Animal Health Workforce Development Specialist

Overview

The Animal Health Workforce Development Specialist supports the implementation of the Resilient Philippines Project (Pandemic Fund) and other related FAO ECTAD projects in the Philippines. The position is based in the Philippines and reports to the FAO Representative in the Philippines, with technical guidance from the National Program Coordinator of ECTAD and collaboration with the ECTAD Regional Manager, RAP coordinators and other stakeholders.

FAO’s mission includes supporting sustainable agrifood systems and improving global food security. This role aligns with FAO’s objectives and requires adherence to FAO standards, policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordination and implementation of epidemiology and other workforce development activities under the Pandemic Fund Project and DTRA project, in collaboration with HQ and RAP experts.
• Coordinate with RAP and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to craft the Workforce Development Plan for the Animal Health Sector; liaise with government partners and stakeholders to address strengths and gaps in the country’s epidemiology capacity and workforce.
• Support BAI (and other relevant DA agencies) in establishing and strengthening the country’s epidemiology and workforce capacity in line with IHR-JEE, SPAR, PVS and EMT recommendations.
• Advocate for national and subnational epidemiology and workforce capacity building to inform policy development and resource allocation.
• Develop and conduct programs to strengthen and sustain the epidemiology and workforce capacity of the animal and environment health sector within a One Health framework.
• In close coordination with ECTAD RAP/PH and BAI, develop national epidemiology capacity-building programs and ensure active participation of national veterinary epidemiology units.
• Review and update of AVET program modules or curricula and/or adoption of Field Epidemiology Training for Veterinarians in the Philippines; coordinate community animal health worker trainings.
• Plan, lead and organize meetings/workshops to strengthen capacities and networks at national, subnational, and local levels; promote use of FAO Virtual Learning Centre and other platforms.
• Develop concept notes and activity reports; serve as a resource person in trainings, workshops and related activities.
• Establish a database for animal health workers and facilitate multisectoral consultations to highlight workforce development outputs.
• Establish linkages with WOAH/FAO Reference/Collaborating Centers to ensure knowledge and troubleshooting support for member countries.
• Coordinate and strengthen linkages among field epidemiologists, animal health workers, veterinarians and diagnostic laboratories under the One Health approach.
• Draft communications materials for press releases, opinion editorials, feature articles and social media on surveillance of emerging infectious diseases, pandemic threats, antimicrobial resistance and transboundary animal diseases.
• Perform other related duties as requested.

FAO Standards and Guidelines

Maintain liaison with OCC and ensure compliance with FAO standards and clearance processes for communications and branding, including FAO Strategic Framework, social media policies, branding guidelines and related materials.

Candidates Will Be Assessed Against the Following

• Advanced University degree in Veterinary Epidemiology/animal health/public health or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in animal health surveillance and One Health approaches in disease informatics.
• Working knowledge of English (C) is required.
• National of the Philippines.

FAO Core Competencies & Technical/Functional Skills

• Epidemiological data collection, validation and analysis; professional experience in veterinary epidemiology; experience in AH disease surveillance; experience with One Health initiatives.
• Demonstrated data analysis skills and proficiency with epidemiological tools; ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and strong interpersonal skills; good computer skills and ability to use epidemiological software/tools.

Selection Criteria

Selection will be based on requirements, competencies and skills.

Additional Information

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• Qualifications must be from institutions recognized in the WHED; see WHED listing for details.
• For additional employment opportunities, visit the FAO employment website.
• Appointment is subject to medical fitness, accreditation, residency/visa requirements and security clearances.
• FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants.

How to Apply:

To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO, complete your online profile, and attach a letter of motivation. Ensure your profile is accurate and up-to-date. Only applications submitted through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered. Submissions should be well before the deadline date. FAO may conduct background checks and verify information provided.

For assistance, please register with FAO’s client support:

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