Animal Health Specialist

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

• 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

Organizational Setting

The Animal Production and Health department provides technical assistance on animal health in Europe and Central Asia. The department is responsible for programmes and activities related to strengthening veterinary systems, often with a One Health approach, and develops practical strategies and guidance to address endemic and emerging health threats, the assurance of safe trade, efficient production and food safety.

International consultants and subscribers to personal service agreements represent a very important source of expertise for FAO. For FAO to be able to attract and employ the best possible experts in the wide range of technical areas of its mandate, a competitive selection process has been introduced. This process is intended to create a pool of candidates which can be timely called upon when their expertise is required, ensuring a transparent and rigorous selection process.

Reporting Lines

The consultants will work under the overall supervision of the FAO REU Assistant Director General, and the direct technical guidance of the FAO REU Animal Production and Health Officer.

Technical Focus

The Consultant or PSA will work as part of a closely collaborating team to provide information and technical assistance, deliver capacity building activities in the region, implementation of improved technologies and tools, development of guidelines, related to strengthening veterinary systems and public health. The Service develops practical strategies and guidance to address endemic and emerging threats from animal sources, the assurance of safe trade, efficient production and food safety.

Tasks and responsibilities

The tasks and responsibilities of each selected Consultant or PSA will be defined in the Terms of Reference for the specific assignment. The functions of a consultant are results-oriented and normally involve analysing complex issues, preparing and directing training courses, preparing documents for conferences and meetings, or writing reports on matters within their area of expertise.

An international consultant is engaged by the Organization to provide expertise, skills or knowledge for the performance of a specific task or piece of work, which would be short-term by nature. The assignment may involve full-time or part-time functions similar to those of staff members.

The assignment can 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 rosters for the following profiles:

• Veterinary epidemiologist;
• Laboratory specialist;
• Risk Management (Surveillance, Prevention, Progressive Control, evaluation of preparedness systems);

In general, depending on the specific assignment, designated tasks and responsibilities will normally include a number of the following elements:

For PSAs and consultants:

• Project formulation in accordance with FAO’s Strategic Framework and the FAO project cycle.
• Coordination, implementation and administration of assigned activities in accordance with FAO rules, procedures and systems, and donor requirements.
• Collection, management and analysis of data to be used to support the work of the animal production and health department in REU.
• Any other duties related.

For consultants only:

• Organization and participation in external events (including field missions) in support of the delivery of work of the animal production and health department, including consultation, training, capacity building and technical assistance.
• Collaboration with relevant UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations, in the areas of livestock development, as well areas of mutually beneficial interest to member countries.
• Representing REU at internal and external meetings, particularly those related to livestock development.
• Prepare and organize consultations and technical meetings.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Depending on contract type:

For consultants:

• University degree in a discipline of veterinary medicine related to epidemiology, diagnosis or control of infectious diseases or related field
• Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of another FAO language (French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, or Russian). Knowledge of Russian is an asset.

For PSAs:

• Relevant educational background in a discipline of veterinary medicine related to epidemiology, diagnosis or control of infectious diseases or related field
• Working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish.

For PSA or base-level consultants (category C): one to four years of relevant experience
For PSA or middle-level consultants (category B): at least five years of relevant experience
For PSA category A: 15 years of relevant experience
For senior level consultants (category A): at least 12 years of relevant experience

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• At least one year of relevant experience in the sector of animal health, comprising, if possible, both technical research, writing of policy reports and support to multilateral or regional processes.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of working with national and international animal health agencies dealing with epidemic disease management; strong understanding of the working relationships and factors affecting co-operation in formulating and delivery of activities.
• Experience in the region of Europe and Central Asia, and working with FAO projects is considered as an advantage.
• Knowledge of Russian language would be an asset.

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