Animal Health Officer (Vaccine and Quality Assurance)

Job Posting Organization:
The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) is a part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) that focuses on promoting and facilitating sustainable development in the livestock sector. Established to integrate scientific and technical expertise with policy advice, the division operates globally, providing analysis, policy dialogue, and technical assistance. It supports emergency responses primarily in animal health and collaborates with member countries to build effective One Health strategies that address the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. The division is a key player in FAO's Strategic Framework for 2022-2031, emphasizing the importance of One Health in transforming agrifood systems. The One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH-CJW) leads efforts to prevent and control transboundary animal diseases and health threats, including zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Job Overview:
The Animal Health Officer (Vaccine and Quality Assurance) plays a crucial role in supporting veterinary vaccine procurement and quality assurance activities. This position is integral to improving vaccine production capacities within the One Health Programme Priority Area of FAO, focusing on transboundary and emerging zoonotic diseases as well as AMR. The officer will engage in research, technical analysis, and project-related services to support the delivery of various programme projects, products, and services. The role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and other divisions, promoting best practices and knowledge sharing at international meetings and conferences. The officer will also assist in resource mobilization activities aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Animal Health Officer will be responsible for a variety of key functions, including researching and analyzing technical, social, economic, environmental, and institutional information related to vaccine management. The officer will produce technical documents, reports, and data to support assessments and initiatives, providing technical backstopping to field projects. The role involves collaborating in the development of improved tools and systems, participating in working groups, and ensuring the quality of capacity development activities for member countries. Specific functions include assisting with vaccine procurement, supporting compliance with international quality standards, harmonizing guidelines for vaccine distribution, and contributing to the capacity building of veterinary services. The officer will also engage in research and innovation for new vaccines and support the designation of FAO Reference Centers for animal diseases.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in veterinary drug/vaccine, veterinary medicine, or veterinary epidemiology. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in vaccine management, quality control, or vaccine research is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B. Competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in veterinary drug/vaccine, veterinary medicine, or veterinary epidemiology. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of vaccine management and quality assurance in the context of animal health.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in areas such as vaccine management, quality control, and vaccine strategy development. Experience in field positions and working in multiple locations or areas of work is highly valued. The depth of familiarity with vaccine standards and experience in developing vaccine programs for infectious disease management at various levels (country, regional, or global) is also important.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at level C is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of the FAO.

Additional Notes:
The position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and involves full-time engagement. Candidates will be assessed based on their qualifications and experience, and the role may involve international collaboration and travel. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO standards, and the position may offer opportunities for professional development and capacity building within the organization.