Animal Health Officer

Organizational Context

The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes sustainable livestock sector development, integrating scientific and technical expertise and policy advice. It hosts technical networks and provides analysis, policy dialogue, and technical assistance. Through the Emergency Prevention System for Animal Health (EMPRES-AH), FAO supports Members' capacities to prevent and control transboundary animal diseases, offering early warning, guidance, emergency responses, and strengthening health systems. FAO coordinates with global and regional partners to harmonize actions for sustainable livestock transformation and One Health, aligning with FAO's Strategic Framework.

Job Purpose

The Animal Health Officer will support global risk information sharing and early reaction to emerging and re-emerging transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases, collaborating with regional and country offices. This role involves improving global risk monitoring and early warning by integrating and analyzing surveillance and diagnostic data. The officer will generate and disseminate timely risk information to enhance Members' preparedness and response capabilities, contributing comprehensive technical and policy expertise to divisional programmes and the FAO Strategic Framework.

Responsibilities

The officer will improve global risk monitoring and early warning systems by integrating and analyzing data to generate and share timely risk information, conducting analysis on epidemic and emerging livestock diseases. Responsibilities include coordinating disease risk communication through reports and alerts, and assisting Member countries' early reactions to transboundary animal diseases by facilitating confirmatory diagnosis and advanced analysis at FAO Reference centres. The role involves developing standard operating procedures for surge support during outbreaks, providing Infectious Substances Shipping Trainings to decentralized offices, and coordinating with WHO and IATA on updated requirements for rapid diagnosis. The officer will also coordinate consultative groups for disease policy and technical guidance, collaborate with international and regional organizations on zoonotic influenza risk assessment and response, and design and implement EMPRES-AH related programmes and projects, including technical supervision of field staff and resource mobilization. Additionally, the officer will assist in work-planning, monitoring, and reporting using FAO's PIRES system.

Work Experience

Seven years of relevant experience in active disease surveillance programmes for epidemic livestock diseases and in epidemiological analysis of outbreaks is required. Work experience in more than one location or area, particularly field positions, is desirable. Experience in different countries and regions, especially developing and transition countries, is also relevant.

Skills

Required skills include work experience in computer-based disease mapping and geographical information systems (GIS) or decision support systems for epidemic disease control. Extent and relevance of experience in surveillance, prevention, and control of animal diseases, particularly transboundary disease eradication/control programmes, is important. Experience coordinating joint activities with international organizations (WOAH, WHO) and knowledge of UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and other regulatory frameworks are essential. Experience in FAO Programme Planning, Implementation Reporting and Evaluation methodologies is also valued. The ability to communicate clearly to diverse audiences and partners on emerging disease situations is crucial, and resource mobilization ability is an asset.

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