National Technical Animal Health Assistant

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country Offices, led by an FAO Representative, assist governments in developing policies, programs, and projects to achieve food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors. FAO engages in field projects focused on food security, agriculture, and rural development, integrating these efforts within a sustainable food and agriculture framework. FAO in Lao PDR specifically collaborates with the government to prevent and control emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases by working closely with national stakeholders in the animal production and health sector.

Job Purpose

The incumbent will provide essential technical, operational, and coordination support for the effective implementation of animal health initiatives within Lao PDR. This role is crucial for advancing activities related to laboratory diagnostics, disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) strategies, biosafety protocols, and the integration of One Health approaches. The position aims to strengthen national capacities and contribute to the overall animal health framework of the country, ensuring alignment with FAO's broader objectives in food security and sustainable development.

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of project activities focused on animal health, zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial use (AMU), biosafety, and One Health initiatives. Coordinate effectively with government partners at central and sub-national levels, as well as other stakeholders, to ensure successful activity execution. Assist in planning, organizing, and facilitating meetings, workshops, training sessions, simulation exercises, and field activities. Prepare technical documents, presentations, meeting reports, workshop summaries, and mission reports. Provide support for field activities, including sample collection, surveillance, outbreak investigations, biosafety and biosecurity assessments, and monitoring missions. Collaborate with Data Management Officers and M&E Specialists for data collection, entry, validation, analysis, and reporting on surveillance, laboratory activities, and AMR/AMU studies. Support laboratory strengthening and capacity-building efforts for national and sub-national animal health staff. Monitor project progress against work plans and assist in preparing technical and progress reports. Facilitate coordination and communication among FAO, government counterparts, implementing partners, and donors. Assist in the procurement planning for laboratory equipment, reagents, consumables, and training materials. Contribute to the development and review of technical guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training 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 needed. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Requires at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in animal health, laboratory diagnostics, disease surveillance, project implementation, or One Health related activities. Experience in supporting animal health programs, AMR/AMU initiatives, or laboratory strengthening is beneficial. Familiarity with zoonotic diseases, biosafety, and biosecurity principles is advantageous.

Skills

Demonstrates results focus, teamwork, and strong communication abilities. Proficient in building effective relationships and knowledge sharing. Experience supporting animal health, AMR/AMU, surveillance, laboratory, or One Health programs. 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. Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and data management tools. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. Willingness to travel to provinces and remote areas.

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