Animal Health Officer

Organizational Setting The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes sustainable development of the livestock sector, integrating scientific and technical expertise, policy advice, and emergency response. FAO supports Members to build and implement effective collaborative One Health strategies, addressing the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment. Location and Reporting Lines The position is located in the One Health and Disease Control Group at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The Animal Health Officer (Vaccine and Quality Assurance) reports to the Senior Animal Health Officer, Head of the Lab and Vaccine Cluster. Technical Focus and Key FunctionsSupport veterinary vaccine procurement, quality assurance, and improvement of vaccine production capacities. Research, technical analysis, and project‑related services to support the delivery of programme projects, products, and services. Produce technical information, data, statistics, reports, and input for technical documents and web pages. Provide technical support and analysis to various assessments, studies, and initiatives. Collaborate on development of improved tools, systems, processes, and databases. Participate in multidisciplinary teams and lead working groups, collaborating with other centres, divisions, offices, and agencies. Ensure the quality and effectiveness of capacity development activities within Members. Promote knowledge sharing and best practices at international meetings and conferences. Support resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.Specific FunctionsAssist with vaccine procurement and development of the FAO vaccine registration system. Support vaccine quality compliance with international standards. Harmonize guidelines for cold chain management and vaccine distribution. Build the capacity of veterinary services in vaccine handling and administration. Develop vaccine production capacities in member countries. Harmonize vaccine registration requirements with regional economic communities and international organizations. Research and innovate for new or improved vaccines in collaboration with FAO Reference Centres. Support the designation and renewal of FAO Reference Centres for animal diseases.Minimum RequirementsAdvanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in veterinary drug/vaccine, veterinary medicine, or veterinary epidemiology. Five years of relevant experience in vaccine management or quality control, vaccine research, or vaccine strategy development, including regulatory aspects. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).CompetenciesResults Focus Teamwork Communication Building Effective Relationships Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional SkillsExperience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions. Extensive experience in animal vaccine quality control and vaccine production capacity development programmes. Experience in development and management of technical projects related to animal vaccine quality control and vaccine production capacities. Familiarity with relevant vaccine standards and experience in developing vaccine programmes for infectious disease management. Experience in the analysis and formulation of relevant technical/project proposals for sustainability improvement in the livestock sector. Ability to analyse complex issues related to animal health, vaccination, and laboratory diagnostic issues from an expert point of view.Job Posting and Closure Date 26 January February 2026, 10:59:00 PM Organizational Unit and Job Type NSAStaff position Requisition Type and Grade Level ProfessionalP-3 Primary Location and Duration Italy – RomeFixed‑term: two years with possibility of extension Post Number and CCOG Code H01 FAO Commitment StatementsFAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background, and culture. Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non‑under‑represented Members, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director‑General, who may assign them to any activity or office of the Organization.Environmental Sustainability Statement FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. FAO Legal Statement 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.#J-18808-Ljbffr