusing on applications to food, animals, plants and the environment.

This vacancy will be used fill multiple positions, including those located in the following countries: Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Egypt. There is the potential to work in other countries, in similar or complementary work streams.

Reporting Lines
The selected applicants will work within the Food Systems and Food Safety Division under the direct supervision of the relevant Food Safety Officer and overall guidance by the Senior Food Safety Officer, assuming the role of Food Safety Consultant.

Technical Focus
This is a data collection and technical role where the incumbent is expected to be able to independently collect, and communicate information to relevant national level activities in relation to Antimicrobial Use (AMU) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide technical and analytical support to food systems data collection, data evaluation and analysis using systematic approaches
• Research and analyse technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional, and technology related information, data and statistics and/or related policy issues to support of countries’ National Action Plans on AMR and the delivery of the FAO Action Plan on AMR
• Collaborate in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes, and databases;
• Support the implementation of the FAO action Plan on AMR, in particular in relation to the development of capacity for surveillance and monitoring of AMR, antimicrobial residues and AMU in the food and agriculture sector and the related environment.
• Collaborate with other individuals, technical departments, divisions, multi-disciplinary teams, and services addressing AMR in terrestrial and aquatic animal production and health, plant production, water and land quality and management, market practices, and environmental monitoring.
• Produce a variety of technical information, data, statistics and reports as well as input for technical documents
• Conduct Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) studies, regarding AMR and AMU
• Prepare a folder with lists and electronic copies of country-level AMR/AMU information
• Prepare a report (15-20 pages) with an analysis of the existing situation related to AMR/AMU in the target country

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• university degree in relevant field related to food safety such as food science, food toxicology, microbiology, analytical chemistry, agriculture, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, epidemiology, public health, law, environmental science, or other related relevant discipline
• Five years of relevant experience in the analysis of food systems, laboratory research, research synthesis, food policy development or analysis, or microbiological or chemical analysis of food
• Working knowledge of English (written and spoken) and at least one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) depending on the country where the work will be performed. For PSA.SBS working knowledge of English might be sufficient.

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience related to One Health approaches to combating AMR
• Extent and relevance of experience in policy evaluation in low and middle income countries
• Relevant experience facilitating networks, working groups and partnerships
• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex issues and extract key information
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable
• Demonstrated ability to collect and summarize large amounts of data quickly and effectively
• Strategic and forward thinking

Selection Criteria

• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience related to One Health approaches to combating AMR
• Demonstrated track record of project delivery and providing effective technical support
• Ability to work against tight timelines
• Experience in working with government agencies and academic institutions.
• Extent and relevance of experience in the geographic study region

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