NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

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

• 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 Members 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 FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

Organizational Setting

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict.

Reporting Lines

The National Animal Health Specialist directly reports to the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme).

Technical Focus

The registration and licensing of all livestock and its by-products including accreditation of livestock transport vehicles in the Philippines is required by the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Animal Industry to ensure safe, clean and orderly handling of commodities through various stages of marketing or distribution channels and to maintain freedom from high impact animal diseases. The current paper-based application does not allow systematic storage and immediate extraction of verifiable information which is a major hindrance in the validation of relevant documents at the checkpoints. In the absence of such system, misuse and by some traders/shippers are increasing and thus far has pose significant biosecurity issues. The project aims to enhance the present application procedure by migrating it to the electronic system for an efficient, transparent and reliable delivery of frontline services.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Serve as the project team leader and ensure coordination between FAOPH and the Bureau of Animal Industry;
• Develop plans, work programs, and project activities in close coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Focal Person;
• Monitor progress against the work plan by tracking activities and targets with periodical review and revision;
• With support from the FAO Philippines, conduct consultations with relevant government partners and stakeholders;
• Lead the conduct of trainings and piloting activities in relation to the registry system;
• Provide technical advise and work closely with the IT Specialist for the development of the registry system;
• Develop guidelines and draft policies to support the operationalization and adoption of the registry system;
• Carry out other relevant duties within his/her technical competence as requested by FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Veterinary Science and Medicine/Animal science/ Animal health and production and other post graduate specific work or qualifications in veterinary epidemiology, and animal disease prevention and control.
• At least 7 years of relevant work experience in animal health, and familiarity with animal quarantine and movement protocols including regulations is an advantage.
• National or resident of the Philippines
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and Filipino

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong analytical skills and excellent command in animal health, quarantine and movement including regulations or other methods related to field of expertise
• General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).
• Familiarity with FAO operational procedures is an advantage
• In line with FAO policy, commitment to placing accountability to people affected by disaster framework at the core of FAO’s emergency policy and practice, from preparedness up to the onset of an emergency in all phases of the programme cycle

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