PAHO Consultant - PHEFA

Organizational Context

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO). PANAFTOSA/SPV-OPS/OMS is a specialized center for Veterinary Public Health within PAHO, integrated into the Department of Prevention, Control, and Elimination of Communicable Diseases (CDE).

Job Purpose

To provide technical and scientific support for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the OMSA Reference Laboratory's actions at PANAFTOSA, contributing to the prevention, control, and elimination of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South American countries. This role supports the Hemispheric Program for the Eradication of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (PHEFA) and the implementation of resolutions from the South American Commission for the Fight Against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (COSALFA).

Responsibilities

Support the daily supervision of the OMSA Reference Laboratory at PANAFTOSA. Assist in the laboratory diagnosis of viral diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Vesicular Stomatitis viruses. Aid in maintaining reference biological material according to international quality standards. Support the organization and implementation of laboratory proficiency testing programs. Assist in the implementation and development of new methods using modern technology (including molecular and sequencing methods) applied to virology and immunology. Provide technical cooperation support to national diagnostic laboratories. Help maintain PANAFTOSA's quality management system according to NBR ISO/IEC 17025, NBR ISO 17034, and NBR ISO 17043 standards. Support the transition of laboratory management. Perform other assigned duties and provide technical cooperation support as agreed with the supervisor.

Work Experience

Required: 9 years of experience in national and international reference laboratories focused on the control and elimination of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, supporting field actions of National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Eradication Plans. Desirable: Experience with regional and international organizations.

Skills

Organizational Commitment, Communication, Teamwork, Service Orientation, Strategic Design, Planning and Management of Technical Cooperation Interventions, Evaluation of Technical Cooperation Interventions, Resource Mobilization, Inter-institutional and Inter-sectoral Action.

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