STRIDES Thailand Senior Animal Health Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs a diverse team of experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, and economic development. The organization operates in more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories, showcasing its extensive reach and commitment to global development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Animal Health Officer will play a pivotal role in providing technical leadership and guidance for the Department of State (DoS)-funded Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity, specifically focusing on animal health components in Thailand and Southeast Asia. This position requires the individual to lead and manage the development, implementation, and monitoring of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening animal health systems, enhancing zoonotic disease surveillance, and fostering multisectoral coordination activities. The officer will be responsible for providing technical guidance on the challenges and strategies for building animal health systems capacity, working closely with country-level teams and key partners to ensure effective and reliable animal health surveillance services. The role also involves developing guidelines and policies for animal health and zoonotic disease surveillance, contributing to project statements of work, and overseeing monitoring and evaluation systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Animal Health Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including: providing overall technical leadership and strategic guidance for the animal health component of the project; coordinating with global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security technical areas to ensure synergy; monitoring project protocols, instruments, and reports related to animal health and zoonotic disease surveillance; collaborating with national and local counterparts to fulfill project objectives; leading the development of technical briefs and reports; providing subject matter expertise in areas such as antimicrobial resistance and biosafety; mentoring project team members; conducting laboratory capacity assessments; promoting new diagnostic technologies; developing project work plans and budgets; analyzing project implementation for improvements; building relationships with stakeholders; preparing reports for funders; ensuring project activities align with work plans; managing procurement; and maintaining quality assurance standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a broad knowledge of animal health and infectious diseases, zoonotic disease surveillance, and laboratory systems. Proficiency in database management software and online search tools is required. The candidate should demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity and possess excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills. Strong communication skills are essential, as is the ability to influence and collaborate with various stakeholders. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is mandatory, along with the ability to analyze data and prepare reports.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in veterinary epidemiology, public health, animal science, veterinary science, microbiology, or a related specialty is required. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or its international equivalent is preferred, highlighting the need for advanced education in relevant fields.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have at least 6+ years of relevant experience in animal health disease diagnostics or laboratory systems strengthening. Experience with DoS-funded projects and familiarity with regulations and reporting requirements is preferred. Extensive knowledge of veterinary practices, diagnostic techniques, and zoonotic disease information management systems is essential, along with demonstrated ability in capacity-building activities such as training and mentoring.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with the ability to read, write, and speak the language fluently. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is open to Thai Nationals and may involve up to 30% domestic travel. The job is structured to support a healthy work/life balance and offers a competitive benefits package. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring a non-discriminatory hiring process. The organization emphasizes safeguarding against abuse and exploitation, requiring all personnel to adhere to a code of conduct.