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 Technical Animal Health 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, 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 incumbent will provide technical, operational, and coordination support for implementation of animal health, laboratory, surveillance, AMR/AMU, biosafety, and One Health related activities in Lao PDR.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Support implementation of project activities related to animal health, zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial use (AMU), biosafety, and One Health initiatives;
•     Coordinate with the government partner at central and sub-national level and other relevant stakeholders for effective implementation of activities;
•     Support planning, organization, and facilitation of meetings, workshops, trainings, simulation exercises, and field activities;
•     Assist in preparation of technical documents, presentations, meeting reports, workshop summaries, and mission reports;
•     Support field activities including sample collection, surveillance, outbreak investigation, biosafety and biosecurity assessments, and monitoring missions;
•     Work closely with Data Management Officer and M&E Specialist for assist in data collection, entry, validation, analysis, and reporting related to surveillance, laboratory activities, AMR/AMU studies, and other project activities;
•     Support laboratory strengthening and capacity building activities for national and sub-national animal health staff;
•     Assist with monitoring implementation progress against approved workplans and support preparation of periodic technical and progress reports;
•     Support coordination and communication between FAO, government counterparts, implementing partners, and donors;
•     Assist with procurement plan for laboratory equipment, reagents, consumables, training materials, and field activities;
•     Contribute to development and review of technical guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, IEC materials, and communication products;
•     Support knowledge management, information sharing, and documentation of lessons learned and best practices;
•     Participate in field missions and provide technical support during emergency response activities as required;
•     Perform other related duties as assigned.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     University degree in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health, Livestock Production, Veterinary Public Health, Microbiology, Epidemiology, One Health, Environmental Science or related field;
•     At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in animal health, laboratory, surveillance, project implementation, or One Health related activities;
•     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 supporting animal health, AMR/AMU, surveillance, laboratory, or One Health programmes;
•     Knowledge of zoonotic diseases, biosafety, biosecurity, and transboundary animal diseases;
•     Experience organizing trainings, workshops, and field activities;
•     Ability to prepare technical reports and meeting documentation;
•     Experience working with government agencies, development partners, or international organizations is an asset;
•     Good computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and data management tools;
•     Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams;
•     Willingness to travel to provinces and remote areas as required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION