OIE-FAO global network of expertise on animal influenzas (OFFLU) Scientist

Overview

Support activities related to animal health and influenza control efforts.

You have:

• Advanced university degree in veterinary or biological sciences and relevant post-graduate training with experience in virology, laboratory diagnostics and bioinformatics, with focus on animal influenza viruses.
• At least 3 years of experience in one of the relevant fields for the position.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and limited knowledge (Level B) of one of FAO’s Official languages: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian (for consultants). Working knowledge (Level C) of English is required (for PSA).

Organizational Setting

The tasks envisaged for this consultancy are to be carried out under the framework of the Emergency Prevention System for Animal Health (EMPRES) and in support to the the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), which is currently implementing a number of projects in various countries, regions and at global level. Within the ECTAD, the Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) is closely working with the Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER) to support various aspects of the animal health programme of FAO.

Reporting Lines

The successful candidate will work within the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Emergency Prevention System (EMPRES) for transboundary animal and plant pests and diseases - Animal Health component, under the overall policy and technical guidance of the FAO Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and the direct supervision of the Head of EMPRES-AH and with technical supervision of the EMPRES-AH Laboratory unit coordinator and/or FAO OFFLU Focal Point.

Technical Focus

To support EMPRES-AH Laboratory Unit activities, especially where these activities relate to joint World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)-FAO global network of expertise on animal influenzas (OFFLU) and collaboration with the WHO on zoonotic Influenzas.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Contribute to achievement of FAO and OFFLU strategic objectives in relation to control of animal influenza:
  • Support and deliver scientific activities of the OFFLU network, through interaction with relevant OFFLU Technical Activities and stakeholders;
  • Assist with the review/revision of the OFFLU strategic agenda, the FAO/OIE Global avian influenza control strategy and technical activities in consultation with the OFFLU focal points of FAO and OIE, and experts from FAO HQ and decentralised offices;
  • Provide inputs to innovate OFFLU activities and increase their impact at regional and country level;
  • Contribute to improving influenza (and SARS-CoV2, where relevant) detection capacities at country level;
  • Assist in identifying gaps and areas of duplication in research activities;
  • Contribute to high level efforts to improve global data sharing (Nagoya protocol etc).
• Contribute to OFFLU communication, coordination and data sharing:
  • Assist the OFFLU Secretariat in coordinating network activities and developing communication material, including improvement of the materials on the website;
  • Contribute to drafting OFFLU scientific publications and position documents;
  • Coordinate OFFLU technical groups together with the OIE OFFLU secretariat;
  • Communication and coordinate activities with OFFLU (OIE/FAO) reference laboratories;
  • Promote the sharing and analysis of data within the OFFLU network and with the wider scientific community;
  • Assist in the OFFLU Influenza A cleavage site document updates;
  • Update and share guidelines for the use of new technologies in the laboratory and for field diagnostics;
  • Support the preparation of an OFFLU Global Conference on Animal Influenza Prevention and Control;
  • Contribute technical input to Tripartite and interagency meetings on animal influenza (and SARS-CoV, where relevant).
• Organize the OFFLU contribution to the biannual WHO Influenza Vaccine Composition Meeting (VCM), including the compilation and analysis of epidemiological, antigenic and genetic data from the OFFLU network and the preparation of the OFFLU report. In details, both for avian and swine flu:
  • initial phylogenetic analyses with enhanced genetic to phenotypic inference;
  • selection of relevant strains for further antigenic analyses;
  • computational assessment of e.g. differences from CVVs, current references, and in some cases whole genome analyses for any human variants;
  • epidemiological analyses and interactive map generation;
  • analysis report generation, sharing with OFFLU WHO VCM experts, followed by submission to WHO before the zoonotic teleconference;
  • participation in the WHO VCM on behalf of FAO/OFFLU.
• Support the development of a poultry vaccine composition meeting process to mirror the WHO public health efforts for the animal health sector and to inform improved use of vaccination for global influenza control. Development of a framework working for the concept of a poultry VCM in partnership with stakeholders and donors:
  • Coordinate data and information sharing with the international scientific community through the existing regional laboratory and epidemiology networks;
  • Contribute to analysis of collected data;
  • Develop a road map to establish an animal sector data sharing and analysis platform/network for virological and antigenic characterization for AIV.
• Bioinformatics and molecular surveillance:
  • Review genetic databases that contain influenza virus genetic sequences and report to the EC on services provided by sequence databases and new sequence deposition;
  • Strengthen collaboration with the EMPRES Surveillance unit an provide inputs on activities at the laboratory/surveillance interface including inputs on the development of the EMPRES-I genetic module;
  • Review to identify molecular markers as risk factors for molecular risk assessment.
• Perform other related duties are required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in veterinary or biological sciences and relevant post-graduate training with experience in virology, laboratory diagnostics and bioinformatics, with focus on animal influenza viruses;
• At least 3 years of experience in one of the relevant fields for the position;
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English and limited knowledge (Level B) of one of FAO’s Official languages: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian (for consultants). Working knowledge (Level C) of English is required (for PSA).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in fields of virology, bioinformatics and genomic analysis of zoonotic influenzas
• Extent and relevance of experience at international level, experience with international partners working on zoonotic influenzas will be considered an asset.
• Ability to write briefs and reports
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Familiarity with FAO policies and programmes and systems is desirable

Selection Criteria

• Based on requirements, competencies and skills.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 4 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org