Veterinary Epidemiologist Specialist

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Office, 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 help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO Kyrgyzstan assists the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to develop policies, programmes and projects to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO participates in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhance rural livelihoods.

In this context, the FAO is implementing in collaboration with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the USAID- funded project “Enhancing the One Health approach in Kyrgyzstan and its capacity to control zoonotic diseases”. Project objective is to support capacity building for prevention, early detection, and response to animal and public health threats, particularly zoonosis in Kyrgyzstan. This assignment will contribute to project objective, such as to build sustainable animal health systems and One Health capacities to mitigate risks and threats caused by emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, endemic zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Reporting Lines

The Specialist provides support to the project under the general supervision of the FAO Representative for Kyrgyzstan and in close collaboration with the technical supervision of LTO and direct supervision of the Program/Coordinator Manager.

Technical Focus

Veterinary Epidemiology, surveillance systems, outbreak investigations, data analysis for zoonotic diseases.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in veterinary epidemiology, including the design and implementation of surveillance systems, outbreak investigations, and data analysis. • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to strengthen epidemiological surveillance of zoonotic diseases, ensuring compliance with international standards and best practices. • Develop and implement protocols and methodologies for data collection, analysis, and interpretation of epidemiological data related to zoonotic diseases. • Conduct epidemiological investigations and risk assessments of zoonotic disease outbreaks, including data collection, sample collection, and analysis of transmission patterns. • Support the integration of epidemiological data with other relevant data sources, such as laboratory data and environmental data, to enhance the One Health approach. • Support the development of a risk-based strategic plan (RBP) for zoonotic disease control. • Support the development and delivery of risk-based animal disease surveillance training. • Support in conducting SimEx for the rapid response team. • Support One health country profiling in using the OH monitoring tool. • Provide Field Epidemiologist training and capacity building to veterinary professionals and relevant stakeholders on epidemiological surveillance, data collection, and analysis. • Assist in the development and implementation of strategies for early detection and rapid response to zoonotic disease events, including the establishment of alert and response systems, establishment of veterinary services first line rapid response teams on pilot basis. • Collaboration with international experts to align with global practices on rapid response services/exercise. • Development of guidelines, protocols, SOPs for veterinary services first line rapid response teams. Conduct SimEx; • Collaborate with national and international partners to share epidemiological data, best practices, and lessons learned in zoonotic disease surveillance and control. • Contribute to the development and implementation of communication strategies to effectively communicate epidemiological findings and recommendations to stakeholders and the public. • Participate in the documentation and dissemination of epidemiological findings, including the preparation of reports, scientific publications, and technical briefs. • Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and other relevant documentation as required by the project, highlighting findings, recommendations, and progress. • Make regular field visits to the project sites as necessary. • Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in veterinary medicine, epidemiology, or a related field. Advanced degree is preferred. • 5 years of experience in veterinary epidemiology, including surveillance, outbreak investigation, and data analysis, experience with surveillance systems and databases, including data management and quality assurance. • Working knowledge (Level C) of Russia and Kyrgyz. English would be an asset. • National of the Kyrgyz Republic.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/ Functional skills

• Proven leadership skills demonstrated ability to promote new approaches and new practices. • Knowledge on the UN system is an asset. In-depth knowledge of epidemiological methods and techniques, including study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation. • Familiarity with zoonotic diseases, their transmission dynamics, and their impact on public health and animal health. • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyse complex epidemiological data and generate evidence-based recommendations. • Demonstrated ability to provide training and capacity building to veterinary professionals and stakeholders. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• 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.