🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Freetown | Sierra Leone Posted 5 months ago Posted on Medical/ Healthcare / Pharmaceutical, NGO / Community Services

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) National Epidemiologist
2.) National Laboratory Specialist

See job details and how to apply below.

1.) National Epidemiologist

2402281

National Epidemiologist

Job Posting: 12/Jul/2024

Closure Date: 26/Jul/2024, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit : FRSIL

Job Type: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition : NPP (National Project Personnel)

Grade Level : N/A

Primary Location: Sierra Leone-Freetown

Duration : 12 Months

Post Number : N/A

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

FAO Representation in Sierra Leone implements an integrated food security programme, focusing on diversification of livelihoods, managing natural resources and building resilience. The office employs diverse team of experts locally, but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and the Head Quarters (HQ). FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, farmers and other stakeholders, supporting plans and policies that affect the food and nutrition security in the country; our work is a part of the corporate commitment to support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone.

Tasks and responsibilities

Within the framework of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease programme (ECTAD), the overall policy and technical guidance of the Senior Animal Health Officer/ECTAD Global Programme Coordinator, in line with the programme management guidance from the Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer/ECTAD Global Programme Budget Holder (OER), the functional and administrative supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone, the direct supervision of the ECTAD Country Team Leader in Sierra Leone, the technical guidance of Regional Epidemiologist for ECTAD Western and Central Africa, and in close collaboration with the ECTAD team in Sierra Leone , the National Epidemiologist will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

Contribute to the development/review of country strategies/emergency preparedness and response plans and/or programs for the management of high-impact priority zoonotic diseases (PZDs), as well as emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases in line with the national priorities as defined by the country CPF and FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-31.
Support the design, coordination, and implementation of surveillance activities relevant to PZDs as well as emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases, to mitigate the high (current/potential) impact of diseases in Sierra Leone. These include:
Contribute to the preparation of program work plans and detailed implementation plans (DIPs).
Coordinate technical workshops to improve epidemiological activities/AH interventions in the country targeting innovative approaches addressing national and regional priority diseases.
Support appropriate stakeholder workshops and facilitate discussion and development of a surveillance approach that addresses national and regional priority diseases to target through a surveillance program.
Facilitate and assist in the implementation of the recommendations of assessment missions of the national surveillance system (SET, EMT, JRA, etc.).
Contribute to the development and implementation of surveillance protocols in targeted livestock farming systems, relevant value food chains, and at domestic animals-wildlife interfaces.
Plan, organize, and implement capacity development of in-service professionals using field epidemiology training and participatory epidemiology approaches targeting veterinarians, animal health technicians, community animal health workers, farmers, and where appropriate, public health or other stakeholders/partner.
Conduct risk assessments at human/livestock/wildlife interface and supervise in-country expert missions on epidemiological missions to ensure the success of the missions.
Support implementation of AMR/AMU surveillance activities in collaboration with the AMR Project Coordinator.
Organize stakeholders' meetings and lead the process for the development of animal health and related policy frameworks/instruments in Sierra Leone.
In close consultation with relevant sectors and stakeholders support the operationalization of the epidemiological component of the national One Health platform aiming at multi-sectoral collaboration.
In close consultation with relevant sectors and stakeholders initiate the adoption and roll-out of In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) programme.
Facilitate closer linkages of the GHS project with relevant Ministries, particularly with MAFS and other technical partners (PREDICT, Breakthrough Action, WHO etc.).
Provide regular updates on project activities and prepare web articles on technical accomplishments as needed, including scientific publications in a peer reviewed journal.
Provide regular updates on TADs epidemiology situation in the country to ECTAD CTL, Regional Office in Accra, and GLEWS of any significant epidemiological events and contribute to epidemiological intelligence at national and regional level.
Support and strengthen a functional national epidemiology and laboratory networks.
Participate in animal health emergency preparedness and contingency planning exercises, simulation exercises such as discussion (table-top etc.), and/or operational (field etc.) exercises.
Contribute to the preparation of regular project reports for FAO, donors, and other stakeholders.
Contribute to resource mobilization efforts through developing project concept notes and proposals that aim to mitigate the impacts of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (rEIDs), non-zoonotic diseases, and AMR. eShNvJD BIpnb
Submit a final technical report upon completion of the assignment to the ECTAD CTL and FAOR.
Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Medicine or Animal Sciences with a post-graduate training in Epidemiology or related field.
At least five years of relevant experience of the prevention and control of priority zoonotic diseases, high impact emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases in Sierra Leone.
Working knowledge of English.
Citizen of Sierra Leone.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection criteria

Knowledge of the Sierra Leone animal health system.
Extensive experience animal health surveillance, data analysis and risk assessment.
Experience working with Government.

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.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO's behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO's client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

2.) National Laboratory Specialist

2402298

National Laboratory Specialist

Job Posting: 15/Jul/2024

Closure Date: 29/Jul/2024, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit : FRSIL - FAO Representation in Sierra Leone

Job Type: Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition : NPP (National Project Personnel)

Grade Level : N/A

Primary Location: Sierra Leone-Freetown

Duration : 12 months

Post Number : N/A

FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

Organizational Setting

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone, this position will be directly supervised by the ECTAD Country Team Leader - Sierra Leone.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will contribute to implementation of activities under the National Laboratory Systems and Biosafety and Biosecurity technical areas of the FAO Global Health Security (GHS) programme which aims to build sustainable animal health and One Health capacities to mitigate risks and threats caused by emerging and re-emerging zoonoses, endemic zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Tasks and responsibilities

Within the framework of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease programme (ECTAD), the overall policy and technical guidance of the Senior Animal Health Officer/ECTAD Global Programme Coordinator, in line with the programme management guidance from the Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer/ECTAD Global Programme Budget Holder (OER), the functional and administrative supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone, the direct supervision of the ECTAD Country Team Leader in Sierra Leone, the technical guidance of Regional Laboratory Expert for ECTAD Western and Central Africa, and in close collaboration with the ECTAD team in Sierra Leone, the National Laboratory Specialist with two support from the international laboratory expert in Sierra Leone will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

Contribute to the preparation of country strategies and programme for the management of high impact priority zoonotic diseases (PZDs), as well as emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and non-zoonotic disease in line with the national priorities and FAO's Strategic framework 2022-2031
Contribute to the design, coordination, and implementation of national strategies and programmes/projects, in line with the FAO/WOAH Global Framework for the Progressive Control of TADs, PZDs and Regional priorities.
Contribute to the implementation of activities relevant to laboratory aspects of the USAID GHS, Fleming Fund and other ECTAD projects as a basis to mitigate the high (current/potential) impact of PZDs, emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases and AMR in Sierra Leone. These include:
Contribute to the framing and the implementation of diagnostic protocols for PZDs, TADs and AMR to support surveillance plans.
Supervise the assessment of national laboratory veterinary capacity for pathogen testing of samples from livestock and livestock products.
Contribute to improved skills in sample collection from livestock in targeted livestock farming systems, and at critical points along the value chains and at domestic animals-wildlife interfaces using appropriate biosafety/biosecurity measures.
Support maintenance and calibration of essential laboratory equipment.
Support development of technical capacity and building competence of in-service laboratory technicians and other professionals working at the CVL through in-service on bench training and mentorship.
Contribute to development and implementation of laboratory diagnostic and surveillance protocols for livestock in targeted livestock farming systems, value chains and at domestic-wildlife-human interface.
Contribute to publications and or publish in peer reviewed journals results of capacity assessments and/or any other interesting findings/joint epidemiology and laboratory efforts following GHSP and Fleming Fund interventions.
Support capacity development of national laboratories through; o Facilitation of training programs for laboratory personnel on new laboratory techniques, Quality Assurance, Biosafety and Biosecurity and tools such as Laboratory Mapping Tool (LMT), FAO Assessment Tool for Laboratories and Antimicrobial resistance Surveillance Systems (FAO-ATLASS), Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)/SILAB. o Assist in the organization of planned training workshops, simulation exercise and meetings and other technical meetings, as needed. o Support country participation to Proficiency Tests (PTs). o Contribute to Laboratory capacity assessments using the FAO laboratory mapping tools (LMT). o Contribute to strengthening of national laboratory networks and information management systems. o Participate in animal health emergency preparedness and contingency planning exercises, or tabletop scenarios.
Contribute to: o Preparation of technical specifications for the procurement of laboratory consumables and related non-expendable equipment in consultation with relevant national partners, o Organization of stakeholders' meetings and development of animal health and other related policy instruments in Sierra Leone. o Provision of regular weekly updates of laboratory activities and reports in the country, monthly project activities, and prepare draft web/newsletter articles on technical accomplishments as needed in collaboration with International Laboratory Expert and CVL Manager. o Provision of regular updates of TADs epidemiology situation and immediate notification to the ECTAD CTL and International Laboratory Expert of any significant laboratory/epidemiological events. o Preparation of regular reports on the progress of the implementation of projects implemented by ECTAD Sierra Leone for FAO, donors, or other stakeholders. o ECTAD resource mobilization efforts to support sustainability of diagnostic laboratory work.
Submit a final technical report upon completion of the assignment to ECTAD CTL and FAOR.
Perform other related duties as required by the CTL and FAOR.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

University degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences/Microbiology/Virology/Biological Sciences with a post-graduate training in laboratory sciences or related field eSmfNfd BIpnb
At least five years' experience working in a veterinary or research laboratory
Working knowledge of English
National of Sierra Leone

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

Good knowledge of laboratory diagnostic techniques applicable to TADs and PZDs.
Knowledge of the Sierra Leone animal health system

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.

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
Incomplete applications will not be considered
Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO's behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO's client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT