FAO is seeking a highly motivated incumbent to support the Palestinian Veterinary Services in improving the animal disease surveillance system technically and operationally.

Tasks and responsibilities

The specialist will perform the following key functions:

•    Conduct an assessment of and prioritizes existing animal health diseases in Palestine using scientific approach this includes a literature review of national and international related documents including and not limited to PVS- OIE 2017, existing control plans, National Food Safety Strategy, as well as through consultation with key stakeholders including the Veterinary Services, public and private veterinarians, livestock owners, public health specialists and others.
•    Develop a surveillance action plan for animal health diseases including zoonotic and food products of animal origin in coordination with the Palestinian Veterinary Services.
•    Develop a list of prioritizes existing animal health diseases in Palestine in coordination and agreement with Veterinary Services and based on the assessment in the first point.
•    Develop Standard Operational Procedures (SoPs) and guidelines of at least three prioritized animal diseases active surveillance tailored to the Palestinian context in coordination with Palestinian Veterinary Services.
•    Provide coaching to the veterinarians to enhance their skills and competencies in implementing the technical guidelines and SoPs through the delivery of a two-day training course on the guidelines and SoPs and as a result of this process, the veterinary services will be piloting one of the surveillances plans, the SoPs and guidelines.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in Veterinary/Animal Health. PHD degree would be desirable.
•    At least four years of experience in Epidemiology/ Zoonotic and in animal diseases surveillance.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English Language and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other languages of the organization (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian). For PSA.SBS the working knowledge of only one language is required.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one area of work related to the topic of the assignment.
•    Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
•    Limited knowledge (level B) of Arabic language is preferable.