Veterinary Laboratory Specialist

Overview

Support project efforts in enhancing zoonotic disease laboratory capabilities

You have:

• Degree in Veterinary medicine, Microbiology, Virology, Epidemiology, or a related field. Advanced degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in laboratory diagnostics, particularly in the context of zoonotic diseases and public health.
• Strong knowledge of national and international laboratory standards and best practices in zoonotic disease diagnostics.
• Working knowledge of Russian and Kyrgyz. English would be an asset.
• National of the Kyrgyz Republic.

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 and direct supervision with the Lead Technical Officer and technical guidance of the Program Manager/Coordinator.

Technical Focus

Zoonotic diseases and Laboratory Services.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government health and veterinary authorities, to evaluate existing laboratory protocols, quality assurance measures, and diagnostic capabilities. • Conduct an assessment of existing laboratory infrastructure, equipment, and capacities for diagnosing zoonotic diseases, finding and the training plan for laboratory staff on EID and Zoonotic Disease. • Review of the current Public Health Laboratories processes for sharing isolates, biological specimens and reports. • Assessment of the connection between two types of laboratories using MTAs, find gaps and links. • Provide technical expertise in discussion of a road map and reports between animal health and public health laboratories and developing strategies to enhance laboratory capacities for zoonotic disease diagnosis, including equipment procurement, staff training, and quality control measures. • Review the current disease reporting system in comparison with the internationally accepted best practices with support of international laboratory specialist. • Draft recommendations for improvement of the disease reporting system, review the recommendations with the national authorities with participation of the international experts. • Support the design of the draft of the Veterinary Strategic plan and implementation of quality assurance programs within laboratories to ensure accurate and reliable test results. • Provide guidance and technical support in establishing or improving biosafety and biosecurity measures within laboratory settings, including transportation of biomaterial to the laboratory. • Support the preparation and conducting of SiMex for rapid response team. • Assist in the development of standardized protocols and guidelines for laboratory testing, reporting, and data management related to zoonotic diseases. • Collaborate with the project team to develop and conduct training programs for laboratory personnel on zoonotic disease diagnostics and surveillance techniques. • Prepare comprehensive reports, presentations, and other documentation to communicate findings, recommendations, and progress as required by the project. • 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, Microbiology, Virology, Epidemiology, or a related field. Advanced degree is preferred. • A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in laboratory diagnostics, particularly in the context of zoonotic diseases and public health. Proven expertise in assessing and improving laboratory capacities, implementing quality assurance programs, and adhering to biosafety and biosecurity protocols. • Strong knowledge of national and international laboratory standards and best practices in zoonotic disease diagnostics. • Working knowledge of Russian 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. • 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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org