National Field Specialist

Organizational Setting

This position is located in the project “The project for enhancement of FMD control in Pakistan” being executed by the FAO Representation to Pakistan, Islamabad. This position is in FMD-FAO Project and the incumbent will be based at Diagnostic Laboratory in Landhi Cattle Colony Karachi. 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 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.

Reporting Lines

Under overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Pakistan (FAOR) and Head FAO Sindh Provincial Office and under direct supervision of the FMD Management Specialist and Assistant FAOR (Program); the National Field Specialist (Sindh) will be responsible for the below mentioned tasks and responsibilities.

Technical Focus:

• The Field Specialist will be a part of the FMD-FAO Project Team.
• Liaison with Project staff and relevant stakeholders for smooth implementation of activities
• NFO will ensure that FMD outbreaks particularly in Sindh are properly reported, samples collected and submitted to diagnostic labs and controlled with zoo-sanitary measures and emergency vaccination.
• According to the needs, prepare detailed implementation plan (project work plan, procurement plan).
• Prepare Reports of various activities of the Project for the Project Coordinator and other Project staff

Tasks and responsibilities

• Coordinate all project activities (diagnosis, surveillance and vaccination) in Sindh province in general especially in Karachi and Hyderabad
• Develop awareness material for farmers in local language.
• Organize and conduct awareness seminars for farmers to disseminate knowledge about FMD prevention and control in local language.
• Interact with the local veterinary staff particularly working at dairy colonies for reporting and handling maximum outbreaks occurring in the area.
• Maintain a vaccine bank and ensure cold chain during vaccination.
• Ensure that the staff is following project SOPs while handling FMD outbreaks
• Liaise between project and ELISA Labs at Landhi Cattle Colony and central Veterinary Diagnostic Lab Tandojam including transfer of samples.
• Maintain all data related to FMD outbreaks and emergency vaccination in Sindh and share it with the Project Management.
• Perform any other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Post-graduate degree in veterinary / animal sciences with basic degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from a HEC recognized university.
• A minimum of 10 years of work experience in the field of animal disease diagnosis and control
• Experience related with transboundary animal diseases (FMD, PPR) would be desirable
• A working knowledge of the English language and ability to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams is essential.
• National of Pakistan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Experience for the diagnosis of animal infectious diseases particularly transboundary animal diseases in large ruminants;
• Willingness to undertake regular field visits in remote and difficult environments and interact with different stakeholders, especially primary stakeholders for the collection of samples and undertake technical meetings;
• Experience in similar settings would be considered a distinct asset
• Liaison with Administrative and Technical staff of the Livestock Department of Sind
• Understanding of the purpose and functions of technical programmes, operational guidelines and programme/project management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations or FAO would be considered an added asset
• Good knowledge of common administrative and financial rules and regulations
• Good knowledge of communication and documentation standards

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/