FAO
FAO-ECTAD is implementing the project “Supporting the Global Health Security Program (GHSP) to address Zoonotic Disease and Animal Health in Africa” with funding from the United States Government USAID. The programme primarily supports the Government of Nigeria, especially the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), to enhance capacities to deal with endemic, emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which is a global threat that requires a coordinated and collaborative ”One Health” approach across the human-animal-environment interface.
The support is based on the guidelines as provided by the Country Programming Framework (CPF, 2023-2027). The current Nigeria CPF has four priority areas: 1) Sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems for improved productivity; 2) Increasing resilience of food and agriculture based livelihood systems; 3) Healthy and nutritious diets; 4) Sustainable natural resource management and climate action. The project is aligned to the FAO Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2021–2025 as well as the newly launched Nigeria National Action Plan for AMR.
The incumbent’s tasks will mainly contribute to the first priority area of the CPF. The position is in the FAO Representation in Abuja, Nigeria.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the Senior Animal Health Officer/ ECTAD Global Programme Coordinator (NSAH), the functional and administrative supervision of the FAO Representative in Nigeria, the direct supervision of the ECTAD Country Team Leader in Nigeria, and technical backstopping of the ECTAD regional team for West & Central Africa, the National AMR Specialist will undertake the following tasks.
Tasks And Responsibilities
- Coordinate implementation of the AMR component of the GHS Programme
- Facilitate implementation of the national action plan (NAP) on AMR to reduce the threat of AMR in the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors;
- Collaborate with relevant national authorities to support implementation of existing surveillance systems and capacity building of existing laboratories for the diagnosis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), based on identified gaps;
- Facilitate the operationalization of One Health coordination platforms such as the National and sub-national AMR Committees by supporting routine meetings and other technical matters of importance to AMR Coordination Committees (AMRCC);
- Support generation of evidence to support AMR National policies;
- Support implementation of good practices to reduce AMR;
- Support development of legal frameworks, guidelines, and manuals to support antimicrobial prudent use, farm biosecurity, and good animal source food processing practices that reduce AMR;
- Adapt existing advocacy tools to the country’s situation and support AMR awareness campaigns through the One Health approach;
- Support resource mobilization efforts on OH, food safety and Anti-Microbial Resistance/Antimicrobial Use;
- Support the implementation of the FAO AMR action plan (2021-2025) including FAO tools (FAO Progressive Management Pathway, FAO Assessment Tool for Laboratories and Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Systems) and flagship initiatives (FAO Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring (InFARM) System and the Reduce the Need Initiative (RENOFARM).
- Engage and collaborate with relevant national authorities, institutions, organizations and stakeholders including the World Health Organization (WHO), World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and UNEP to promote Quadripartite collaboration in support of the implementation of the GAP on AMR;
- Produce periodic reports on project implementation status;
- Any other activity requested per the supervisor.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- National of Nigeria
- Advanced University degree (Master’s or PhD) in Veterinary Medicine, Animal Sciences, Agriculture Sciences, or any other related field; preferably with specialization in microbiology or AMR
- Five (5) years of relevant experience in animal health project implementation, multisectoral coordination and research in Nigeria, with at least one year of AMR/AMU surveillance and awareness experience.
- Working knowledge (level C) of English
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and functions of the technical programme, operational guidelines and project/programme management procedures, guiding the GHS programme
- Familiarity and proficiency in animal disease management and AMR activities.
- Experience with team or project management.
- Relevant experience with internationally funded projects.
- Experience with standard MS Office software, especially Word and Excel.
- Experience in organizing and facilitating stakeholder consultative meetings and preparation of reports/ proceedings
- Demonstrated skill in writing/ and editing of technical/scientific papers and manuscripts, Systematic reviews and technical reports
- Good interpersonal skills
- Relevant experience in all aspects of proposal development and project management
- Relevant experience in the data collection and policy analysis relating to AMR & AMU in food & agriculture systems
- Experience in stakeholder engagements in One Health approach for combatting AMR is an asset.
- Knowledge and experience in a veterinary laboratory would be an asset.
- Relevant experience with UN agencies, especially FAO.
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.
Job Posting
12/Dec/2023
Closure Date
26/Dec/2023, 11:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit
FRNIR – FAO Representation in Nigeria
Job Type
Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition
NPP (National Project Personnel)
Grade Level
N/A
Primary Location
Nigeria-Abuja
Duration
6 months
Post Number
N/A
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
- 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
To apply for this job please visit jobs.fao.org.