National Technical Animal Health 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 Technical Animal Health 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, 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 incumbent will provide technical, operational, and coordination support for implementation of animal health, laboratory, surveillance, AMR/AMU, biosafety, and One Health related activities in Lao PDR.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support implementation of project activities related to animal health, zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial use (AMU), biosafety, and One Health initiatives;
• Coordinate with the government partner at central and sub-national level and other relevant stakeholders for effective implementation of activities;
• Support planning, organization, and facilitation of meetings, workshops, trainings, simulation exercises, and field activities;
• Assist in preparation of technical documents, presentations, meeting reports, workshop summaries, and mission reports;
• Support field activities including sample collection, surveillance, outbreak investigation, biosafety and biosecurity assessments, and monitoring missions;
• Work closely with Data Management Officer and M&E Specialist for assist in data collection, entry, validation, analysis, and reporting related to surveillance, laboratory activities, AMR/AMU studies, and other project activities;
• Support laboratory strengthening and capacity building activities for national and sub-national animal health staff;
• Assist with monitoring implementation progress against approved workplans and support preparation of periodic technical and progress reports;
• Support coordination and communication between FAO, government counterparts, implementing partners, and donors;
• Assist with procurement plan for laboratory equipment, reagents, consumables, training materials, and field activities;
• Contribute to development and review of technical guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, IEC materials, and communication products;
• Support knowledge management, information sharing, and documentation of lessons learned and best practices;
• Participate in field missions and provide technical support during emergency response activities as required;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health, Livestock Production, Veterinary Public Health, Microbiology, Epidemiology, One Health, Environmental Science or related field;
• At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in animal health, laboratory, surveillance, project implementation, or One Health related activities;
• 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 supporting animal health, AMR/AMU, surveillance, laboratory, or One Health programmes;
• Knowledge of zoonotic diseases, biosafety, biosecurity, and transboundary animal diseases;
• Experience organizing trainings, workshops, and field activities;
• Ability to prepare technical reports and meeting documentation;
• Experience working with government agencies, development partners, or international organizations is an asset;
• Good computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and data management tools;
• 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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