Senior Animal Health Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs a diverse team of experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, and economic development. The organization operates in over 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories, with a significant presence in Cameroon where it has worked for many years to transform the health and development landscape. FHI 360 collaborates with the Government of Cameroon, civil society, and the private sector to deliver integrated programs across critical sectors, focusing on essential health services such as HIV, tuberculosis, and global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.

Job Overview:
The Senior Animal Health Officer will play a pivotal role in providing technical leadership and support for the implementation of the STRIDES activities in Cameroon. This position emphasizes strengthening animal health and zoonotic disease surveillance through a One Health approach. The officer will work closely with various ministries and government institutions, including the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries and the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, to enhance the quality and performance of epidemiological surveillance. The role involves representing STRIDES in technical meetings and forums, ensuring that the project aligns with national health security objectives and contributes to the overall goal of improving disease detection and response systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Animal Health Officer will be responsible for a range of duties including supporting the implementation of technical activities to establish or strengthen event-based, indicator-based, and community-based surveillance for priority pathogens. The officer will provide technical assistance in developing plans to transition passive surveillance systems into active ones, ensuring they serve as effective early warning systems. Additionally, the officer will prepare training materials and standard operating procedures to enhance the skills of field disease surveillance personnel. Collaboration with national counterparts will be essential to fulfill national objectives related to epidemiologic surveillance strategies. The officer will also develop technical briefs and reports to document research and best practices, assist in project planning, and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures during implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, with a master's degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field preferred. Project Management Certification is also desirable. The role requires a strong understanding of epidemiology and animal health programs, particularly in relation to infectious disease control and health analysis. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in technical support for research studies and possess excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as organizational and analytical abilities.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, which is essential for understanding animal health issues. A master's degree in public health or epidemiology is preferred, as it provides a broader context for the public health implications of animal health and zoonotic diseases. Additional certifications in project management can enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
The position typically requires at least 6 years of relevant experience in national epidemiology and animal health programs, particularly those focused on infectious disease control. Candidates should have prior experience working in Global Health Security and One Health initiatives, demonstrating knowledge of infectious disease surveillance methodologies and the ability to analyze epidemiologic data. Experience in a non-governmental organization, government agency, or private sector related to health is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with diverse stakeholders is crucial. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances the ability to engage with local communities and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Yaounde, Cameroon, and may require travel of approximately 25% to 45%. The expected hiring salary range for this role is between XAF 15,000,000 and 20,000,000 annually for national local hires. FHI 360 offers a competitive benefits package and emphasizes professional development and work/life balance. The organization is committed to equal opportunity employment and safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its programs.