Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and Bio risk Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are 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.

The purpose of the position is to support the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Surveillance of antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), development and implementation of biosafety and biosecurity measures especially in the Central Veterinary Laboratory.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide required technical support to the development and implementation of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance, Bio-risk (Biosafety and Biosecurity) systems and any other activities as requested.

Reporting Lines

The AMR and Bio risk Specialist works under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative for South Sudan, the direct supervision of the Livestock Development Officer.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Participate in the assessment of Laboratories and AMR surveillance system using the FAO Assessment Tool for Laboratories and AMR Surveillance Systems (FAO- ATLASS) and FAO-PMP: • Support procurement of laboratory equipment, reagents and consumables to support operationalization of the Central Veterinary Laboratory, trainings and to initiate AMR surveillance: • Support the development and implementation of a harmonized and scaled-up AMR data collection/analysis/sharing system to inform AMR Regional and Global Surveillance (using the FAO InFARM tool): • Support baseline data collection on practices and barriers to good biosecurity (to be conducted alongside KAP -under prudent use): • Support the implementation of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) studies in two livestock value chains to support collection of Anti – Microbial Use data at farm level and to map diseases driving antimicrobial use, and other AMU/AMR-relevant practices, including poor biosecurity, and non-adherence to vaccination schedules: • Support the design of prudent AMU guidelines for the 2 livestock value chains based upon Codex and OIE guidelines and informed by results of knowledge, attitudes, and practices studies and FAO-PMP for biosecurity: • Support development of biosecurity and biosafety guidelines for prudent use in the AMR surveillance: • Support biosafety and biosecurity training and practices in all relevant sectors (including human, animal and agriculture). • Participate in the annual Tripartite AMR Country Self-Assessment Survey.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in laboratory sciences, biotechnology, or related lab science degree program. • 2 years of relevant experience in laboratory analysis, quality control, biosafety and biosecurity management in a laboratory setting. • Working knowledge of English (level C). • National of South Sudan.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience with laboratory diagnostic inventory management including the procurement of relevant diagnostic kits and reagents. • Demonstrated experience in the implementation of activities in collaboration with public sector and private sectors. • Experience with the implementation of bio-risk (biosafety and biosecurity) procedures. • Familiarity with standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Exchange) etc. Ability to use software and other information systems and databases to insert data, make enquiries, retrieve/define ad hoc reports and analyses and edit results in appropriate format.

Selection Criteria

• A Master’s degree would be an added advantage. • Experience with microbiology and/or AMR is an added advantage. • Working knowledge (level B) of one local language is an advantage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.