Animal Health Officer

Organizational context: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims to transform agrifood systems for greater efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability. The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) supports sustainable livestock development, providing expertise and policy advice. The One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH-CJW) within NSA focuses on preventing and controlling transboundary animal diseases and health threats at the human-animal-environment interface, including zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance. FAO actively supports Members in developing and implementing collaborative One Health strategies, recognizing its importance in agrifood systems transformation.
Job purpose: This role provides comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development, and implementation of divisional programs and services aligned with One Health objectives and the FAO Strategic Framework. The incumbent will lead and participate in multidisciplinary teams, develop analytical frameworks, and conduct research to support technical standards and policy proposals. Responsibilities include responding to country requests for technical assistance, backstopping field projects, and ensuring the quality of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities. The position also involves promoting international cooperation, advocating best practices, and contributing to resource mobilization efforts to advance FAO's One Health agenda.

Responsibilities:
Provide technical coordination support to the FAO One Health Technical Working Group Secretariat, fostering cross-divisional collaboration and supporting One Health implementation in agrifood systems globally, regionally, and nationally. Serve as a technical focal point for FAO's engagement with the Quadripartite Secretariat (FAO, UNEP, WHO, WOAH), contributing to joint One Health priorities and governance. Develop, refine, and apply One Health tools and methodologies, aligning with FAO's framework and the Quadripartite Joint Plan of Action. Support collaboration, advocacy, and knowledge generation initiatives, including the One Health High-Level Expert Panel. Provide technical support for national One Health capacity development, focusing on governance and action plans. Coordinate One Health activities within the branch, across divisions, and with partners. Offer technical inputs on preventing and controlling transboundary animal diseases and zoonoses within the One Health context. Support the preparation and organization of high-level events and contribute to substantive discussions. Draft high-quality technical, policy, and advocacy materials. Contribute to resource mobilization, including project proposal development. Formulate and implement projects focused on One Health in Agrifood systems. Provide global technical coordination for projects and support regional and country offices.

Education:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in biology, life sciences, or veterinary medicine is required. Seven years of relevant experience in advancing One Health in Agrifood systems, promoting multisectoral collaboration, and working with international organizations and national institutes are necessary. Proficiency in English (Level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Chinese, French, Spanish, Arabic, or Russian) are also required.
Work

experience:
Seven years of relevant experience is required, specifically in advancing One Health in Agrifood systems, promoting multisectoral collaboration, and working closely with international organizations and national institutes. Experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable. Demonstrated experience in the development and/or implementation of One Health relevant tools for disease prevention and control is also beneficial.

Skills:
Ability to lead or coordinate cross-organizational working groups on One Health activities. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with FAO's One Health in Agrifood System framework and other relevant One Health frameworks. Experience coordinating and leading programs/initiatives across UN agencies. Extensive experience supporting senior management on One Health activities. Experience in prevention and control of animal diseases under the One Health approach. Experience in project formulation and implementation. Extensive experience in preparing, editing, and revising technical/scientific documents for Governing Body meetings, and organizing meetings/workshops at various levels. Understanding of FAO policies and programs. Ability to edit and write technical content clearly and concisely, including using digital and AI tools.
Required languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish