Pandemic Preparedness Veterinary Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) lead FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of priority programme activities. REU ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, supports policy dialogue, strengthens regional partnerships, and oversees the implementation and monitoring of FAO programmes and projects in Europe and Central Asia.

The position is linked to the project “MAKE-READY - North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo Emergency Ready” funded by the Pandemic Fund (PF), implemented by FAO.

The project aims to strengthen the beneficiaries’ capacities for the prevention, early detection and effective response to zoonotic disease threats through a One Health approach. It supports enhanced surveillance systems, laboratory capacities, workforce development, risk assessment and multisectoral coordination mechanisms, contributing to improved pandemic preparedness.

Within this framework, the Pandemic Preparedness Specialist will support REU technical teams in the effective coordination and implementation of project activities, in close collaboration with local stakeholders and partners.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO REU Assistant Director General, and the direct technical guidance of the FAO REU Animal Production and Health Officer and will closely cooperate with the technical and operational teams.

Technical Focus

The Pandemic Preparedness Veterinary Specialist supports FAO in technical capacities of project activities. The incumbent will provide technical expertise and advice in the areas of animal health, veterinary services, zoonotic disease prevention and control and One Health.

The position is intended to establish a roster of international experts to support the implementation of the MAKE-READY project in North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo. Specialists may be engaged on a when-actually-employed basis for specific assignments, depending on project needs, their areas of expertise and availability.

The tasks listed below describe the range of technical support required under the project and are not intended to be covered in their entirety by a single individual. Specialists will contribute according to their respective competencies and will work collaboratively with other roster members and the FAO project team to ensure that the required expertise is available across the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide expertise on One Health, veterinary epidemiology, surveillance, emergency preparedness, disease response and farm biosecurity.
•    Contribute to or lead capacity building events and design training material on: veterinary epidemiology, disease surveillance outbreak investigation and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) both face-to-face and virtual.
•    Review and develop national strategy documents, e.g. control, surveillance or vaccination plans/strategies.
•    Support development and technical review of Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines.
•    Design, implement and evaluate simulation exercises.
•    Carry out any other tasks relevant to the assignment as requested by the LTO, the National Team Leader and the Project Manager.

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 medicine, animal health, epidemiology, agriculture, or any other discipline relevant to the work of the Organization. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•    At least five years of relevant working experience in one or more areas related to animal health, veterinary services, One Health, zoonotic disease prevention and control, public health preparedness, or agricultural development programmes.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English. Working knowledge of Albanian, Macedonian or Serbian will be considered as an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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