Organizational Setting
FAO Representation in Sierra Leone implements an integrated food security programme, focusing on diversification of livelihoods, managing natural resources and building resilience. The office employs diverse team of experts locally, but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and the Head Quarters (HQ). FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, farmers and other stakeholders, supporting plans and policies that affect the food and nutrition security in the country; our work is a part of the corporate commitment to support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.
Within the framework of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease programme (ECTAD), the overall policy and technical guidance of the Senior Animal Health Officer/ECTAD Global Programme Coordinator, in line with the programme management guidance from the Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer/ECTAD Global Programme Budget Holder (OER), the functional and administrative supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone, the direct supervision of the ECTAD Country Team Leader in Sierra Leone, the technical guidance of Regional Epidemiologist for ECTAD Western and Central Africa, and in close collaboration with the ECTAD team in Sierra Leone, the Emergency, Preparedness and Response Specialist - Coordinator will undertake the following duties and responsibilities.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone.
Technical focus
Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the delivery of ECTAD projects, products and services.
Tasks and responsibilities
General tasks
• Research and analyse technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and statistics and/or related policy issues to support the delivery of ECTAD projects, products and services.
• Produce a variety of technical information, data, statistics and reports as well as input for technical documents and web pages.
• Provide technical support/analysis to various assessments, studies and initiatives and provide technical backstopping to field projects.
• Collaborate in the development of improved/updated tools, systems, processes and databases.
• Collaborate in, provide technical backstopping to and ensure the quality/effectiveness of capacity development activities within the country such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, and learning materials.
• Support resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Specific tasks
• Support the coordination and implementation of FAO's work on zoonotic diseases and One Health with more specific attention to Pandemic Fund project in Sierra Leone.
• Support the development of policies, strategies, knowledge products and advocacy material to improve production hygiene and prevention practices and national regulatory systems for prevention of pandemic threats through a One Health approach.
• Facilitate and assist in the implementation of the recommendations of assessment missions of the national surveillance system (SET, EMT, JRA, etc.).
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies and programmes for the management of endemic and emerging zoonotic diseases at animal source, and in consideration of social and environmental impacts, gender sensitivity, potential to support inclusive economic growth and reduce inequality, or humanitarian response efforts.
• Roll out the In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) programme.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of surveillance protocols in targeted livestock farming systems, relevant value food chains, and at domestic animals-wildlife interfaces.
• Conduct risk assessments at human/livestock/wildlife interface and supervise in-country expert missions on epidemiological missions to ensure the success of the missions.
• Implement capacity development of in-service professionals using field epidemiology training and participatory epidemiology approaches.
• Provide regular updates on TADs epidemiology situation in the country to ECTAD CTL, Regional Office in Accra, and GLEWS of any significant epidemiological events and contribute to epidemiological intelligence at national and regional level.
• Submit a final technical report upon completion of the assignment to the ECTAD CTL and FAOR.
• Perform other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in veterinary medicine, veterinary epidemiology, or related animal health fields.
• Five years of relevant experience in animal health, infectious disease management, including regulatory aspects, standard setting and enforcement.
• Working knowledge of only one official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish).
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement