Disease Control Officer (Avian Influenza), P-4

  • Senior-level
  • Posted on 21 December 2007
  • Italy
  • Closing on 18 January 2008

Job Description

  • Professional Vacancy Announcement No:* TCEO-206-07-PRJ Deadline For Application: 18 January 2008 Position Title: Disease Control Officer (Avian Influenza) Duty Station: various Grade Level: P-4 Duration: 3 months to 12 months, extendable (depending on fund availability) CCOG Code: 1H01 Organizational Unit: Emergency Operations Service (TCEO) Emergency and Rehabilitation Division, TCE Technical Cooperation Department, TC

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the technical supervision of the Chief, Animal Health Service (AGAH), the operational supervision of the Chief, Emergency Operations Service (TCEO) ) and in close coordination with the Avian Influenza Regional Manager, the FAO Representative and the national counterparts, the incumbent will contribute to assessment of emergency preparedness and disease control programmes and strategies related to avian influenza in the country within the framework of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD).In particular, the incumbent will:

  • contribute to the assessment of the current situation of the avian influenza in the country and elaborate an overview of risks for disease spread to other areas within and outside the country, including the possible role of wild birds, animal movements (controlled and uncontrolled) and other risk factors including those related to production systems;
  • review the present structure and distribution of the poultry sector and the country’s ability for the implementation of control measures (biosecurity, vaccination, culling, etc);
  • contribute to the evaluation the status of avian influenza contingency plans and the national disease control capacity including: soundness of disease control strategies and alternative options; ability of veterinary services to respond to avian influenza outbreaks in the different production systems; surveillance and diagnostic capacity of the laboratory services; awareness and emergency preparedness capacity at grass-roots level; policies, legal and regulatory framework to support disease control measures (emergency funds, compensation plans, restocking policies); communication strategies with regard to the general public and target groups and communities for reducing the risk of avian influenza spread among animals and the virus transmission to humans through animals and their products;
  • make recommendations for the improvement of the present national response to avian influenza; and communicate these to the relevant authorities;
  • advise on resources requirements for the short and medium term control of avian influenza in the country;
  • participate in missions and field visits as necessary;
  • prepare a report with the findings of the assignment including a complete review of activities undertaken, major results obtained, as well as recommendations and follow up actions;
  • perform other duties as required.
  • PROMOTION TO THIS POST IS FOR THE DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT ONLY

N.B. The purpose of this vacancy announcement is to form a roster of candidates to fill vacancies as they develop

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Candidates should meet the following:

  • University degree in veterinary science from a recognized university, supplemented by post-graduate degree in a relevant field ( i.e. epidemiology).
  • Seven years of relevant experience in control and prevention of animal diseases, especially those of epidemic significance. Experience in disease emergency preparedness planning and crisis management.
  • Working knowledge of English.

SELECTION CRITERIA Candidates will be assessed against the following:*

  • Demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge of avian influenza emergency preparedness matters.
  • Extent of experience in control and prevention of animal diseases in the region of assignment.
  • Good understanding of avian viral diseases and knowledge of the current situation and stakes related to avian influenza and poultry section.
  • Good knowledge of region or country of assignment, including the political, economic and social dimensions.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to use sound judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of issues/problems.
  • Excellent drafting ability and communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Knowledge of an additional language (French) is an asset (depending on country of assignment).
  • Familiarity with UN or other agencies field programmes.
Please note that all candidates should possess computer/word processing skills and should be capable of working with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
  • The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

REMUNERATION

Level carries a net salary per year (inclusive of a variable element for post adjustment) from US$ US$ (without dependants) and from US$ to US$ (with dependants)

TO APPLY: Carefully read and follow the Guidelines to applicants

Send your application to:

V.A TCEO-206-07-PRJ Attention Ms Danielle Perpoli, Office of the Service Chief, TCEO FAO Via delle Terme di Caracalla 00100 Rome ITALY Fax No: +39 06 57054941 E-mail:

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