Animal Health Specialist

Organizational SettingThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.Specifically, FAO Country Offices advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate. provide technical assistance and deliver core services. assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation. position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.Description of the projectThe Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations is implementing a project for improving the country’s preparedness and response to emerging health threats. This project is in alignment with Regional Priority 1 (Transforming Agrifood systems for sustainable production and healthy diets), with a particular focus on Regional Initiative 3 (Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture). The project will be implemented in St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda over a period of 3 years. The project will specifically focus on strengthening surveillance and diagnostics for veterinary and zoonotic pathogens and strengthening the human resource capacity of the veterinary services in the OECS.The Caribbean region faces complex animal health challenges, including zoonotic diseases, limited surveillance capacity, increasing animal and public health risks, and the need for stronger pandemic preparedness and response systems. Strengthening veterinary services, One Health coordination, early warning systems, and disease intelligence is essential for preventing and managing emerging and re emerging threats.The Animal Health Specialist will support the implementation of regional and national initiatives to improve surveillance, diagnostics, zoonotic disease management, pandemic preparedness, One Health coordination, and animal health governance in the Caribbean.Reporting LinesUnder the overall supervision of the FAO Subregional Representative for the Caribbean, and the technical guidance and day-to-day oversight of the Lead Technical Officer, and in close collaboration with government counterparts and FAO teams, the Consultant will provide technical and operational support to the timely and efficient implementation of SLC programmes and projects.Technical FocusAnimal health, zoonotic disease surveillance and control, early warning systems, One Health coordination, project coordination, capacity development, and technical support to FAO animal health programmes in the Caribbean.Tasks And Responsibilities Provide technical coordination and support to the “Strengthening Pandemic Prevention and Control in Eastern Caribbean Countries” project. Support all animal health activities in the SLC Office in collaboration with HQ and decentralized offices. Maintain day‑to‑day communication with country teams and provide timely technical advice. Conduct assessments and deliver online or in‑person training on zoonoses and other animal health topics. Develop and review technical documents, training materials, publications, briefs, factsheets, and presentations. Prepare draft administrative documents including LOAs, Terms of Reference, correspondence, and oversee the work of consultants and service providers. Coordinate field‑level project activities, including budget tracking and providing operational support. Support administrative and operational staff with planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of annual work plans, procurement plans, travel plans, and HR plans. Coordinate with administrative staff to ensure timely and compliant travel, procurement, HR and financial processes. Support the organization of project meetings, participate, take notes, and prepare reports. Contribute to the preparation of progress reports for donors, SLC, HQ and regional offices. Provide technical support and review of assessments, studies, and project deliverables conducted by independent and FAO consultants. Promote knowledge sharing and best practices at meetings and stakeholder consultations. Participate in partner coordination meetings and activities. Support resource mobilization efforts, including drafting concept notes and project proposals aligned with government priorities. Participate in assessments of veterinary services, legal frameworks, and disease surveillance and management systems. Identify strategies to improve integration of national health information systems across human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors. Provide technical guidance on early warning and disease intelligence, including improving reporting systems, supporting adoption of reporting tools, and strengthening data capture and sharing. Coordinate the development and delivery of applied training activities related to early warning systems. Contribute to publications and presentations on disease information systems, risk assessment, and early warning. Participate in interview panels for the recruitment of affiliate personnel (but not staff members) Perform any other duties supporting the animal health portfolio of the SLC Office.FAO Standards And Guidelines Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes. All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including:FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/enFAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmediaSocial Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044enFAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081enFAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faotermFAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/enStory guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section.CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum Requirements Advanced university degree in Animal Health, One Health, Animal Health Surveillance, Public Health, emergency management, or other relevant livestock sciences.An undergraduate degree with an additional two (2) years of relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree. At least five (5) years of relevant experience in surveillance, animal disease diagnostics, zoonotic disease surveillance, policy dialogue, and partnership building related to animal and public health. Working knowledge of English.FAO Core Competencies Results Focus Teamwork Communication Building Effective Relationships Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional Skills Experience working in the Caribbean or Small Island Developing States is an asset. Practical experience in animal health surveillance, diagnostics, and emergency response systems. Knowledge of international standards related to animal health (e.g., WOAH, Codex). Experience with project coordination, work planning, and reporting. Demonstrated ability to engage with government counterparts and partners. Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.Selection Criteria Knowledge of the livestock sector in the Caribbean. Caribbean residents are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset. Demonstrated experience in animal health surveillance, zoonotic disease diagnostics, emergency management and veterinary public health. Knowledge of biosafety and biosecurity principles relevant to field and laboratory settings. Experience working in the Caribbean or similar environments, with understanding of regional livestock systems. Strong skills in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and preparation of technical reports or training materials. Registration or license to practice in a relevant field (e.g., veterinary medicine or public health), where applicable. Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with government and technical partners.Call For Expressions Of Interest - Vacancy AnnouncementJob Posting02/Mar/2026Closure Date16/Mar/2026, 5:59:00 PMOrganizational UnitSLC - Subregional Office for the CaribbeanJob TypeNon-staff opportunitiesType of RequisitionConsultantGrade LevelN/APrimary LocationBarbadosDuration11 monthsPost NumberN/AIMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture. Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply; Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.