National Specialist for Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)

Organizational Setting

The concept for establishing the Peste des Petits Ruminants Global Eradication Programme (PPR-GEP) was approved by the 24th Session of COAG, the 150th Session of the Council and by the 39th FAO Conference with the resolution endorsed at the 42nd FAO conference. In March 2016, FAO and WOAH (founded as OIE) established a joint PPR GEP Secretariat based in FAO headquarters in Rome to assist countries with the implementation of their PPR activities.

The incumbent PPR National Specialist will assist with the implementation of PPR activities in their respective country.

Reporting Lines

The National PPR Specialist shall work under the general supervision of the PPR-Secretariat and the direct supervision of the Senior Animal Production Health Officer (REU).

Technical Focus

The incumbent will focus on providing required technical support to the implementation of the PPR control strategy and small ruminant production at the national level.

Tasks and responsibilities

The National PPR Specialist has the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Support in Review/update the National Strategic Plan (NSP) in light with the PPR GEP II (the Blueprint). • Assist in mainstreaming PPR NSP into the exiting national agricultural strategies and programme. • Advise on a strategy and implementation of PPR risk-based vaccination, including pre- and post-vaccination sero-monitoring. • Monitor the implementation of the LoA with National Food Agency of Georgia aiming at identification of disease episystems, mapping of livestock cross borders activities, suggest on livestock routes, and identification of risk hotspots. • Coordinate and participate in the training and assist in implementation of the PPR Monitoring and Assessment Tool (PMAT). • Support country in the development of PPR communication strategic plan and preparation of advocacy materials that address a range of stakeholders. • Support in analysing countries’ situation regarding PPP regulations and/or policies in place that enable PPR NSP implementation. • Work closely with the PPR-Secretariat focal point, PPR National Coordinator, FAO Country Office in conducting the above activities • Undertake other duties as needed/requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in veterinary medicine or a related field. • At least 5 years of experience in veterinary medicine, preferably in the area of animal disease control. • Working knowledge of English (Level C) and Georgian languages. • National of Georgia or resident in the country with a valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills in English and Georgian. Knowledge of the Russian language would be an asset

Selection Criteria

• Extent and diversity of experience related to the above requirements.