Senior Animal Health Officer (Vaccine and Diagnostics)

Job Posting Organization:
The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) of the FAO is dedicated to promoting sustainable transformation in animal systems. Established to integrate technical expertise with policy guidance, NSA supports Member Nations in advancing animal health initiatives and One Health policies. The division plays a crucial role in driving the transformation of the livestock sector and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The division operates globally, working with various countries to enhance animal health and food safety standards.

Job Overview:
The Senior Animal Health Officer (Vaccine and Diagnostics) is a pivotal role within the One Health and Disease Control Group (NSAH-CJW) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position focuses on the prevention, detection, and timely response to health threats of animal origin, including transboundary and emerging diseases, zoonotic diseases, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance. The officer will lead initiatives to strengthen veterinary systems at national and regional levels, linking agriculture, public health, and ecosystem health. The role involves coordinating disease control efforts, enhancing vaccine quality, and building laboratory capacities, all while supporting the One Health approach and aligning with FAO's Strategic Framework (2022-31).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Animal Health Officer will be responsible for planning, managing, and leading specialized teams and projects within the organization. Key duties include analyzing global and country-specific requirements to provide critical input into the FAO Strategic Framework, implementing and monitoring programs of work, conducting research and analysis to support the development of technical standards, and providing technical and policy advice to Member Nations. The officer will also supervise the cluster on Reference Centres, vaccines, and laboratory capacity development, ensuring compliance with international standards. Additional responsibilities include conducting site visits to vaccine manufacturing facilities, establishing collaborations with research institutes, and representing FAO at international meetings and conferences. The officer will also lead resource mobilization activities and oversee the designation and renewal of FAO Reference Centres, ensuring they meet corporate policy and performance standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in veterinary medicine, biosciences, microbiology, virology, vaccinology, diagnostics, immunology, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in animal health laboratory systems, infectious disease management, and vaccine-related initiatives is required, particularly focusing on transboundary diseases and regulatory aspects. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields related to veterinary medicine, biosciences, microbiology, virology, vaccinology, diagnostics, or immunology. A PhD is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for this senior role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in animal health laboratory systems and infectious disease management. Candidates should have a strong focus on vaccine-related initiatives, particularly concerning transboundary diseases, and should have experience working in various locations or areas, especially in field positions. Experience in planning and implementing programs related to animal health in development organizations is essential, as is familiarity with FAO's animal health programs.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. It is essential for candidates to have a strong commitment to the principles of One Health and sustainable livestock transformation. The role may involve international travel and participation in global forums, requiring flexibility and adaptability. The position is full-time, and candidates will be assessed against the outlined qualifications and competencies.