Organizational Setting

The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes the sustainable transformation of animal systems for greater efficiency, inclusiveness, and resilience. NSA integrates technical expertise and international standards with policy guidance in animal health and One Health. It supports Member Nations in advancing animal health initiatives and One Health policies, driving the transformation of the livestock sector and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The position is located within the One Health and Disease Control Group (NSAH-CJW) of the Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The One Health and Disease Control Group is primarily responsible for aspects related to the prevention, detection and timely response to health threats of animal origin (transboundary animal and emerging diseases, including zoonotic, transboundary and wildlife diseases, food safety, and antimicrobial resistance). These threats impact animal health, production, trade, public health, and conservation. NSAH-CJW strengthens veterinary systems at national and regional levels, linking agriculture, public health, and ecosystem health.

The group also supports emergency response, primarily in animal health, and works within FAO Programme Priority Areas (PPAs) to promote the One Health approach, management of FAO reference centres, vaccine procurement and application, and the adoption of new technologies and innovations. These activities align with FAO's Strategic Framework (2022-31), the Four Betters, and contribute to the achievement of SDGs while fostering the sustainable transformation of livestock systems.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Animal Health Officer (Vaccine and Diagnostics) reports to the Chief, One Health and Disease Control (NSAH-CJW) with the overall guidance of the Director, Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) / FAO Chief Veterinarian.

Technical Focus

FAO's commitment to animal health, One Health and sustainable livestock transformation is realized through coordinated disease control efforts supported by supply of quality and safe veterinary vaccines, laboratory capacity building, and the engagement of FAO Reference Centers in robust disease control strategies. This approach mitigates the risk and impact of animal diseases and supports a One Health framework, acknowledging the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. Key focus areas include enhancing vaccine quality, expanding the network of reference centers, amplifying their contributions, and supporting countries in building laboratory capabilities.

Key Results

Leadership and technical policy expertise for the planning, development and implementation of divisional/cross-divisional programmes of work, projects, products, services in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

Key Functions

• Plans, manages, or leads highly specialized or multidisciplinary teams, leads, coordinates, and/or participates on Organization-wide, cross-divisional committees, project teams, and working groups, and/or provides technical leadership/secretariat services on technical networks and/or international technical policy and standard setting bodies.

• Analyzes global and country specific requirements and relevant technical issues to provide critical input into the FAO Strategic Framework, programme of work, work plans and the supporting budgets and/or resourcing strategies.

• Implements and monitors programmes of work involving the development of the approach, evidence based strategies, and related tools, methodologies and the supporting system/database, monitoring and reporting frameworks.

• Conducts, designs and oversees research and analysis' activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovation, technical reports, publications and/or on-going programme development as well as the provision of technical and/or policy advisory services.

• Provides technical and policy advice to Members and technical support to Decentralized Offices in the development and implementation of their programmes.

• Leads and/or collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Members such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning on-line tools.

• Represents the Organization at international meetings and conferences, identifies and implements strategic partnerships, advocates best practices and increased policy dialogue and develops and negotiates effective working relationships/consensus and agreements with international and national stakeholders.

• Leads and/or participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.

   

Specific Functions

• Supervises and provides guidance to the cluster on Reference Centres, vaccines, and laboratory capacity development.

• In the role of Technical Competent Officer for Vaccine (TCO-Vaccine), provides leadership and vision by implementing innovative approaches and utilizing the FAO registration system in the assessment and procurement of veterinary vaccines for Members, ensuring compliance with international standards. Enforces vaccine quality control testing for products procured by FAO.

• Provides leadership on availability of quality vaccines and their stewardship for the prevention and control of priority animal diseases including advising on the integration of vaccines into broader FAO animal health and pandemic preparedness plans.

• Conducts, coordinates and oversees site visits to vaccine manufacturing facilities to assess production processes, biosafety, biosecurity, and quality control systems, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

• Establishes and manages collaborations with research institutes, private sectors, and Reference Centres to evaluate and expedite the innovation and development of vaccines that do not meet performance standards.

• Collaborates with the other clusters on animal health prevention, preparedness and response on vaccination strategies and post-vaccination monitoring for priority animal diseases and advises FAO Members and producers to facilitate continuous improvement on proper use of vaccines and thereby contributes to the Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms (RENOFARM) initiative.

• Provides leadership and oversees the designation and renewal of FAO Reference Centres, ensuring compliance with corporate policy and agreed areas of collaboration in support to the FAO mission.

• Ensures regular follow-ups throughout the Reference Centre's five-year designation period to assess performance and compliance. Coordinates with Reference Centres to establish networks that provide cohesive support to FAO Members on priority thematic areas.

• Provides oversight to FAO's lab capacity development programme, for improving laboratory capacities in FAO member states and ensure alignment of global, regional, and national laboratory strategies to effectively address transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses.

• Strengthens partnerships and engagement: fosters strategic collaborations between FAO, its Reference Centres, regional organizations, and national stakeholders. Serves as the focal point for vaccines and laboratory-related initiatives, promoting harmonized approaches and fostering knowledge-sharing across countries and regions.

• Represents FAO in Global and Regional Forums, acts as a technical authority on laboratory systems and vaccine-related issues, participating in high-level meetings, policy dialogues, and technical consultations.

• Advocates for innovation, sustainability, and best practices in laboratory diagnostics, biosecurity, and capacity development.

• Supports the safeguarding of freedom from rinderpest through the technical guidance for management of vaccine stockpiles for Rinderpest.

• Contributes to effective liaison, integration, and synergy with NSAH-CJW clusters and hubs at headquarters and in Decentralized Offices.

• Guides, supervises and evaluates the work of the staff under his/her supervision.

• Performs other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in veterinary medicine, biosciences, microbiology, virology, vaccinology, diagnostics, immunology or related field.

• Ten years of relevant experience in animal health laboratory systems, infectious disease management, vaccine related initiatives, with a focus on transboundary diseases, including regulatory aspects, standards, and policies.

• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

   

Competencies

• Results Focus

• Leading, Engaging and Empowering

• Communication

• Partnering and Advocating

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

• Strategic Thinking

   

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.

• Extent and relevance of knowledge or experience in infectious disease control measures, including vaccines and vaccination, within multidisciplinary approaches (to disease prevention and management).

• Track record of peer-reviewed publications in field positions.

• Proven expertise in coordinating laboratory networks at the global or regional level and engaging with international and national stakeholders.

• Familiarity with FAO's animal health programs and demonstrated ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams in a multicultural environment.

• Proven experience in writing technical reports skills in English.

• Extent and relevance of experience in planning and implementation of programmes related to animal health in development organizations.

• Extent and relevance of experience in different countries and regions, especially in developing countries and countries in transition.

• Ability to mobilize resources.

• Extent and relevance of experience in organizing international meetings, seminars and training courses.

• A PhD will be considered an asset.