National Animal Health Data Management Assistant

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

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

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Offices, headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO participates in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture, and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhance rural livelihoods.

FAO in Lao PDR is dedicated to working with the government in preventing and controlling emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases by working closely with national stakeholders in the animal production and health sector.

Reporting Lines

The National Animal Health Data Management Assistant reports directly to the AHP Country Team Leader, Lao PDR, under the operational guidance of the Operations Officer, technical guidance of the Animal Health Specialist, M&E and Reporting Specialist and the overall administrative and functional guidance of the FAO Representative in Lao PDR. The incumbent will closely collaborate with project staff as well as with government counterparts at national and provincial level and other implementing partners and stakeholders.

He/she acts independently in routine matters. Supervision received is focused on the quality of the work performed and provides for on-the-job learning.

Technical Focus

The position will provide technical and operational support for animal health data collection, management, analysis, reporting, and digital information systems related to surveillance, laboratory, AMR/AMU, and animal health programmes.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support implementation, maintenance, and routine operation of animal health information systems including InFARM, Lao Animal Health Information System (LAHIS), ANIMUSE, and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS);
• Support collection, compilation, validation, cleaning, and management of animal health, laboratory, surveillance, and AMR/AMU data;
• Support integration and harmonization of data from different surveillance and laboratory platforms;
• Coordinate with DLF, NAHL, PAFOs, DAFOs, laboratories, and relevant partners to ensure timely and accurate data entry and reporting;
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting to national and sub-national users of InFARM, LAHIS, ANIMUSE, and LIMS systems;
• Support development of data management tools, templates, dashboards, databases, and reporting systems;
• Coordinate with software development companies, technical teams, and collaborating international universities to address and resolve system issues in a timely manner and support continuous improvement of animal health information systems;
• Coordinate with server hosting and IT service providers to ensure sustainable system maintenance, functionality, data security, backup, and long-term operational support of animal health and laboratory information systems;
• Support development, updating, and monitoring of laboratory reagent and consumable stock dashboards, including inventory tracking, stock forecasting, consumption analysis, and procurement planning for laboratory operations;
• Monitor data quality, completeness, consistency, and timeliness across supported systems;
• Support analysis and visualization of surveillance, laboratory, and AMR/AMU data for technical reports, presentations, and decision-making;
• Prepare regular reports, summaries, situation updates, and data products for FAO, government counterparts, and donors;
• Support organization and facilitation of trainings, workshops, and coaching sessions related to animal health data systems and digital tools;
• Contribute to development and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs), guidelines, user manuals, and training materials related to data management systems;
• Support information sharing and coordination among animal health, laboratory, and One Health stakeholders;
• Support monitoring and evaluation activities, including tracking indicators and project results;
• Participate in field missions and provide support during outbreak investigations, surveillance activities, and emergency response operations as required;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health, Environmental Science, Information Technology, Computer Science, Public Health, Epidemiology, Data Science, Statistics, or related field;
• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in data management, surveillance systems, laboratory information systems, animal health programmes, or related technical areas;
• Working knowledge of English and Lao languages;
• National of Lao PDR.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience working with animal health information systems, databases, surveillance systems or laboratory information management systems;
• Familiarity with InFARM, LAHIS, ANIMUSE, LIMS, DHIS2, or other surveillance and reporting platforms is an asset;
• Knowledge of animal disease surveillance, laboratory systems, AMR/AMU, and One Health approaches;
• Experience in data cleaning, analysis, visualization, and reporting;
• Good computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and database management tools;
• Ability to prepare technical reports, dashboards, and presentations;
• Experience organizing trainings and providing user support;
• Experience working with government agencies, laboratories, development partners, or international organizations is desirable;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams;
• Willingness to travel to provinces and remote areas as required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• 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 additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

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

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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