Technical Advisor – Animal Health at FHI 360

Supervisor:                Project Technical Advisor

Basic Functions:

The Technical Advisor - Animal Health will support the implementation of  activities to strengthen zoonosis and AMR surveillance in animals  for an anticipated  CDC Global Health Security (GHS) funded project to enhance global health priorities in Nigeria with the general objective to prevent, detect, rapidly and effectively respond to public health threats of international concern including naturally occurring outbreaks and intentional or accidental releases of dangerous pathogens. S/He will be responsible for activities related to strengthening the capacity and systems for zoonosis and AMR surveillance in animals. S/He will be based in Abuja with frequent field trips (50 percent or more) in different parts of Nigeria.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance to collect, assemble, and review data related to zoonotic diseases, AMR and AMU patterns in animals (e.g., AMR trends for the zoonotic bacteria/antibiotic combinations in broiler and layer populations).
• Provide technical assistance/participate in animal health investigations (e.g., source, antibiotic use, and spread of infection)
• Provide technical assistance/participate in mapping/investigating/assessing antibiotic distribution and use in food livestock.
• Provide technical assistance for assessments and improvements of the veterinary reference laboratory, microbiology laboratories/surveillance sites for animal health.
• Provide technical assistance for sample collection, coordination, and transport.
• Conduct supportive supervision and monitoring of, and onsite coaching and mentoring to CVL and animal AMR surveillance sites.
• Support the project lead to provide technical assistance to establish and make functional Animal AMR and/or One health TWG. Provide support to conduct and participate in Animal AMR and/or One Health TWG meeting or other similar governance structures.
• Provide support to develop and/review all documents, guidelines, and SOP pertaining to Animal health such as surveillance plan, diagnostic SOPs
• Share the findings including AMR trends to AMR stakeholders quarterly and annually with relevant regional national/international stakeholders
• Provide technical assistance to prepare and submit AMR/AMU-related data and report as per the national, regional and global standard and requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

• Experience managing USG grants including CDC grants.
• Livestock management (e.g., nutrition, care, treatment, and health) with an emphasis on poultry/cattle/fishery.
• How to apply principles of Biosafety and biosecurity.
• Ability to communicate and coordinate with livestock producers and animal industry stakeholders.
• Strong coordination, communication, and interpersonal aptitudes.
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• AMR and Zoonotic disease surveillance and other relevant health programs (strongly preferred)
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance
• Demonstrated strategic planning, staff development and capacity building experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex projects that span multiple countries.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.
• Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts, and practices in project management, process development and execution.
• Excellent and demonstrated public relations, policy, representation, and diplomacy skills required.
• Minimum of 25 % international travel.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• DVM or PhD in animal science or other relevant subject with 5 – 7 years’ experience in animal health, animal science, animal production, veterinary technology, or a related area. Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist is preferred.
• Or MSc/MS in animal science or other relevant subject with 7 – 9 years’ experience in animal health, animal science, animal production, veterinary technology, or a related area. Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist is preferred.
• Or Bachelor’s Degree or its International Equivalent in animal science or other relevant subject with 9 – 11 years’ experience in animal health, animal science, animal production, veterinary technology, or a related area. Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist is preferred.

Demonstrated minimum of 5 years-experience in diagnostics/surveillance Epidemiology/AMR/One Health implementation.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.