ABOUT THE COMPANY:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide. We believe that everyone can play a part in ending hunger.

JOB SUMMARY

Organizational Setting

The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes and facilitates the sustainable development of the livestock sector, integrating scientific and technical expertise and policy advice. It hosts technical networks in the areas of animal health, genetics, feed and animal husbandry and provides analysis, policy dialogue (including intergovernmental bodies) and technical assistance.    It also supports emergency responses, mostly in animal health, and the FAO’s priority programme (PPA) actions to promote the One Health (OH) approach in FAO’s programmes and divisions.

The concept for establishing the Peste des Petits Ruminants Global Eradication Programme (PPR-GEP) was approved by the 24th Session of COAG, the 150th Session of the Council and by the 39th FAO Conference. In March 2016, FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) established a Joint PPR GEP Secretariat based in FAO headquarters in Rome. The main role of the Secretariat is to provide overall strategic coordinated direction, as well as to advise on, or develop, cost-effective control methodologies, tools, guides and guidelines, training materials and network support for the implementation of the programme at regional and countries levels. Communication and advocacy will also be part of the Secretariat roles.

The incumbent Veterinary expert for PPR management will be part of the Secretariat.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the Director, Animal Production and Health Division and the direct supervision of the FAO PPR GEP Secretary, One Health and Disease Control Group (NSAH-CJW).

Technical Focus 

The incumbent will focus on providing required technical support to the implementation of the PPR control strategy and small ruminant production at the global and regional levels.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Work closely with the African Union – InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the European Union (EU) Delegation in Nairobi and International Partnerships (INTPA) HQ, to support and prepare the next stage of mobilisation of EU funds and others for the PPR eradication programme in Africa.
•    Coordinate this technical assistance team (including sector experts) and ensure the coherence of the global, regional, and country level policy dialogue in Africa.
•    Engage and collaborate with relevant global, regional institutions, organizations, and stakeholders, including national authorities on the development of a strategy for the involvement of the private sector.
•    Support the findings and contribute to the discussions of the PPR GEP Secretariat and Pan African PPR secretariat (PAPS) on resource mobilisation for the PPR eradication.
•    Contribute to identify partners/areas for complementarity and possible synergy and recommend appropriate collaborative actions.
•    Contribute to the formulation of the PPR vaccination strategy and epidemiological surveillance
•    Contribute to develop recommendations for optimal implementation of PPR GEP (national, regional, continental and global);
•    Contribute to the identification of performance indicators and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system to monitor the program implementation.
•    Assist in the formulation and implementation of the PPR strategies (at national and regional levels) policies, knowledge products and advocacy material to improve small ruminant health and production in the framework of small ruminant health including multidisciplinary approaches in addressing endemic and production animal diseases and public health threats of animal origin;
•    Prepare regular reports on the implementation and progress of the strategy for private sector engagement (every 3 months) and collect statistical information to monitor the implementation of the project deliverables.
•    Undertake other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

•    Advanced degree in Veterinary discipline relevant to the duties listed including extensive working experience in animal health in Africa.
•    At least 10 years (Category A) of relevant professional experience in relevant positions in Africa with sound understanding of the regional context.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and French.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
 

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Sound understanding of the financial and contractual procedures of the EU in particular the rules applicable to external aid
•    Proven team leadership and project management skills in similar animal health and rural development projects.
•    Experience in preparing, formulating and managing EU-funded documentation and/or a track record in evaluation of projects and proposals of EU-funded projects.
•    Prior knowledge in developing and drafting regional strategies under the One Health approach with emphasis on disease eradication.
•    Prior involvement in all the following: 1) projects that fought major animal diseases, 2) projects that dealt with the eradication of rinderpest 3) projects that strengthened veterinary services, and 4) that developed trade.

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