Field Assistant (Epidemiology)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO 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.
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
•    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
•    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
•     assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
•    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
•    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  
The position is envisaged at SB III SC 5

Reporting Lines

The Field Assistant (Epidemology) will work under the overall supervision and guidance of FAO Representative in Pakistan, direct supervision of the FAO ECTAD Project Coordinator, technical guidance of the ECTAD Regional Manager in the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) and in close coordination with FAO team members at the country and regional levels.

Technical Focus

The project goal is to strengthen animal health systems in Pakistan to reduce the risks and impacts of zoonosis, emerging disease threats and bio threats through a One Health and inclusive approach. The project will focus on:
•    Enhancing national and regional One Health coordination and multisectoral collaboration among stakeholders.
•    Improving multidisciplinary workforce and institutional capacity to address animal and public health threats. 
•    Enhancing capacities of public animal health sector in preparedness and response to public health threats. 
•    Advocating and adopting evidence-based policies and strategies on veterinary public health and biosecurity practices. 

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Assist in the implementation of field-based epidemiological surveys and data collection related to zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases.
•    Monitor and report on disease outbreaks, in coordination with local veterinary services and relevant authorities.
•    Assist in the recording, compiling, and entry of epidemiological data from field activities into databases.
•    Support the analysis of field data to identify trends, disease hotspots, and patterns of disease spread.
•    Ensure timely and accurate reporting of field data to the project team.
•    Assist in training and capacity-building activities for local field teams, community animal health workers, and veterinary staff on epidemiology, surveillance, and disease reporting systems.
•    Provide logistical and technical support during training sessions and workshops.
•    Act as a liaison between the ECTAD project team, local veterinary officers, and community stakeholders.
•    Assist in organizing and participating in coordination meetings with partners and stakeholders at the local level.
•    Provide regular updates and reports to the supervisor on field activities and challenges.
•    Coordinate with local authorities and stakeholders for access to sites, transportation, and other logistical needs.
•    Ensure all field activities adhere to safety protocols, especially concerning biosecurity and personal safety.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   
 

•     DVM / Post graduate degree in Veterinary Epidemiology.
•     A minimum of 2-3 years of work experience in the field of Animal Health / One Health.
•     Working knowledge of the English language and at least one regional language of Sindh.
•     National of Pakistan.

FAO Core Competencies

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION