Animal Influenza (OFFLU) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that leads efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. FAO's work encompasses various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food safety, with a focus on promoting sustainable practices and policies.

Job Overview:
The Animal Influenza (OFFLU) Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the FAO's initiatives related to avian influenza surveillance and control. This position is situated within the One Health and Disease Control Branch, which focuses on transboundary animal diseases and the Emergency Prevention System for Animal Health (EMPRES-AH). The specialist will be responsible for providing technical and scientific support to OFFLU activities, ensuring effective coordination and delivery of programs aimed at preventing and controlling animal influenza. The role requires collaboration with various teams and stakeholders, including international organizations and research institutions, to enhance laboratory capacity, data analysis, and global risk assessment processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Scientific coordination and technical support: Implementing OFFLU technical activities, reviewing and updating strategic frameworks, identifying research gaps, and providing technical input to global initiatives.
• Data analysis, bioinformatics, and surveillance: Supporting the collection and analysis of influenza data, contributing to bioinformatics analysis, and developing data-sharing mechanisms.
• Global coordination and partnership: Coordinating OFFLU technical groups, facilitating information sharing, and strengthening collaboration with international partners.
• Vaccine composition and global risk assessment: Contributing to WHO Influenza Vaccine Composition Meetings, conducting advanced analysis for vaccine strain selection, and supporting the development of an animal health vaccine composition process.
• Knowledge products and communication: Drafting scientific publications, developing communication materials, and updating technical guidelines.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in veterinary or biological sciences from a recognized institution, along with relevant post-graduate training or experience in virology, laboratory diagnostics, and bioinformatics, specifically focusing on animal influenza viruses. Additionally, candidates should have experience in animal influenza, epidemiology networks, molecular epidemiology, or related fields, and experience working with international organizations or scientific networks. A minimum of 1 year (Category C), 5 years (Category B), or 10 years (Category A) of relevant professional experience in bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology is required. Candidates should also demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in veterinary or biological sciences. Candidates should also have relevant post-graduate training or experience in virology, laboratory diagnostics, and bioinformatics, with a specific focus on animal influenza viruses.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience for Category C, 5 years for Category B, or 10 years for Category A in bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology. This experience should include working with international organizations, scientific networks, or research institutions, demonstrating a strong background in analyzing and interpreting genomic and antigenic data.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The job is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The position may involve collaboration with various international partners and requires strong communication skills for scientific and policy-oriented outputs. Candidates should be prepared to work independently and as part of a team, meeting deadlines and contributing to the overall objectives of the FAO and OFFLU.