Profile Requirements: SAHSP II EPIDEMIOLOGY ADVISOR (Project OSRO/SOM/710/EC)
Background
The Somali Animal Health Services Project Phase II (SAHSP II) is funded by the European Commission (EC) and implemented by a consortium of organizations comprising Terra Nuova (Lead Agency), COOPI, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, UNA and VSF-Germany. The Project aims to strengthen the capacity of Somali communities, public and private sector institutions to better manage risks associated with trade limiting animal diseases particularly trans-boundary animal diseases and some zoonoses. The Project will operate country-wide with four field offices located in Somaliland, Puntland, Central Somalia and Southern Somalia with a Project Management Unit (PMU) initially located in Nairobi, Kenya.
Under the general supervision of the Chief, Special Emergency Programmes Service (TCES), under the direct supervision of the Somalia Officer-in-Charge and in close coordination with the SAHSP Chief Technical Advisor and technical supervision of the technical services concerned (AGAP), the consultant will be required to:
- advise and guide the SAHSP II National Epidemiologist during the first six months of engagement and later progressively hand over the responsibilities of the Project Epidemiologist to the National Epidemiologist;
- provide technical support and training to the SAHSP II National Epidemiologist and field personnel in all epidemiological activities including disease investigations, diagnosis and response interventions, data entry, data analysis, maintenance of databases, interpretation and presentation of epidemiological data, preparation of presentations and training materials, training in epidemiology and disease surveillance, technical reports and budgets;
- advise and supervise the preparation of databases and samples by the National Epidemiologist for submission to the laboratory.
- develop and implement country-wide strategies for Rinderpest eradication, disease surveillance and early warning for key trade limiting animal diseases;
- organize and plan the field implementation of SAHSP II epidemiological activities;
- provide technical support for preparation of animal disease preparedness and specific contingency plans and the preparation of disease control strategies for key trade limiting diseases;
- provide technical backstopping to assist SAHSP II Area Veterinary Coordinators, Field Veterinary Officers and other SAHSP II staff and counterpart institutions in planning, implementation and monitoring of relevant activities at the field level;
- organize the customisation of TADinfo and the introduction of WAHID for use in Somalia, training of EDMU staff on their use and the preparation of regular disease reports for submission by the Somali Veterinary authorities to OIE, FAO and IBAR;
- carry out, in collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, the National Epidemiologist and the Chief Technical Advisor, negotiations on relevant technical matters affecting SAHSP II implementation with other organisations in Somalia and in the region;
- organize and coordinate the aerial survey work covering two pilot areas in the dry season, followed by a repeat aerial survey during the wet season;
- represent SAHSP II on delegation by the Chief Technical Advisor at regional, pan-African and international forums and symposiums;
- supervise the SAHSP II project activities in absence of the Chief Technical Advisor and the SAHSP II National Coordinator;
- perform other related duties and activities upon instruction from the Chief of TCES and the Officer-in-Charge for Somalia.
The consultant will adhere to the Terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between Terra Nuova, FAO, UNA, VSF-Germany and COOPI governing the implementation of the SAHSP project.
Minimum Requirements
- University degree in Veterinary Medicine, with a post-graduate qualification in veterinary epidemiology or statistics and proven experience in disease modelling;
- Good knowledge of epidemiology and diagnosis, management and control of key trade limiting diseases of livestock and at least three years experience in GIS based livestock disease surveillance techniques;
- Ability to liaise and communicate with international partners and organizations as well as with government, local authorities, public and private sector service providers, pastoral communities and other key livestock sector stakeholders;
- Skills in project management with experience in pastoral livestock production systems and in planning, organizing and implementation of field research and activities;
- Good team building and leadership skills and good oral and written communication skills in English.
- Computer literacy with a good knowledge of manual and electronic data entry and word processing packages, database management, utilisation of statistical packages and geographical information systems (GIS) software. Specific knowledge of the PACE Integrated database (PID/ARIS), TADInfo and WAHID will be an asset;
A thorough understanding and experience of the Somali ecosystem and its dynamics and of the Somali socio-political situation is an asset.
Duty station
Nairobi (Kenya) with frequent travel to Somalia
Duration
Eleven months
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