National Epidemiologist

Organizational Setting

FAO Representation in Sierra Leone implements an integrated food security programme, focusing on diversification of livelihoods, managing natural resources and building resilience. The office employs diverse team of experts locally, but also attracts the available technical experts from the region and the Head Quarters (HQ). FAO works in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, farmers and other stakeholders, supporting plans and policies that affect the food and nutrition security in the country; our work is a part of the corporate commitment to support countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2 on Zero Hunger.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone.

Tasks and responsibilities

Within the framework of the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease programme (ECTAD), the overall policy and technical guidance of the Senior Animal Health Officer/ECTAD Global Programme Coordinator, in line with the programme management guidance from the Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer/ECTAD Global Programme Budget Holder (OER), the functional and administrative supervision of the FAO Representative in Sierra Leone, the direct supervision of the ECTAD Country Team Leader in Sierra Leone, the technical guidance of Regional Epidemiologist for ECTAD Western and Central Africa, and in close collaboration with the ECTAD team in Sierra Leone , the National Epidemiologist will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:
• Contribute to the development/review of country strategies/emergency preparedness and response plans and/or programs for the management of high-impact priority zoonotic diseases (PZDs), as well as emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases in line with the national priorities as defined by the country CPF and FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31.
• Support the design, coordination, and implementation of surveillance activities relevant to PZDs as well as emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases, to mitigate the high (current/potential) impact of diseases in Sierra Leone. These include:

• Contribute to the preparation of program work plans and detailed implementation plans (DIPs).
• Coordinate technical workshops to improve epidemiological activities/AH interventions in the country targeting innovative approaches addressing national and regional priority diseases.
• Support appropriate stakeholder workshops and facilitate discussion and development of a surveillance approach that addresses national and regional priority diseases to target through a surveillance program.
• Facilitate and assist in the implementation of the recommendations of assessment missions of the national surveillance system (SET, EMT, JRA, etc.).
• Contribute to the development and implementation of surveillance protocols in targeted livestock farming systems, relevant value food chains, and at domestic animals-wildlife interfaces.
• Plan, organize, and implement capacity development of in-service professionals using field epidemiology training and participatory epidemiology approaches targeting veterinarians, animal health technicians, community animal health workers, farmers, and where appropriate, public health or other stakeholders/partner.
• Conduct risk assessments at human/livestock/wildlife interface and supervise in-country expert missions on epidemiological missions to ensure the success of the missions.

• Support implementation of AMR/AMU surveillance activities in collaboration with the AMR Project Coordinator.
• Organize stakeholders’ meetings and lead the process for the development of animal health and related policy frameworks/instruments in Sierra Leone.
• In close consultation with relevant sectors and stakeholders support the operationalization of the epidemiological component of the national One Health platform aiming at multi-sectoral collaboration.
• In close consultation with relevant sectors and stakeholders initiate the adoption and roll-out of In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) programme.
• Facilitate closer linkages of the GHS project with relevant Ministries, particularly with MAFS and other technical partners (PREDICT, Breakthrough Action, WHO etc.).
• Provide regular updates on project activities and prepare web articles on technical accomplishments as needed, including scientific publications in a peer reviewed journal.
• Provide regular updates on TADs epidemiology situation in the country to ECTAD CTL, Regional Office in Accra, and GLEWS of any significant epidemiological events and contribute to epidemiological intelligence at national and regional level.
• Support and strengthen a functional national epidemiology and laboratory networks.
• Participate in animal health emergency preparedness and contingency planning exercises, simulation exercises such as discussion (table-top etc.), and/or operational (field etc.) exercises.
• Contribute to the preparation of regular project reports for FAO, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts through developing project concept notes and proposals that aim to mitigate the impacts of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (rEIDs), non-zoonotic diseases, and AMR.
• Submit a final technical report upon completion of the assignment to the ECTAD CTL and FAOR.
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine or Animal Sciences with a post-graduate training in Epidemiology or related field.
• At least five years of relevant experience of the prevention and control of priority zoonotic diseases, high impact emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases in Sierra Leone.
• Working knowledge of English.
• Citizen of Sierra Leone.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection criteria

• Knowledge of the Sierra Leone animal health system.
• Extensive experience animal health surveillance, data analysis and risk assessment.
• Experience working with Government.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION