National Specialist on Biosafety and Biosecurity guidelines

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 develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The main purpose of the consultancy is to facilitate the development and completion of National Biosafety and Biosecurity Guideline for Field Animal Health Workers.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Liberia and the technical guidance of the ECTAD Country Team Lead, supported by FAO regional experts. The incumbent will also closely collaborate with the Directorate of Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and other relevant stakeholders.

Technical Focus

Ensure the development of field manuals for Biosafety/Biosecurity for animal health workers in the Ministry of Agriculture.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The incumbent will undertake the following:

• Develop a roadmap with a clear work plan and background report on biosafety and biosecurity activities in Liberia within the first week of the consultancy and submit to the FAO ECTAD Team

• Conduct desk review of documents relevant to the biosecurity and biosafety measures/standards for animal health sector.

• Submit desk review report of biosafety and biosecurity standards for animal health sector.

• Engage with the MOA, the national technical stakeholders and other experts on biosafety and biosecurity for the development of the guideline.

• Produce a draft document namely: “The National Biosafety and Biosecurity guideline for animal health field workers in Liberia”, based on international standards and guidelines.

• Conduct a two-day technical pre-validation meeting of the draft Biosafety and Biosecurity guideline.

• Co-prepare and co-facilitate a 3-day national consultative workshop to validate the biosafety and biosecurity guidelines.

• Submit the validated guideline, workshop report and end of assignment reports to FAO ECTAD Team

• Co-facilitate the training of field staff on the use of the manual at a later period and whenever required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• At least a degree in Animal health, Public Health, Epidemiology or related field

• Advanced University Degree in Veterinary Medicine or Animal Health Sciences and post-graduate study in epidemiology, public health or related fields (would be an advantage)

• At least Five years of relevant experience in animal health activities and knowledge of infections prevention/control, and biosecurity and biosafety activities in Liberia

• Working knowledge of English.

• Liberian Citizen or resident or naturalized with permanent residence for at least 5 years with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus.

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• A Ph.D. degree in the same fields listed above will be an added advantage

• Extensive knowledge on veterinary epidemiology, disease trends, vaccination protocols, survey tools, investigations and disease control of tropical livestock diseases

• Extensive knowledge of the main aspects of prevention and control of high impact emerging and re- emerging zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases including TADs.

• Extensive experience in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of disease prevention and control networks of animal diseases

• Working knowledge of English and technical report writing and presentation skills

• Systematic document review and analysis

• Structuring and drafting skills to make information accessible and meaningful to expected users

• Independent worker and excellent skills working as part of a team.

• Excellent reading, writing and communication skills in English.

• Experience with UN, and other International Organizations would be an asset

Selection Criteria

• Candidates should be nationals of Liberia; (Citizen/resident/naturalized with permanent residence for at least 5 years with a valid work permit)

• Understanding of animal health networks and various production value chains in Liberia

• Knowledge on the principles and design of Biosafety and Biosecurity guidelines

• Very high skills/knowledge of background related to the ToR’s Requirements