Animal Influenza (OFFLU) Specialist

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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 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its 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 development of the livestock sector by integrating scientific expertise and policy support, contributing to FAO’s strategic objectives and Members’ priorities.

The assignment will be carried out within the One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH-CJW), which leads FAO’s work on transboundary animal diseases, surveillance and early warning through the Emergency Prevention System for Animal Health (EMPRES-AH). Within this framework, FAO co-leads, with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the WOAH/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza (OFFLU) bringing together reference laboratories, scientists and partners to support the prevention and control of animal influenzas.

Reporting Lines

The consultant will report to the Animal Health Officer (Global Surveillance Coordinator) under the overall guidance of the Chief of the One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH CJW), the Senior Animal Health Officer (EMPRES-AH) and the technical supervision of the OFFLU focal point. The consultant will work in close coordination with other teams including the laboratory unit.

Technical Focus

Provide technical and scientific support to Avian Influenza surveillance activities, with a primary focus on the coordination and delivery of OFFLU activities related to animal influenza prevention, detection, analysis and global data sharing.

Tasks and responsibilities

The consultant will contribute to the achievement of FAO and OFFLU strategic objectives, including:

• Scientific coordination and technical support
o Support implementation and delivery of OFFLU technical activities and workplans;
o Contribute to the review, updating and implementation of OFFLU strategic and technical frameworks, and the FAO–WOAH global avian influenza strategy;
o Identify research gaps, avoid duplication and promote innovation in influenza research and surveillance;
o Provide technical input to global and regional initiatives on animal influenza, including Tripartite/Quadripartite processes;
o Contribute to strengthening laboratory capacity and molecular surveillance for influenza and emerging pathogens.
• Data analysis, bioinformatics and surveillance
o Support collection and analysis of genetic, antigenic and epidemiological influenza data from OFFLU networks;
o Contribute to bioinformatics analysis, phylogenetics and interpretation of molecular markers for risk assessment;
o Support the development of data-sharing mechanisms and platforms, including considerations related to the Nagoya Protocol;
o Contribute to the development of modules within EMPRES‑i related to genomic epidemiology.
• Global coordination and partnerships
o Support coordination of OFFLU technical groups and liaise with reference laboratories and partners;
o Facilitate information sharing across regional laboratory and epidemiology networks;
o Strengthen collaboration with international partners including WOAH, WHO and research institutions;
o Contribute to the organization of OFFLU meetings, technical consultations and global conferences.
• Vaccine composition and global risk assessment processes
o Contribute to OFFLU inputs to the WHO Influenza Vaccine Composition Meetings (VCM), including data collection and analysis and preparation of technical reports;
o Conduct advanced analysis of genetic and antigenic data to inform vaccine strain selection and risk assessment;
o Support development of an animal health vaccine composition process including OFFLU’s Avian Influenza Matching (AIM) to support counties in their avian influenza vaccine strain selection.
• Knowledge products and communication
o Contribute to drafting scientific publications, reports, statements and policy documents;
o Support development of communication materials and OFFLU web content;
o Assist in updating technical guidelines (e.g. cleavage site documents, diagnostic tools).
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in veterinary or biological sciences and relevant post-graduate training or experience in virology, laboratory diagnostics and bioinformatics, with focus on animal influenza viruses
o Relevant experience in animal influenza, epidemiology networks, molecular epidemiology, bioinformatics or related fields;
o Experience working with international organizations, scientific networks, or research institutions;
• At least 1 year (Category C), 5 years (Category B), or 10 years (Category A) of relevant professional experience in bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology.;
• Working knowledge of English (level C), knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong demonstrable expertise in bioinformatics or molecular epidemiology
• Extent and relevance of experience in analyzing and interpreting genomic and antigenic data;
• Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating multi-partner scientific networks and processes;
• Strong communication skills for scientific and policy-oriented outputs;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and meet deadlines

Selection Criteria
• Based on requirements, competencies and skills.

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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