Animal Influenza (OFFLU) Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems - for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes the sustainable development of the livestock sector by integrating scientific expertise and policy support, contributing to FAO’s strategic objectives and Members’ priorities.

The assignment will be carried out within the One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH-CJW), which leads FAO’s work on transboundary animal diseases, surveillance and early warning through the Emergency Prevention System for Animal Health (EMPRES-AH). Within this framework, FAO co-leads, with the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the WOAH/FAO Network of Expertise on Animal Influenza (OFFLU) bringing together reference laboratories, scientists and partners to support the prevention and control of animal influenzas.

Reporting Lines

The consultant will report to the Animal Health Officer (Global Surveillance Coordinator) under the overall guidance of the Chief of the One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH CJW), the Senior Animal Health Officer (EMPRES-AH) and the technical supervision of the OFFLU focal point. The consultant will work in close coordination with other teams including the laboratory unit.

Technical Focus

Provide technical and scientific support to Avian Influenza surveillance activities, with a primary focus on the coordination and delivery of OFFLU activities related to animal influenza prevention, detection, analysis and global data sharing.

Tasks and responsibilities

The consultant will contribute to the achievement of FAO and OFFLU strategic objectives, including:

•     Scientific coordination and technical support
o    Support implementation and delivery of OFFLU technical activities and workplans;
o    Contribute to the review, updating and implementation of OFFLU strategic and technical frameworks, and the FAO–WOAH global avian influenza strategy;
o    Identify research gaps, avoid duplication and promote innovation in influenza research and surveillance;
o    Provide technical input to global and regional initiatives on animal influenza, including Tripartite/Quadripartite processes;
o    Contribute to strengthening laboratory capacity and molecular surveillance for influenza and emerging pathogens.
•     Data analysis, bioinformatics and surveillance
o    Support collection and analysis of genetic, antigenic and epidemiological influenza data from OFFLU networks;
o    Contribute to bioinformatics analysis, phylogenetics and interpretation of molecular markers for risk assessment;
o    Support the development of data-sharing mechanisms and platforms, including considerations related to the Nagoya Protocol;
o    Contribute to the development of modules within EMPRES‑i related to genomic epidemiology.
•     Global coordination and partnerships
o    Support coordination of OFFLU technical groups and liaise with reference laboratories and partners;
o    Facilitate information sharing across regional laboratory and epidemiology networks;
o    Strengthen collaboration with international partners including WOAH, WHO and research institutions;
o    Contribute to the organization of OFFLU meetings, technical consultations and global conferences.
•     Vaccine composition and global risk assessment processes
o    Contribute to OFFLU inputs to the WHO Influenza Vaccine Composition Meetings (VCM), including data collection and analysis and preparation of technical reports;
o    Conduct advanced analysis of genetic and antigenic data to inform vaccine strain selection and risk assessment;
o    Support development of an animal health vaccine composition process including OFFLU’s Avian Influenza Matching (AIM) to support counties in their avian influenza vaccine strain selection.
•     Knowledge products and communication
o    Contribute to drafting scientific publications, reports, statements and policy documents;
o    Support development of communication materials and OFFLU web content;
o    Assist in updating technical guidelines (e.g. cleavage site documents, diagnostic tools).
•     Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in veterinary or biological sciences and relevant post-graduate training or experience in virology, laboratory diagnostics and bioinformatics, with focus on animal influenza viruses
o    Relevant experience in animal influenza, epidemiology networks, molecular epidemiology, bioinformatics or related fields; 
o    Experience working with international organizations, scientific networks, or research institutions;
•     At least 1 year (Category C), 5 years (Category B), or 10 years (Category A) of relevant professional experience in bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology.;
•     Working knowledge of English (level C), knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Strong demonstrable expertise in bioinformatics or molecular epidemiology 
•     Extent and relevance of experience in analyzing and interpreting genomic and antigenic data; 
•     Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating multi-partner scientific networks and processes; 
•     Strong communication skills for scientific and policy-oriented outputs; 
•     Ability to work independently and as part of a team and meet deadlines

Selection Criteria 
•     Based on requirements, competencies and skills.