AMR Surveillance and Laboratory Specialist

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Position Title: AMR Surveillance and Laboratory Specialist
Location: Quezon City
Country: Philippines
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization works closely with governments, civil society, community-based organizations, and the private sector to address challenges in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. FAO's Country Offices provide policy advice and support, technical assistance, and capacity development to enhance agrifood systems and promote sustainable practices. The organization is committed to leaving no one behind and ensuring that its operations are accountable and effective in achieving its goals.

Job Overview:
The AMR Surveillance and Laboratory Specialist position is crucial for the coordination and management of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance in the Philippines. The specialist will serve as the national focal point for AMR surveillance and laboratory activities, ensuring effective collaboration between FAO and government partners. The role involves supporting the implementation of the Global Action Plan and the Philippine National Action Plan on AMR for the period 2024-202

• The specialist will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and reporting on various AMR-related projects, including the AMR Fleming Fund 3 and the EU AMR project. This position requires a strong focus on capacity development, technical support, and advocacy to enhance AMR surveillance and laboratory systems in the agriculture sector. The specialist will also engage in community awareness campaigns and promote AMR advocacy through various platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The AMR Surveillance and Laboratory Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Serving as the national focal point on AMR surveillance and laboratory coordination, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with government partners and stakeholders.
• Supporting the planning, implementation, and reporting of AMR-related projects in close coordination with government counterparts and other implementing partners.
• Coordinating the implementation of the Laboratory Mapping Tool (LMT) for strengthening national agriculture laboratory systems, focusing on subnational laboratories and academic institutions.
• Conducting assessments and developing reports with recommendations for laboratory capacity strengthening.
• Facilitating consultations with stakeholders to identify priority areas for capacity building.
• Implementing AMR surveillance and capacity-building activities based on ATLASS recommendations.
• Providing technical knowledge in advancing AMR surveillance using molecular techniques.
• Supporting data management and analysis related to AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU).
• Participating in national and regional meetings related to AMR and food safety. 1
• Monitoring progress against the work plan and ensuring compliance with FAO guidelines for administrative and financial matters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Veterinary Medicine or related fields, along with at least 5 years of relevant practical experience in Animal Health, One Health, or AMR management. Full proficiency in English is required, and candidates must be nationals of the Philippines. The role demands familiarity with international organizations and project management, as well as excellent leadership and communication skills. Candidates should also have a general knowledge of standard office software, such as MS Office.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Veterinary Medicine or a related field is mandatory for this position. An advanced university degree is considered an advantage, particularly for candidates with experience in legal issues related to veterinary, laboratory, food, agriculture, environment, and health sectors.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant practical experience in the fields of Animal Health, One Health, or AMR management, including experience in surveillance and monitoring. Experience in drafting legal instruments and implementing national projects is also beneficial.

Languages:
Full proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must have their higher educational qualifications recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.