Veterinary Epidemiologist

Join to apply for the Veterinary Epidemiologist role at FAO The tasks envisaged for this assignment are to be carried out through the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), which is currently implementing several projects in various countries and regions. Within the ECTAD framework, the Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) is closely working with the Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER) to support various aspects of the animal health and One Health programmes of FAO. Reporting Lines Assignments are envisaged for various roles and locations requiring different levels of technical expertise. Depending on the specific role and duty station, the epidemiologist will work under the policy and technical guidance of the Senior Animal Health Officer/ECTAD Global Programme Coordinator (NSAH-CJW), the functional and administrative supervision of the Assistant Director General/Regional Representative or FAO Country Representative, the direct supervision of the ECTAD Country Team Leader or an ECTAD Regional Manager, in collaboration with other relevant ECTAD teams, technical units of NSAH-CJW and Animal Production and Health Officers in the Regional, sub-Regional and Country offices. Technical Focus Technical support and guidance on risk assessments including systems characterisation and value chain mapping and analyses, planning and evaluation of epidemiological surveillance, contingency planning and simulation exercises and various other epidemiology capacity development activities in target countries. Tasks and Responsibilities Lead the development and implementation of work plans relevant to workforce capacity development, surveillance, risk assessment, early warning and preparedness in alignment with regional and global guidelines and strategies such as the Global Framework for the Progressive Control Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) and Tripartite Zoonoses Guide. Support assessment of epidemiological surveillance capacities in target country(ies) using relevant FAO tools such as the Surveillance Evaluation Tool (SET) and Epidemiology Mapping Tool (EMT). Develop, update and harmonize regional/national surveillance strategies and plans, and provide technical support for capacity development where required based on the assessment results. Support and coordinate training programmes appropriate to the countries or regions including: ISAVET, FETP-V, PDS/R, Participatory Epidemiology (PE), and Community Animal Health Worker (CAHW) training programmes and outreach. Provide technical support for the development and review of curricula for epidemiology capacity building at various levels of workforce where required. In close collaboration with GLEWS and EMPRES technical teams at FAO headquarters, support the implementation and evaluation of FAO tools and frameworks related to disease prevention, preparedness and response such as the EMA-i, the Early Warning Framework and the PMP-TAB. Provide guidance and support to target countries on the use of mobile-based applications for surveillance data collection, analyses and sharing of results. Provide guidance and technical support for the design and implementation of risk assessment in the context of farming systems, value chain studies, disease ecology and the livestock-wildlife-human interface. Support spatial disease and risk factor analysis for spill-over, spread and persistence of priority zoonotic diseases including risk modeling and other related activities. Coordinate and participate in emergency preparedness, simulation exercises and rapid response planning and missions in collaboration with EMC and ECTAD regional and country teams. Support and backstop FAO ECTAD’s work on epidemiological value chains, animal mobility studies and assist in adapting approaches to other regions/countries. Contribute to the One Health multi-sectoral coordination and partnerships. Participate, when required, in JEE, PVS, and One Health disease prioritization missions/process evaluations to ensure needs of the animal health sector are reflected in the One Health approach. Serve as focal point with Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on matters relevant to surveillance capacity building, regional animal health networking, and animal welfare. Enhance One Health multi-sectoral collaboration with sectors such as public health, wildlife, environment, and education regarding zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance/use (AMR/U) using available tools and guidelines. Prepare regular epidemiological updates and timely situation reports on major diseases in target countries and sub-regions in Africa or Asia. Perform other key activities in global, regional or in-country ECTAD Units and attend regular coordination meetings to share activity reports, challenges, and lessons learned. Contribute to ECTAD resource mobilization through project concept notes and fundable proposals and to progress reports and publications as appropriate. Support data collection, storage, analysis and publication from field surveillance activities; contribute to project reporting required by governments, FAO and donors. Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Requirements University degree in veterinary or biological sciences or related fields. At least 2 years (Category C), 5 years (Category B) or 10 years (Category A) of relevant experience in the management and implementation of infectious disease control programmes, preferably in developing countries. Working knowledge of English (level C) and limited knowledge (level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish). 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, particularly in field positions is desirable. Extent and relevance of experience at international level. Ability to write briefs and reports. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Familiarity with FAO policies and programmes and systems is desirable. Selection Criteria Relevant post-graduate training or experience in epidemiology or disease ecology. Call For Expressions Of Interest - Vacancy Announcement Job Posting: 04/Sep/2025 Closure Date: 28/Sep/2025, 11:59:00 PM Organizational Unit : OER - Office of Emergencies and Resilience Job Type : Non-staff opportunities Type of Requisition : Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement) Seniority level : Mid-Senior level Primary Location : Various Locations Duration : Up to 11 months FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. Important notices: FAO is committed to workforce diversity and encourages applications from women, nationals of under-represented Members and persons with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo background checks and all applications will be treated with confidentiality. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at FAO. Get notified about new Epidemiologist jobs in Rome, Latium, Italy. J-18808-Ljbffr

Location: Roma, Lazio, IT

Posted Date: 9/17/2025