Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Offices, headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO participates in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture, and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhance rural livelihoods.

FAO in Lao PDR is dedicated to working with the government in preventing and controlling emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases by working closely with national stakeholders in the animal production and health sector.

Reporting Lines

The National Animal Health Data Management Assistant reports directly to the AHP Country Team Leader, Lao PDR, under the operational guidance of the Operations Officer, technical guidance of the Animal Health Specialist, M&E and Reporting Specialist and the overall administrative and functional guidance of the FAO Representative in Lao PDR. The incumbent will closely collaborate with project staff as well as with government counterparts at national and provincial level and other implementing partners and stakeholders.

He/she acts independently in routine matters. Supervision received is focused on the quality of the work performed and provides for on-the-job learning.

Technical Focus

The position will provide technical and operational support for animal health data collection, management, analysis, reporting, and digital information systems related to surveillance, laboratory, AMR/AMU, and animal health programmes.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Support implementation, maintenance, and routine operation of animal health information systems including InFARM, Lao Animal Health Information System (LAHIS), ANIMUSE, and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS);
•     Support collection, compilation, validation, cleaning, and management of animal health, laboratory, surveillance, and AMR/AMU data;
•     Support integration and harmonization of data from different surveillance and laboratory platforms;
•     Coordinate with DLF, NAHL, PAFOs, DAFOs, laboratories, and relevant partners to ensure timely and accurate data entry and reporting;
•     Provide technical support and troubleshooting to national and sub-national users of InFARM, LAHIS, ANIMUSE, and LIMS systems;
•     Support development of data management tools, templates, dashboards, databases, and reporting systems;
•     Coordinate with software development companies, technical teams, and collaborating international universities to address and resolve system issues in a timely manner and support continuous improvement of animal health information systems;
•     Coordinate with server hosting and IT service providers to ensure sustainable system maintenance, functionality, data security, backup, and long-term operational support of animal health and laboratory information systems;
•     Support development, updating, and monitoring of laboratory reagent and consumable stock dashboards, including inventory tracking, stock forecasting, consumption analysis, and procurement planning for laboratory operations;
•     Monitor data quality, completeness, consistency, and timeliness across supported systems;
•     Support analysis and visualization of surveillance, laboratory, and AMR/AMU data for technical reports, presentations, and decision-making;
•     Prepare regular reports, summaries, situation updates, and data products for FAO, government counterparts, and donors;
•     Support organization and facilitation of trainings, workshops, and coaching sessions related to animal health data systems and digital tools;
•     Contribute to development and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs), guidelines, user manuals, and training materials related to data management systems;
•     Support information sharing and coordination among animal health, laboratory, and One Health stakeholders;
•     Support monitoring and evaluation activities, including tracking indicators and project results;
•     Participate in field missions and provide support during outbreak investigations, surveillance activities, and emergency response operations as required;
•     Perform other related duties as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

•     University degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health, Environmental Science, Information Technology, Computer Science, Public Health, Epidemiology, Data Science, Statistics, or related field;
•     At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in data management, surveillance systems, laboratory information systems, animal health programmes, or related technical areas;
•     Working knowledge of English and Lao languages;
•     National of Lao PDR.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Experience working with animal health information systems, databases, surveillance systems or laboratory information management systems;
•     Familiarity with InFARM, LAHIS, ANIMUSE, LIMS, DHIS2, or other surveillance and reporting platforms is an asset;
•     Knowledge of animal disease surveillance, laboratory systems, AMR/AMU, and One Health approaches;
•     Experience in data cleaning, analysis, visualization, and reporting;
•     Good computer skills including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and database management tools;
•     Ability to prepare technical reports, dashboards, and presentations;
•     Experience organizing trainings and providing user support;
•     Experience working with government agencies, laboratories, development partners, or international organizations is desirable;
•     Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams;
•     Willingness to travel to provinces and remote areas as required.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION