Technical Policy Specialist (One Health, Animal Health, Public Health)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which was established in 194

• FAO's mission is to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees. FAO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) plays a crucial role in 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, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to programs, and fostering collaboration with regional institutions and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The position involves providing policy-level technical support to address challenges related to transboundary animal diseases, emerging infectious diseases, and zoonotic diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. The consultancy aims to create a roster of applicants for various consultancy profiles, including Technical Policy Specialists in One Health, Animal Health, and Public Health. The incumbents will be responsible for liaising with national authorities, providing technical and policy advice, developing regional policy papers, and supporting integrated surveillance and information-sharing systems. The role requires a strong understanding of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to prevent and control diseases. The consultancy will be on a short-term contract basis, lasting from several days up to 11 months, renewable based on performance and organizational needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The general duties and responsibilities for the Technical Policy Specialist roles include serving as a liaison between FAO and national authorities, providing technical and policy advice on emerging health threats, contributing to the development of policy papers and guidelines, supporting integrated surveillance systems, fostering collaboration with stakeholders, and contributing to project documentation. Specific responsibilities for the Technical Policy Specialist (One Health) include advocating for the One Health approach, developing cross-sectoral policies, and contributing to research agendas. For the Technical Policy Specialist (Animal Health), responsibilities include supporting the development of animal health policies, promoting multi-sectoral collaboration, and providing technical support for project implementation. The Technical Policy Specialist (Public Health) will focus on public health surveillance, pandemic preparedness, and analyzing public health risks across project target countries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Veterinary sciences, Biomedical sciences, Animal health Economics, or a related discipline recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. For Level B positions, at least five years of relevant experience in fields such as One Health, animal health, public health, epidemiology, and related areas is required. For Level A positions, a minimum of ten years of relevant experience is necessary. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge of English and demonstrate core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in relevant fields such as Veterinary sciences, Biomedical sciences, or Animal health Economics. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the consultancy roles.

Experience:
The level of experience required varies by position level. For Level B, candidates must have at least five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as One Health, animal health, public health, epidemiology, and disease surveillance. For Level A, candidates are expected to have a minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in similar fields. Experience in providing technical support at local, national, or regional levels is also essential, along with familiarity with international instruments related to the field of expertise.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly languages relevant to the regions where the consultancy will be conducted.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy positions are on a short-term contract basis, lasting from several days up to 11 months, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and organizational needs. The roles may involve working in multiple locations across the Asia-Pacific region, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel and collaboration with various stakeholders, including national authorities and international organizations. The positions are open to both national and international candidates, and the FAO emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.