Job Description
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes the sustainable transformation of livestock systems towards greater efficiency, inclusiveness and resilience. NSA integrates scientific and technical expertise and policy advice in the areas of animal production, animal health and One Health. NSA plays a key role in supporting Member Nations on sustainable livestock development, animal health and One Health policies to achieve growth and transformation of the livestock sector and progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The One Health and Disease Control Group (NSAH-CJW) is primarily responsible for aspects related to the prevention, detection and timely response to health threats of animal origin (zoonotic diseases, transboundary animal diseases, production diseases, diseases of wildlife, vector-borne diseases, food safety, antimicrobial resistance) that affect the health, production efficiency and trade of animals, public health, sustainable livestock production and conservation efforts. NSAH-CJW capacity development work ensures the strengthening of veterinary systems at national and regional levels and bridges agricultural development, public health and ecosystem health. It also supports emergency response, mainly in animal health and relevant FAO Programme Priority Areas (PPAs) to promote the One Health approach and the sustainable livestock transformation frameworks in line with the FAO Strategic Framework (2022-31), the Four Betters and target Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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The position is located in the One Health and Disease Control Group (NSAH/CJWZ) of the Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Reporting Lines
The Chief, One Health and Disease Control Group (NSAH-CJW) reports to the Director, Animal Production and Health Division (NSA).
Summary of Duties and Functions
Under the overall guidance of the Director, NSA, and as a member of the NSA Management Team, the Chief of NSAH-CJW will:
- Provide leadership, vision, strategic design, technical and policy advice, and programme formulation for the Organization’s work on animal health and One Health, in the world’s growing livestock sector (infectious and non-infectious diseases, parasitic diseases, zoonotic diseases, transboundary animal diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), etc., integrated pest management, animal welfare as related to animal health)  as well as on the information, institutions and systems required at global, regional and national levels to support and maintain animal health and to provide safe food of animal origin to consumers.
- Provide advice to Members on the development of strategies, policies, and action plans for increased investment in the national strategies on animal health and One Health to achieve sustainable transformation of the livestock sector.
- Position FAO as a global leader in animal health and One Health in the context of international public goods and the transformation of agrifood systems in support of the FAO Strategic Framework (2022-31) and the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Plan, manage and report the use of resources in support of programmes and projects in the field of animal health and One Health at large, ensuring coherence and technical quality of the normative and operational work.
- Ensure effective liaison, integration and linkage between the work and staff of NSAH-CJW with other groups/clusters/hubs of NSA at headquarters, as well as in Decentralized Offices.
- Support resource mobilization consistent with NSA’s work plan and strategic vision, as well as the FAO Strategic Framework.
- Guide, supervise and evaluate the work of the NSAH-CJW staff.
- Ensure provision of technical advice, information and support to FAO Members, UN agencies and global, regional and national bodies, including inter-governmental fora, for the discussion and negotiation of agreements, codes, standards and good management and manufacturing practices in animal health and veterinary public health throughout the food chain.
- Represent the Organization in external meetings and handle day-to-day matters in the absence of the Director, as needed.
- Perform other related duties as required. Advertisement
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in veterinary medicine with post graduate qualifications in epidemiology, tropical animal diseases, veterinary public health, One Health and/or in veterinary biosciences (microbiology, immunology, bacteriology, parasitology, etc.);
- At least twelve years of relevant experience in animal health and/or One Health and related policy and strategy development, in intergovernmental processes, and in identification, formulation and implementation of projects and programmes in the context of developing and/or transition countries, in national and international development and research organizations;
- Demonstrated professional competence, management skills and knowledge of international animal health and livestock sector development issues with potential implications for FAO’s field of activities;
- Extensive and relevant professional experience related to the functioning of multilateral and multi-stakeholder processes;
- Familiarity with FAO and UN reforms;
- Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills of a high order with maturity and the ability to apply judgment in the exercise of professional independence and to manage complex and/or sensitive issues with diplomacy and confidentiality;
- Ability to lead and work effectively with a diverse team of people of different national and cultural backgrounds in an international setting;
- Demonstrated abilities in advocacy and resource mobilization including coordinating project proposals for funding and interacting with donors and funding agencies;
- Excellent communications and negotiations skills;
- Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
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