PPR Control Specialist
This role contributes technical expertise across a range of activities, collaborating closely with national teams in each country and with the veterinary authorities of each country.
Organizational Setting
The Animal Production and Health department provides technical assistance on animal health in Europe and Central Asia, strengthening veterinary systems and addressing health threats, trade, production efficiency and food safety.
Reporting Lines
The incumbent reports to the FAO REU Assistant Director-General and receives direct technical guidance from the FAO REU Senior Animal Production and Health Officer.
Technical Focus
Focus on Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) – a transboundary disease of small ruminants – supporting countries to achieve freedom status from the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH).
Tasks and Responsibilities
* Provide technical assistance in developing PPR contingency plans and national control strategies.
* Review current legal, institutional and technical frameworks related to PPR prevention and control.
* Examine existing PPR surveillance protocols and ensure modelling, sampling design and laboratory testing meet WOAH standards.
* Design epidemiologically sound serosurveillance protocols where none exist.
* Support national laboratories in establishing appropriate testing schemes and interpreting results.
* Assist national authorities in meeting all WOAH technical requirements for official country freedom.
* Conduct missions to assess progress and preparedness for WOAH country freedom applications.
* Write mission reports indicating pathways to successful dossier preparation.
* Perform other related duties as required.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against the Following
* Advanced university degree (Consultants) / University degree (PSA.SBS) in Veterinary Medicine or a relevant discipline from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
* Minimum 10 years of experience in PPR control programs, especially assisting countries to comply with WOAH technical requirements toward official country freedom.
* Working knowledge (level C) of English.
FAO Core Competencies
* Work experience in multiple locations or areas, notably in field locations in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
* Extensive and relevant experience in PPR control programs and providing technical support at local, national or regional levels.
* Familiarity with the work of international organisations, regional entities, and national governments.
* Excellent communication, writing and reporting skills.
Selection Criteria
* Proven experience in Central Asia and the Caucasus, particularly in transboundary animal disease control.
* Experience working with the technical requirements of WOAH for official country freedom.
Diversity & Inclusion
* FAO is committed to workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
* Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non‑and under‑represented Member states and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
* All FAO staff uphold the highest standards of integrity, professional conduct and FAO’s values.
* FAO maintains a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct 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.
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