Animal health and production specialist (AMR), Cairo, Egypt 273 views0 applications

Organizational Setting:

The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa (RNE) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RNE develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Reporting Lines

 

The AMR Animal Health Specialist will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Programme Leader for Near East and North Africa and direct supervision of the RNE Senior Livestock Development Officer.

Technical Focus

Contribute to the development and implementation of (i) projects and programmes, (ii) strategies and policies and (iii) provision of technical assistance on anti-microbial resistance (AMR).

 

Tasks and responsibilities

The expert will promote best practices in primary animal production in both specialized livestock production systems and integrated crop-livestock production systems, herd and flock health, prevention and hygiene, prudent use of antimicrobial medicines and mitigation of antimicrobial resistance. He/ She will assist countries in their implementation of AMR National Action Plans. This can include:

• Participate in the coordination and development of prevention and control strategies related to antimicrobial resistant pathogens, guidance on judicious use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents in the food and agriculture with focus on animal health and production for countries in NENA Region;
• Participate in the coordination and development of prevention and control strategies for zoonotic/foodborne diseases and animal (terrestrial and aquaculture) production related food safety including residues and contaminants;
• Contribute to the development of national and global surveillance systems and the collection and analysis of relevant data (antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic pathogens);
• Plan, organize and participate in technical meetings, expert consultations and seminars;
• Collaborate with the Tripartite (FAO-OIE-WHO) and other international and regional stakeholders working on antimicrobial resistance, veterinary public health/food safety policies or intervention strategies;
• Develop and ensure delivery of training programmes and continuing professional development in epidemiology and management of major zoonotic/food-borne diseases and antimicrobial use and resistance; and,
• Collaborate in the development of policies, strategies, knowledge products and advocacy material on antimicrobial resistance/use and zoonotic and foodborne diseases, and promote good practices and governance.
  

 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING 

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Veterinary medicine, with post-graduate specialization in public health, epidemiology, medical microbiology, One Health, pharmacology, regulatory medicine, or related field;
• Seven years of relevant experience in animal veterinary/public health, zoonotic diseases management, medical microbiology and antimicrobial resistance analysis or research, including regulatory aspects, standard setting, and application of One Health approaches;
• Working knowledge of English, French or Arabic and limited knowledge of one of the other two.
  

FAO Core Competencies 

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

Technical/Functional Skills

 

• Extent and relevance of experience in pharmacology in animal health (regulatory and developmental) programmes at regional or international scale, and experience in the private sector;
• Extent of experience in the prevention, detection, and control of animal diseases, in particular antimicrobial resistant pathogens, and zoonotic diseases;
• Extent of experience in medical microbiology, antimicrobial physiology and resistance, (veterinary) public health projects and programme management.

Selection Criteria

 

• Work experience with international organizations and in technical cooperation projects supporting countries.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Ability to provide technical and advisory services.