National Epidemiologist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in 194

• It has 194 Member Nations and operates in over 130 countries worldwide. FAO's mission is to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, making agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable. In Malawi, FAO has been active since 1986, supporting the government in aligning its agricultural and food systems with national development goals. The organization focuses on three priority areas: agriculture and food system transformation, sustainable natural resources and environment, and improved resilience and emergency preparedness.

Job Overview:
The National Epidemiologist will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Pandemic Fund project titled 'Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response through the One Health Approach in Malawi (SP3ROHAM)'. This position involves providing technical leadership and coordination for project components related to surveillance and early warning systems, as well as capacity development. The incumbent will be responsible for generating, analyzing, and utilizing animal health and One Health surveillance information to enhance preparedness and response to priority zoonotic diseases and emerging threats. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions, UN agencies, and NGOs, to ensure effective implementation of strategies and plans aligned with national priorities and FAO's strategic framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be tasked with developing and reviewing national strategies and emergency preparedness plans for managing high-impact zoonotic diseases. They will design and coordinate surveillance activities for priority animal diseases, support the preparation of annual work plans, and facilitate technical workshops to strengthen epidemiological functions. The role also includes conducting risk assessments, organizing stakeholder consultations, and coordinating capacity development initiatives for professionals in the field. The National Epidemiologist will promote collaboration between FAO and relevant ministries, provide updates on epidemiological situations, and coordinate surveillance activities with laboratory counterparts. Additionally, they will participate in emergency preparedness exercises and contribute to resource mobilization efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Veterinary Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Veterinary Medicine, or Public Health from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. They should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in epidemiology, surveillance system design, animal health emergency preparedness, and capacity development. A working knowledge of the English language is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of Malawi.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree is required, specifically in fields related to veterinary epidemiology, epidemiology, veterinary medicine, or public health. The degree must be from an accredited institution recognized by the IAU/UNESCO, ensuring that the educational qualifications meet international standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass areas such as epidemiology, surveillance system design and implementation, animal health emergency preparedness and response, training design and delivery, and monitoring and evaluation of capacity development initiatives. Candidates should also have experience in data analysis and operational research within the context of animal health and public health.

Languages:
A working knowledge (level C) of the English language is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The appointment is subject to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. The FAO emphasizes the importance of higher educational qualifications obtained from recognized institutions, and candidates are encouraged to refer to the World Higher Education Database (WHED) for verification.