Senior Animal Health Officer (ECTAD Regional Manager for Asia and the Pacific)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The RAP is dedicated to addressing regional priorities for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, agriculture, and rural development. It plays a crucial role in identifying, planning, and implementing FAO's priority activities in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization ensures a multidisciplinary approach to its programs and collaborates with various divisions and offices at the headquarters to develop and oversee strategic responses to regional priorities. RAP also engages with regional institutions and supports policy dialogue, capacity development, and resource mobilization for food security and agriculture in the region. The office is located in Bangkok, Thailand, and is involved in various initiatives related to animal health and disease control.

Job Overview:
The Senior Animal Health Officer will manage and oversee the regional portfolio of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease (ECTAD) program, focusing on building regional capacity to manage animal health threats in Asia and the Pacific. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including senior officers and consultants at different levels. The officer will provide leadership and technical policy expertise for the planning, development, and implementation of programs and projects aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework. The position requires a strong focus on transboundary animal diseases and emerging infectious diseases, contributing to the Sustainable Livestock Transformation initiative. The officer will also represent the organization at international meetings and advocate for best practices and policy dialogue.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Animal Health Officer will be responsible for planning, managing, and leading specialized teams, participating in cross-divisional committees, and providing technical leadership on international policy and standard-setting bodies. The officer will analyze global and country-specific requirements to inform the FAO Strategic Framework and implement and monitor programs of work. This includes conducting research and analysis to support the development of technical standards and providing policy advice to member countries. The officer will lead capacity development activities, represent the organization at international meetings, and engage in resource mobilization efforts. Specific functions include managing the ECTAD program in the Asia-Pacific region, providing technical leadership, supervising team leaders, and coordinating with regional organizations and international agencies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in animal science, veterinary science, veterinary medicine, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in animal health and infectious disease management is required, including experience in regulatory aspects and animal health strategy development. Proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate competencies in results focus, leadership, communication, and strategic thinking, along with technical skills in organizing international meetings and mobilizing resources.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields related to animal science, veterinary science, or veterinary medicine. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of animal health and infectious disease management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least ten years of relevant experience in the field of animal health, particularly in infectious disease management. Experience in planning and implementing programs related to animal health in development organizations is crucial. Work experience in multiple locations, especially in field positions, is essential, with a strong asset being experience in the Asia-Pacific region. The ability to organize emergency and large-scale animal health strategies and campaigns is also important.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This language proficiency is necessary for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with member countries.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bangkok, Thailand, and involves significant responsibilities in managing regional programs related to animal health. The role may require travel within the Asia-Pacific region and engagement with various stakeholders, including governments and international organizations. The contract duration and specific seniority level are not mentioned, but the position is likely to be full-time given the scope of responsibilities.