Consultant for Avian Influenza Surveillance

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization 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. FAO's mission is to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. The organization operates through various divisions, including the Animal Production and Health Division (NSA), which focuses on the sustainable development of the livestock sector and the integration of scientific expertise and policy support to meet the strategic objectives of its member countries.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the FAO's mission by providing technical and scientific support to Avian Influenza surveillance activities. This position is primarily focused on coordinating and delivering OFFLU activities related to the prevention, detection, analysis, and global data sharing of animal influenza. The consultant will work closely with the Animal Health Officer and other teams to ensure effective implementation of strategies and frameworks aimed at combating animal influenza. The role requires a strong background in virology, laboratory diagnostics, and bioinformatics, particularly concerning animal influenza viruses. The consultant will also be involved in data analysis, bioinformatics, and global coordination efforts, contributing to the overall objectives of FAO and OFFLU.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities will include:

• Scientific coordination and technical support: Implementing and delivering OFFLU technical activities and workplans, reviewing and updating strategic frameworks, identifying research gaps, and promoting innovation in influenza research.
• Data analysis, bioinformatics, and surveillance: Supporting the collection and analysis of influenza data, contributing to bioinformatics analysis and risk assessment, and developing data-sharing mechanisms.
• Global coordination and partnership: Coordinating OFFLU technical groups, facilitating information sharing across networks, and strengthening collaboration with international partners.
• Vaccine composition and global risk assessment: Contributing to WHO Influenza Vaccine Composition Meetings, conducting advanced analysis for vaccine strain selection, and supporting the development of an animal health vaccine composition process.
• Knowledge products and communication: Drafting scientific publications, reports, and policy documents, developing communication materials, and updating technical guidelines.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in veterinary or biological sciences from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, along with relevant post-graduate training or experience in virology, laboratory diagnostics, and bioinformatics, specifically focusing on animal influenza viruses. Relevant experience in animal influenza, epidemiology networks, molecular epidemiology, or related fields is essential. Candidates should also have experience working with international organizations, scientific networks, or research institutions. A minimum of 1 year (Category C), 5 years (Category B), or 10 years (Category A) of relevant professional experience in bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology is required.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in veterinary or biological sciences, recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Candidates should also have relevant post-graduate training or experience in virology, laboratory diagnostics, and bioinformatics, with a specific focus on animal influenza viruses.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 1 year of relevant professional experience for Category C, 5 years for Category B, or 10 years for Category A in bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology. Experience in analyzing and interpreting genomic and antigenic data, as well as coordinating multi-partner scientific networks and processes, is highly valued.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory. Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the position.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and candidates will be assessed based on their qualifications, competencies, and skills. Specific details regarding contract duration, seniority level, and compensation are not provided in the job ad.