Organizational Setting

The FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) Regional and Country Teams are dedicated to working with governments in preventing and controlling transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases and other animal health threats by working closely with national and international stakeholders in the animal production and health sectors. The tasks envisaged for this consultancy are to be carried out through the FAO ECTAD which is currently implementing a number of projects in various countries in Asia and the Pacific, including Thailand.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be under the overall supervision of the Regional Manager of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in the FAO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), with administrative guidance of the project Budget Holder, and work in close collaboration with the Projects Coordinators and the FAO team members at regional and country levels.

Technical Focus

The National Animal Health Specialist will be tasked to coordinate and facilitate the implementation of activities of relevant projects for which Thailand is a beneficiary country. These projects are contributing to the Better Production Programme Priority Area 3 (One Health), the Better Life Programme Priority Area 3 (Agriculture and Food Emergencies) and the Regional Priority One (Transforming agrifood systems for sustainable production and healthy diets) with a focus on strengthening animal health systems for biological threat reduction in Southeast Asia.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Serve as a key contact person for the overall implementation of project activities implemented in Thailand, ensuring close coordination between FAO RAP, relevant Ministries of the Royal Thai Government (RTG), and other relevant partners and stakeholders.
•    Coordinate the preparation of a joint country work plan for Thailand, of projects quarterly and annual reports and of relevant communication and outreach products such as briefs, speeches, presentations, reports, and public information materials related to the projects.
•    Monitor progress against the work plan by tracking activities and targets with periodical review and revision as necessary.
•    Assist in ensuring a programmatic approach in addressing issues pertaining to the livestock sector which includes prevention of, detection of, and response to transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
•    Provide technical and coordination support in the preparations and rollout of capacity building activities, workshops (including inception and terminal workshops), trainings and other events identified in the projects in close coordination with Government counterparts and all projects’ partners.
•    Establish and develop contacts and working arrangements with appropriate personnel of the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) of the Thai Government, other project partners and other relevant stakeholder, and provide regular updates on planning, monitoring and key developments.
•    Provide regular update on country’s animal health situation, including AMR, and related control measures.
•    Develop productive and efficient collaborations with other team members at FAO RAP and assist the ECTAD Regional Manager and the Projects Coordinators in organizing strategic and technical meetings for the exchange of information and the coordination of project activities.
•    Work in close collaboration with other FAO RAP team members to ensure timely planning and effective implementation of projects activities, to optimize the use of financial and human resources across projects and in alignment with a strong team ethic.
•    Contribute to development and production of advocacy and communication materials to promote and enhance visibility of the project, FAO, and its resource partner.
•    Perform any other related duties as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, animal science, microbiology or other related fields.
•    Five years of relevant experience in planning, implementing projects related to agriculture, rural development and animal health/livestock development.
•    Experience in managing or coordinating projects, especially those related to animal health and transboundary animal diseases.
•    Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and Thai.
•    National of Thailand.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in project management and coordination, particularly in a multi-stakeholder environment involving government agencies, international organizations, and other partners.
•    Familiarity with United Nations System and/or FAO’s programming mechanisms.
•    Strong organizational and project management skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION