Technical Assistant

Organizational Setting

The main aim of FAO Country Offices, headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner. FAO Lao PDR assists the Government in the development and implementation of field projects in the sectors of food security, agriculture, and rural development. This requires the integration within the broader framework of sustainable food and agriculture that aims at increasing production and productivity, addressing climate change, and managing natural resources; and enhance rural livelihoods.
The Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) unit in FAO Lao PDR is dedicated to working with the Government in preventing and controlling emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases, by working closely with national stakeholders in the animal production and health sector.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Assistant will report directly to the ECTAD Country Team Leader, Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease (ECTAD), Lao PDR, under the operational guidance of the Operations Officer and the overall administrative and functional guidance of the FAO Representative in Lao PDR. The incumbent will closely collaborate with ECTAD- FAO staff as well as with government counterparts at national and provincial level and other implementing partners and stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will be responsible for provide technical support focusing on AMR/AMU and facilate/coordinate with government counterparts and partners.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF) and relevant partners to implement activities related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) research, including surveillance and technical training;
• Support engagement, coordination and communication between DLF, the National Animal Health laboratory (NAHL) and Provincial Agriculture and Forestry offices for smooth implementation of AMR and AMU activities;
• Support technical capacity building of NAHL staff on bacteriology and AMR;
• Coordinate and collaborate with partners and relevant stakeholders in the country to ensure harmonious efforts for AMR and AMU research, including facilitating the dialogue between FAO, central and local authorities and the private sector as well as monitoring progress of activities conducted by implementing partners;
• Assist with data collection and analysis of AMR surveillance and AMR/AMU studies;
• Support organizing national/sub-national level trainings, workshop and meetings related to AMR, AMU and One Health;
• Assist the Administration Assistant with procurement of reagents and equipment and logistics arrangement.
• Assist the ECTAD team members with preparing Letters of Agreement and relevant reports for all projects and programmes,
• Provide technical inputs for reviewing materials fitting to country contexts, such as training materials, guidelines, information, education and communication (IEC) materials etc.;
• Work closely with other team members in the country office and RAP to collate and disseminate necessary information;
• Perform other related duties as required;

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University Degree in Veterinary, Animal Health, Livestock or a relevant field.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in Laboratory, Project coordination or relevant filed on livestock and/or One Health approach
• Working knowledge of English
• Nationals of Lao

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Computer literacy: proficient Microsoft Office word and excel applications.
• Extent and relevance of experience in project implementation and administration support in UN agencies would be an asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION