Animal Health Officer (Vaccine and Quality Assurance)

Job Posting Organization:
The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) is part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Established to promote sustainable development in the livestock sector, NSA integrates scientific and technical expertise with policy advice. The division hosts technical networks focused on animal health, genetics, feed, and animal husbandry, providing analysis, policy dialogue, and technical assistance. It plays a crucial role in emergency responses, particularly in animal health, and supports member countries in building effective One Health strategies that address the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. 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) will play a pivotal 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 be responsible for conducting research, technical analysis, and providing project-related services to support the delivery of various programme projects, products, and services. The role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and other agencies to promote best practices and ensure effective capacity development activities within member countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Animal Health Officer will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including researching and analyzing technical, social, economic, environmental, and institutional information to support programme delivery. The officer will produce technical documents, reports, and data analyses, and provide technical support for assessments and field projects. Key duties include collaborating in the development of improved tools and systems, participating in working groups, and ensuring the quality of capacity development activities. The officer will also assist with vaccine procurement, support compliance with international quality standards, harmonize guidelines for vaccine distribution, and contribute to the capacity building of veterinary services. Additionally, the officer will 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 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 strategy development is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields related to veterinary medicine, veterinary epidemiology, or veterinary drug/vaccine management. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of vaccine quality assurance and animal health.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in areas such as vaccine management, quality control, and vaccine research. Experience in developing vaccine strategies, including regulatory aspects and standard setting, is also necessary. Work experience in multiple locations or areas, particularly in field positions, is highly valued.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This linguistic 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. While the job ad does not specify a deadline for applications, it is important for candidates to check the job link for any updates. The role is likely to be full-time and may involve collaboration with international partners and stakeholders. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job ad, so candidates should inquire further during the application process.