FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Professional Vacancy Announcement No: VA-425-09-PRJ-TCEO
Deadline For Application: 16 July 2009
Position Title Regional Manager (ECTAD) for North Africa (HPAI, TADs and EID)
Duty Station Tunis, Tunisia
Grade Level P-5
Duration Twelve months (with possibility of extension subject to the continuity of funds)
CCOG Code: 1S01
Organizational Unit Emergency Operations Service (TCEO) Emergency Operations and Rehabilitation Division (TCE) Technical Cooeration Department (TC)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the FAO Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO)/Chief, Animal Health Service (AGAH); the operational responsibility of the Chief, Emergency Operations Service (TCEO); the functional guidance of the FAO Subregional Representative for North Africa and FAO Representative in Tunisia; in close coordination with the Animal Production and Health Officer of the Regional Office for the Near East (RNE) and the Senior Officer, Infectious Diseases/EMPRES in headquarters, the incumbent will manage and coordinate the regional programme on Transboundary Animal Diseases (TAD) including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) in North Africa under the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease Operations (ECTAD). In particular he/she will:

  • lead the decentralized unit of ECTAD and coordinate and participate in the monitoring of FAO activities and outputs related to TADs, HPAI and EIDs in the region;
  • act on behalf of the FAO CVO and the FAO Assistant Director-General (ADG)/Regional Representative (RR), RNE, and represent them in dealing with the international donor community and multilateral agencies in all matters related to avian influenza control programmes and activities;
  • coordinate the design and finalization of regional programmes and project proposals following FAO/World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) agreements;
  • coordinate activities and assessments with OlE members of OIE/FAO Animal Health Centres;
  • assist the CVO and the ADG/RR, RNE, to closely monitor the progress of coordination mechanisms being put into place within the UN system to address the HPAI threat, other TADs and EIDs; and liaise regularly with other UN and international agencies to ensure timely and relevant participation of FAO in the process;
  • assist ECTAD to collate and analyse information on HPAI, TAD and other emerging animal health issues and advise on political and strategic matters of importance to the Organization;
  • facilitate ECTAD activities and maintain frequent contacts with the Emergency Operations Service, TCEO; Livestock Information, Sector Analysis and Policy Service (AGAL); Animal Production Service (AGAP); Communication Division (KCI); Human Resources Management Division (AFH) and Crisis Management Centre (CMC) rapid deployment teams in the region;
  • maintain direct links with member countries in the region and regional specialized organizations and advise the governments on any technical mailers related to their national HPAI prevention and control programme;
  • ensure dissemination of information through the appropriate channels within FAO in order to ensure that the whole Organization conveys a harmonized message on avian influenza (including liaison activities with WHO, UNICEF and other UN Agencies);
  • coordinate the preparation and updating of briefs, speeches, presentations, reports and public information material, and participate in the preparation of press releases;
  • respond to or re-direct requests for information from the public and the press and/or obtain clearance from the FAO CVO;
  • undertake missions and field visits, including participation in CMC rapid deployment teams;
  • identify issues and initiate activities to HPAI or TADs or EIDs in the region;
  • perform other related duties as required.
  • **APPOINTMENT/PROMOTION TO THE POST IS TEMPORARY AS ITS DURATION IS FOR ONE YEAR,
  • WITH POSSIBILITY OF EXTENSION

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should meet the following:

  • University degree in veterinary science, supplemented by post graduate degree in a relevant field from a recognized university
  • Ten years of relevant experience in the management of transboundary animal diseases control programmes comprising both field and laboratory experience
  • Working knowledge of English and French.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Candidates will be assessed against the following:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the poultry sector and animal health sector in North Africa or in the Near East and good understanding of poultry and animal health diseases including practical work experience (both field and laboratory in disease management;
  • Proven managerial and coordination skills for large programmes including ability to develop proposals and mobilize resources;
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
  • Excellent experience in negotiating with international, governmental and similar organizations;
  • Excellent communication skills both oral and written as well as diplomatic skills;
  • Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams in a multicultural setting;
  • Familiarity with UN or other agencies’ field programmes;
  • Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

Please note that all candidates should possess computer/word processing skills and should be capable of working with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
* The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

REMUNERATION

Level carries a net salary per year (inclusive of a variable element for post adjustment) from US$ US$ (without dependants) and from US$ to US$ (with dependants)

TO APPLY: Carefully read and follow the Guidelines to applicants

Send your application to:

V.A 425-09--PRJ-TCEO
Ms Cristina Amaral Chief, Emergency Operations Service (TCEO)
FAO Via delle Terme di Caracalla 00100 Rome ITALY
Fax No: +39 06 570 54941
E-mail: VA-425-09-PRJ-TCEO@fao.org

This vacancy is open to male and female candidates. Applications from qualified women candidates and applications from qualified candidates from non/under-represented member states are encouraged. Please note that FAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director-General and may be assigned to any activities or office of the organization.

  FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

  Post Number: N- ** Unidentified