Technical Advisor – Animal Health at FHI 360

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology – creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical Advisor – Animal Health

Requisition: 2020200375
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job type: Full time
Supervisor: Project Technical Advisor

Project Summary

FHI 360 seeks qualified candidates for the centers for Disease control (CDC)-funded Strengthening Global Health Security by implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) and the Global Health Security Agenda in Nigeria. The award aims to strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian health system to monitor and mitigate recurring Infectious disease outbreaks, detect and control emerging infectious diseases and improve surveillance and response systems.
The award also aims to support Nigeria to attain the goal of the A National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS), a 5-year strategic plan that was developed in 201 g by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with relevant MDA5 such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
The plan is based on the principles of’One Health’ and seeks to strengthen International Health Regulations core capacities based on gaps identified by the WHO Joint External Evaluation and other health security assessments conducted in Nigeria. Recruitment for above stated position is contingent upon successful award of the project and the selection of the final applicant Is subject to donor approval.
Collaboration for HIV Prevention Options to control the Epidemic (CHOICE) is an 1 B-month collaboration funded by USAID, in partnership with PEPFAR, through the Office of HIV/AIDS’ five-year central mechanisms: Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic control (Epici and Reaching Impact, Saturation, and Epidemic control (RISE).
The goal of this partnership is to address technical gaps and support national scale-up of antiretroviral-based HIV prevention products (collectively referred to as PrEP) in PEPFAR countries through catalytic evidence generation, translation, and research utilization. CHOICE is led by FHI 360 and Jhpiego. CHOICE harnesses collaborative engagement and research utilization expertise to increase awareness, expand access, build capacity, and support effective use of PrEP.

Basic Functions

The Technical Advisor – Animal Health will support the implementation of activities to strengthen zoonosis and AMR surveillance in animals for an anticipated CDC Global Health Security (GHS) funded project to enhance global health priorities in Nigeria with the general objective to prevent, detect, rapidly and effectively respond to public health threats of international concern including naturally occurring outbreaks and intentional or accidental releases of dangerous pathogens.
S/He will be responsible for activities related to strengthening the capacity and systems for zoonosis and AMR surveillance in animals. S/He will be based in Abuja with frequent field trips (50 percent or more) in different parts of Nigeria.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance to collect, assemble, and review data related to zoonotic diseases, AMR and AMU patterns in animals (e.g., AMR trends for the zoonotic bacteria/antibiotic combinations in broiler and layer populations).
Provide technical assistance/participate in animal health investigations (e.g., source, antibiotic use, and spread of infection)
Provide technical assistance/participate in mapping/investigating/assessing antibiotic distribution and use in food livestock.
Provide technical assistance for assessments and improvements of the veterinary reference laboratory, microbiology laboratories/surveillance sites for animal health.
Provide technical assistance for sample collection, coordination, and transport.
Conduct supportive supervision and monitoring of, and onsite coaching and mentoring to CVL and animal AMR surveillance sites.
Support the project lead to provide technical assistance to establish and make functional Animal AMR and/or One health TWG. Provide support to conduct and participate in Animal AMR and/or One Health TWG meeting or other similar governance structures.
Provide support to develop and/review all documents, guidelines, and SOP pertaining to Animal health such as surveillance plan, diagnostic SOPs
Share the findings including AMR trends to AMR stakeholders quarterly and annually with relevant regional national/international stakeholders
Provide technical assistance to prepare and submit AMR/AMU-related data and report as per the national, regional and global standard and requirements.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

DVM or PhD in Animal Science or other relevant subject with 5 – 7 years’ experience in animal health, animal science, animal production, veterinary technology, or a related area. Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist is preferred.
Or MSc/MS in Animal Science or other relevant subject with 7 – 9 years’ experience in animal health, animal science, animal production, veterinary technology, or a related area. Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist is preferred.
Or Bachelor’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Animal Science or other relevant subject with 9 – 11 years’ experience in animal health, animal science, animal production, veterinary technology, or a related area. Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist is preferred.
Demonstrated minimum of 5 years-experience in diagnostics/surveillance Epidemiology/AMR/One Health implementation.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

Experience managing USG grants including CDC grants.
Livestock management (e.g., nutrition, care, treatment, and health) with an emphasis on poultry/cattle/fishery.
How to apply principles of Biosafety and biosecurity.
Ability to communicate and coordinate with livestock producers and animal industry stakeholders.
Strong coordination, communication, and interpersonal aptitudes.
Fluency in written and spoken English
AMR and Zoonotic disease surveillance and other relevant health programs (strongly preferred)
Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance
Demonstrated strategic planning, staff development and capacity building experience.
Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex projects that span multiple countries.
Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.
Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts, and practices in project management, process development and execution.
Excellent and demonstrated public relations, policy, representation, and diplomacy skills required.
Minimum of 25 % international travel.