Policy Officer (One Health)
Organizational Context
The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, focuses on the sustainable transformation of the livestock sector. It integrates expertise in animal production, health, genetics, feed, biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance, and One Health. NSA supports Members in developing and implementing effective, collaborative One Health strategies that address human, animal, plant, and environmental health within agrifood systems. The One Health and Disease Control Branch leads efforts on transboundary animal diseases and health threats at the human-animal-plant-environment interface, including zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance.
Job Purpose
The Policy Officer (One Health) will provide crucial support for policy development, program implementation, and resource mobilization to advance One Health approaches across agrifood systems. This role emphasizes antimicrobial resistance, food safety, animal and plant health, environmental health, risk communication, and sustainable agrifood systems transformation. The incumbent will assist FAO Members in translating One Health principles into practical policies, governance mechanisms, programs, and investments, thereby strengthening country capacity and multisectoral coordination. The position contributes to connecting technical expertise with country demands and resource partner priorities to create coherent and fundable One Health programs, aligning with FAO's Strategic Framework.
Responsibilities
The Policy Officer (One Health) will provide technical and policy advice to FAO Members and stakeholders on developing and implementing policies and programs for improved food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. This includes advocating for strategic partnerships, best practices, and policy dialogue to enhance governance in these areas. The role involves participating in multidisciplinary teams, policy analysis missions, and international policy-setting bodies, and interacting with FAO teams to improve cross-sectoral policies. The incumbent will design and participate in resource mobilization activities, plan and organize capacity development initiatives, and oversee the creation of related materials. Specific functions include supporting the development and implementation of One Health strategies, governance frameworks, and multisectoral coordination mechanisms, and integrating One Health approaches across various agrifood system programs. The role also involves supporting Members in addressing antimicrobial resistance through improved governance, prudent use of antimicrobials, surveillance, risk communication, and evidence-based decision-making, while promoting international standards and facilitating collaboration with partners.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of relevant experience is required in policy advice and analysis related to food and nutrition security, agriculture, and rural development, including monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs. Experience in more than one work location or area, particularly in field positions, is desirable. Familiarity with international standards and frameworks is also beneficial.
Skills
The role requires strong analytical, partnership-building, and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical issues into practical policy and program support. Experience in policy analysis and advice for food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development is essential. Relevant experience in One Health, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety, animal health, agrifood systems, or related international development programs is highly valued. Experience supporting countries in developing and implementing policies, strategies, governance frameworks, and coordination mechanisms related to One Health and AMR is crucial. Proficiency in programme and project development, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and country-level capacity development is expected, along with experience in resource mobilization and donor engagement.