Animal and Wildlife Health Technical Director (AWHTD) | Guatemala City, Guatemala | 2024

Chemonics International seeks interested and qualified individuals for the Animal and Wildlife Health Technical Director (AWHTD) position for the anticipated USAID-funded Global Health Security (GHS) Activity in Guatemala. USAID GHS programs provide targeted technical support to key actors and entities of partner countries, with the objective of strengthening the country’s health system and enhancing human resource capabilities. The goal of this Activity is to build Guatemala’s resilience and self-reliance to effectively prevent, mitigate, and respond to the health and economic impacts of emerging infectious disease pandemics.

The AWHTD will serve as the key technical expert and leader of the animal and wildlife health related components of this Activity. The AWHTD will be responsible for leading the animal and wildlife health technical approach and contextualizing globally recognized animal and wildlife health practices including One Health, research, and evidence to strengthen health systems and human resources of Guatemala.

The position is anticipated to be based in in Guatemala City, Guatemala. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world. Please note that hiring for this position is contingent upon the contract’s future award to Chemonics International.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the multi-sectoral leadership team and provide technical leadership in the development, modification, and implementation of a One Health approach in line with global best practices;
• Direct and oversee the animal and wildlife health team by providing guidance, support, and oversight to ensure effective collaboration and clear objective-setting toward project goals;
• Collaborate with the Local Capacity Strengthening Director to build the capacity of local partners and stakeholders to adopt and utilize animal and wildlife health technologies;
• Collaborate with government agencies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of animal and wildlife health solutions;
• Organize and participate in regular meetings with One Health partners as necessary;
• Develop and review One Health strategies and frameworks;
• Perform epidemiological analysis, risk assessment, and forecasting of health threats requiring One Health strategies and frameworks;
• Adapt existing information systems to improve collection and sharing of One Health information, such as laboratory and surveillance data, within and across sectors;
• Contribute to development of processes and procedures to formally establish a functional integrated One Health surveillance system for zoonotic diseases,
• Develop and/or strengthen One Health monitoring and evaluation systems;
• Contribute to the preparation of project-related reports, presentations, and abstracts;
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including USAID, local government, and international partners;
• Conduct research and stay abreast of latest trends and developments in animal and wildlife health and identify opportunities for new public health solutions to address emerging health challenges;
• Coordinate closely with the Chief of Party and Finance Director to ensure that AWH interventions are coordinated and aligned with program goals and budget; and
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications:

• An advanced degree in veterinary, wildlife sciences, or related animal and wildlife field; bachelor’s degree with an additional five years of experience is an acceptable substitute;
• Minimum five years of demonstrated experience in managing animal and/or wildlife health programs, or integrated health systems strengthening programs in Central America; experience in Guatemala preferred;
• Demonstrated knowledge of USAID rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as they relate to project and program compliance and reporting
• Ability and desire to work effectively with government agencies, USAID or other donors, the private sector, sub-recipients, and local partners to achieve program targets;
• Experience in public health and One Health, health governance, laboratory systems, surveillance, outbreak investigation, and/or outbreak response is required;
• Relevant professional experience working in the field of Global Health Security is preferred;
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to address programmatic and technical challenges.
• Demonstrated experience leading and professionally developing diverse teams;
• Excellent communication, presentation, and writing skills in both English and Spanish required;
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity; and
• Ability to live and work in Guatemala City, Guatemala, with travel to the Guatemalan departments as required.