National Technical Coordinator

Organizational Setting

To improve the capacity of the animal health sector to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats and its contribution to national and global health security, and to help beneficiary governments comply with the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005 obligations, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting the roll out of project, entitled “Strengthen National One Health Programme for prevention and control of priority zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India” under its Global Health Security Program (GHSP) in India. The five-year GHSP informs the regional Statement of Work (SOW) for the Asia and the Pacific region as approved by USAID. The overall objective of the GHSP to be implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Asia and the Pacific, is to strengthen animal health systems in Asia to reduce the risks and impacts of zoonoses, emerging disease threats, AMR and biothreats through a One Health and inclusive approach. The FAO GHSP will achieve the overall objective in Asia and the Pacific through the following specific objectives.

• Enhance national and regional One Health coordination and multi-sectoral collaboration among stakeholders. • Improve the multidisciplinary workforce and institutional capacity to address animal and public health threats, including AMR-related issues. • Enhance animal health capabilities for preparedness and response to public health threats, including AMR-related issues. • Promote, support and advocate for evidence-based policies that support the adoption of veterinary public health and biosecurity practices along the livestock value chain.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision and guidance of FAO Representative in India, direct supervision of the ECTAD in India Country Team Leader (CTL), in close collaboration and consultation with Assistant FAOR (Programme), in close collaboration with the ECTAD Regional Manager in the FAO Regional Office in Bangkok (ECTAD RAP), other international consultants and national specialists, governmental counterparts, implementation partners and the project’s other technical specialists, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

Technical Focus

Expertise in zoonotic disease control and One Health approach

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide leadership and technical management to the ECTAD-India team; • Act as FAO ECTAD in India focal point to ensure smooth project implementation, through collaboration with the project management (e.g. RAP-ECTAD Manager, CTL) and national consultants, including, o Liaise with the government authorities at high-level and arrange meetings; o Support the FAO Representative and national ECTAD team, and facilitate collaboration between international consultants and the authorities at all administrative levels; o Supervise national staff work schedules. • Assist with preparing project documents, workplans and budgets, and translate documents; • Supervise a review of national epidemiology capacity and, according to identified needs, develop and implement capacity-building, such as, a field epidemiology training programme for veterinarians (FETP-V); • Coordinate and mainstream a One Health (OH) approach in the ECTAD-India programme in line with national and regional OH priorities; • Provide technical support to the Indian Network for Fisheries and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (ICAR - INFAAR) on AMR and AMU; • Facilitate access to data and information pertinent to emerging and zoonotic disease threats including avian influenza; • Help finalise equipment and supplies lists required for project implementation and help prepare detailed specifications for international/local procurement; • Assist with and facilitate workshops and training sessions in India in collaboration with international and national consultants; • Participate in international and regional trainings/workshops/events as required; • Coordinate with the Government stakeholders (DAHD, NCDC, ICAR and state government departments) and other stakeholders (WHO, UNEP, WOAH and other NGOs) for implementation of all Global Health Security Programme (GHSP) activities; • Coordinate the preparation of all reports of Global Health Security Programme (GHSP); • Prepare workshop concept notes and proceedings, including technical briefing documents, as required; and • Carry out related duties.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Indian national. • Graduate of an accredited university or similar institution of higher education in livestock and/or animal health sciences, or related field. • At least 10 years of relevant experience. • Working knowledge of spoken and written Hindi and English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Familiarity and expertise in emerging disease threat prevention and control. • Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, from livestock owners to ministerial staff. • Extent of relevant experience with internationally funded projects. • Familiarity and experience with One Health. • Experience with organizing participatory workshops. • Experience with team management. • Proficiency in MS Office. • Willingness and ability to travel to remote, rural locations.

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
• 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.