National AMR Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors. The activities of the FAO Country Offices include design and implementation of country-tailored field programmes, liaison with local donor representatives, and active public awareness-raising and outreach activities related to FAO initiatives such as the World Food Day.

Reporting Lines

Within the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), the National AMR Specialist will be under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, through the Senior Project Officer, and the direct supervision of the ECTAD Country Team Leader in Malawi, the technical backstopping of the ECTAD Regional epidemiologist for Eastern and Southern Africa, in collaboration with ECTAD Malawi.

Technical Focus:

The National AMR Specialist will ensure quality assurance of the good agricultural practices in the implementation of the FAO projects, including community outreach activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will specifically:

• Coordinate implementation of AMR activities under the GHS programme, based on identified gaps; • Support preparation of a situational analysis of AMR Surveillance and diagnosis of the needs in the relevant sectors for AMR and AMU (human, animal and environment sector). • Support development of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance • Identify and collect all documents relevant to support draft a list of target/priority bacteria for AMR surveillance and target antimicrobial agents in coordination with the surveillance and laboratory team. • Collaborate with relevant national authorities to support implementation of existing surveillance systems and capacity building of existing laboratories for the diagnosis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) • Support implementation of AMR/AMU surveillance activities in collaboration with National Coordinator for AMR; • Promote FAO/UNEP/WHO/WOAH Quadripartite collaboration in support of the implementation of the Global Action Plan on AMR; • Facilitate the operationalization of One Health (OH) coordination platforms on AMR/AMU related matters; • Adapt existing advocacy tools to the country’s situation and support AMR awareness campaigns through the One Health approach; • Support development and implementation of strategies including legislation/behavioral interventions to promote prudent use of antimicrobials and adherence to good practices that reduce the need for antimicrobials and the reduction of transmission of resistant microbes along the food chain and associated environment. • Support resource mobilization efforts for OH, approaches to reduce AMR/AMU and promote food safety. • Submit a final technical report upon completion of the assignment to the ECTAD Malawi Team Leader and the FAOR; • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• A degree in the field of Veterinary Medicine or Animal Sciences or Agriculture Sciences or the equivalent • Master’s degree in the relevant field with experience in antimicrobial resistance activities • Experience of not less than seven years working with livestock or crops in AMR/AMU and multisector coordination and research • Working knowledge of the English language [ie. spoken and written] • National of Malawi

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Good interpersonal skills and experience in stakeholder engagements in One Health approach for combatting AMR is cardinal. • Proven ability to work as a member of a team with diverse backgrounds; • Extent and relevance of experience in supporting, advising and guiding the implementation of complex, multi-stakeholder projects; • Extent and relevance of experience in providing laboratory technical support for programme/project formulation, analysis, planning and implementation. • Ability to pay attention to detail; • Computer literacy • Ability to be multi-tasked and to handle large volumes of work in an effective and timely manner. • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

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.