Technical Assistant (Animal Diseases Surveillance)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO works in over 130 countries and has a mission to eradicate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The organization supports sustainable agricultural practices and the development of policies and programs that enhance food systems. In Cambodia, FAO focuses on assisting the government in developing policies and programs to achieve food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition, while also promoting sustainable use of environmental and natural resources.

Job Overview:
The Technical Assistant (Animal Diseases Surveillance) will play a crucial role in supporting animal disease surveillance activities in Cambodia. This position involves working closely with the FAO Representative and the Technical Adviser (Animal Health) to enhance the country's capacity to monitor and respond to animal health issues. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies for animal health surveillance, ensuring that electronic data reporting systems are effectively utilized across all districts. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, to strengthen the governance structure for animal health surveillance and to develop protocols for priority disease surveillance. The Technical Assistant will also contribute to the establishment of an early warning system for animal diseases, thereby improving the overall health of livestock and wildlife in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the drafting of a national animal health surveillance strategy based on assessments of the current system.
• Supporting the development of an integrated disease surveillance and response system for livestock and wildlife.
• Expanding the coverage of electronic surveillance data reporting systems to ensure comprehensive monitoring across all districts in Cambodia.
• Strengthening the governance structure for animal health surveillance at all levels.
• Assisting the Veterinary Service in creating a digital register of trained personnel involved in animal health surveillance and conducting relevant risk assessments.
• Developing protocols for priority animal disease surveillance and establishing standard operating procedures for regular reviews.
• Assisting in the creation of an early warning system for animal diseases.
• Generating a digital register of outbreak investigation and rapid response team personnel along with associated SOPs.
• Supporting the production of informatics and visualizations of zoonotic disease surveillance data. 1
• Performing other duties as required to support the overall mission of the FAO in Cambodia.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in animal health, veterinary epidemiology, one health, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in animal disease control or surveillance is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English at level C, and must be nationals of Cambodia. The FAO core competencies expected from candidates include a strong results focus, teamwork, effective communication, building relationships, and a commitment to knowledge sharing and continuous improvement. Technical skills required for this position include proficiency in relevant computer applications such as MS Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and experience in results-based program management.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as animal health, veterinary epidemiology, or one health. Candidates must have their qualifications recognized by an institution accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). This ensures that the educational background aligns with international standards and is recognized for its quality and relevance in the field of animal health and surveillance.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of relevant experience in animal disease control or surveillance. This experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of the challenges and practices in animal health monitoring and response, as well as familiarity with the governance structures and protocols involved in animal health surveillance.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, although not explicitly required. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, to collaborate with international teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing fees. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must also be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time engagement, and the specific details regarding contract duration and seniority level are not specified in the job posting.