Policy Officer (One Health)

Provide analytical and operational support for results-based policy assistance and governance work.

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FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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Application deadline 1 month ago: Friday 24 Apr 2026 at 21:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide analytical and operational support for results-based policy assistance and governance work.

You have:

  • Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political sciences, social sciences, sociology, agronomy, food security, or subjects relevant to the work of One Health and policies.
  • Three years of relevant experience in policy analysis, governance and policy assistance work, relating to One Health in Agrifood system.
  • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Organizational Setting

The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes and facilitates the sustainable development of the livestock sector, integrating scientific and technical expertise and policy advice. It hosts technical networks in areas of animal health, genetics, feed and animal husbandry and provides analysis, policy dialogue (including intergovernmental bodies) and technical assistance. It also supports emergency responses, mostly in animal health.

The One Health and Disease Control Group (NSAH-CJW) under the Animal Production and Health Division leads and coordinates FAO's priority programme (PPA) actions to promote the One Health (OH) approach, as well as through the coordinated action with the Quadripartite (FAO, the United Nations Environment Programme - UNEP, the World Health Organization - WHO and the World Organisation for Animal Health - WOAH) at global, regional and country levels. The Quadripartite One Health Joint Plan of Action (OH JPA) frames the joint ambition.

FAO's role is to strengthen and support better performance of national and international integrated OH systems for human, animal and plant health. FAO, together with the Quadripartite, provides technical and programming support through improved pest and disease prevention, early warning and management of national and global health risks, including Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and environmental health, for optimal outcomes for production and global health security. FAO's OH programme is coordinated by One Health and Disease Control Branch, under the Animal Production and Animal Health Division. IT works across FAO programmes and Divisions and through Decentralized Offices.

The position is located in the One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH-CJW) of the Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Policy Officer (One Health) reports to the Animal Health Officer (One Health) in the NSAH/CJW, under the overall supervision of the Chief, One Health and Disease Control Branch.

Technical Focus

Provides analytical and operational support for results-based policy assistance and governance work.

Key Results Collection and analysis of information, data and statistics and project/meeting services to support programmes and projects, products and services.

Key Functions

  • Collects and analyses relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, institutional and technology related information, data and/or statistics to support the delivery of programme projects, products and services relating to policy and governance.
  • Undertakes analysis, provides technical input for plans and reports and edits/revises technical/scientific documents.
  • Participates in the development of improved work methods, tools and systems.
  • Updates databases and web pages.
  • Participates in multi-disciplinary project/work teams and missions.
  • Collaborates in the development of training tools and materials and the organization of workshops/seminars, etc.
  • Participates in the organization, conduct and follow-up of meetings, consultations and conferences, the development/production of required materials and the provision of information and assistance to partners.

Specific Functions

  • Supports the development of policy documents and/or tools to strengthen One Health governance, at global, regional and national levels.
  • Provides technical and analytical support in the development and strengthening of national One Health governance structures, coordination mechanisms and policies.
  • Contributes to the preparation and dissemination of knowledge products and policy guidance related to One Health governance, including materials prepared for global and regional policy dialogues, high-level fora and international conferences.
  • Assists in planning, organizing and participating in multi-stakeholder meetings, workshops and technical consultations.
  • Supports coordination on One Health across FAO and with Quadripartite, UNEP, WHO, WOAH partners.
  • Contributes to the development and advocacy of the One Health in Agrifood Systems Framework and related normative and technical outputs.
  • Supports the implementation of the Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WHO, WOAH) One Health Joint Plan of Action.
  • Supports the coordination of the Community of Practice on One Health Governance.
  • Provides analytical support and follow-up of international processes and negotiations related to One Health.
  • Supports the establishment and maintenance of partnerships with relevant international organizations including the Quadripartite, both inter-governmental and non-governmental.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political sciences, social sciences, sociology, agronomy, food security, or subjects relevant to the work of One Health and policies.
  • Three years of relevant experience. in policy analysis, governance and policy assistance work, relating to One Health in Agrifood system.
  • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

  • Results Focus
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Building effective relationships
  • Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

  • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.
  • Extent and relevance of experience in multi-stakeholder environments including support for the coordination of partnerships among international organizations, governments, research institutions and development partners.
  • Relevance and extent of experience in working with multidisciplinary teams and the Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH).
  • Extent and relevance of experience in collaborating with Member States, including engagement with government officials and national authorities.
  • Extent and relevance of experience in organizing multilateral and multi-stakeholder meetings and workshops.

Potential interview questions

Describe your experience in developing policy documents related to One Health governance. This assesses your hands-on experience in policy formulation. Focus on specific examples where you contributed to policy development.
Can you provide an example of a multi-stakeholder meeting you organized? This evaluates your organizational and interpersonal skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure effective communication among different stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methodologies do you use for data analysis in policy-making? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain a time when you faced a challenge in a collaborative international project. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What experience do you have in working with international organizations on health policies? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle conflicting priorities in a project? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss how you would promote the One Health approach across sectors. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 months ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: fao.org