National Animal Health Specialist

Organizational Context

The FAO office in Yemen is tasked with developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies for food, agriculture, and rural development priorities. It fosters relationships with relevant national ministries. The primary objective of FAO country offices is to support governments in achieving food security, reducing hunger and malnutrition, and promoting sustainable use of environmental and natural resources within the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors.

Job Purpose

This role involves planning and supporting the implementation of animal disease surveillance systems within Yemen. Key activities include managing livestock vaccination and treatment campaigns, and conducting pre and post-vaccination evaluations. The specialist will contribute to strengthening animal health infrastructure and disease control measures, ensuring the effective monitoring and management of animal health issues across the country to safeguard livestock populations and public health.

Responsibilities

Assist in preparing and implementing disease surveillance systems, vaccination campaigns, and pre/post-vaccination evaluations. Provide technical support to the General Directorate of Animal Health and Veterinary Quarantine (GDAHVQ) for laboratory analysis and report writing. Monitor GDAHVQ and agriculture offices' reports and process payments for Letters of Agreement (LoAs). Support the preparation and facilitation of training courses on animal disease diagnostics, lab quality assurance, surveillance systems, and transboundary animal diseases (TADs) for laboratory technicians and surveillance officers. Aid in capacity building for veterinary extension staff on TADs surveillance. Facilitate meetings with GDAHVQ, private sector stakeholders, Veterinary Statutory Bodies, laboratories, and educational institutions. Assist in collecting and reviewing data related to the One Health concept and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in northern governorates.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of directly applicable experience in managing animal health programs or related fields is required. Experience in project implementation, planning, monitoring, and reporting is essential. Experience working with government entities, NGOs, or UN agencies is highly desirable. Relevant experience in emergency contexts is also beneficial.

Skills

Essential skills include strong results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. The ability to plan, organize, implement, and report on project interventions is crucial. Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written, with the capacity to draft technical reports, are required. Proficiency in MS Office is necessary, with familiarity in agricultural commodity exchange and animal identification systems being an asset. Strong soft skills, including interpersonal, ethical, listening, proactive problem-solving, and time management abilities, are vital.

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