Senior Technical Specialist

FHI 360 Nepal

Vacancy Announcement

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 currently seeking qualified candidate for the position of Senior Technical Specialist-Animal Health

Project Description:

FHI 360 seeks Senior Technical Specialist-Animal Health for an anticipated The Fleming Fund Country Grant for Nepal—Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Nepal. The Country Grant will address critical gaps in surveillance of antibiotic resistant bacteria in Nepal. This grant will support implementation of national plans for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance and will focus on a selected number of AMR surveillance sites in close coordination with the Antimicrobial Resistance Containment Multi-sectoral and Steering Committee (AMRCSC) in Nepal, One Health AMR/Antimicrobial Use (AMU) Surveillance Technical Working Group (TWG), AMR/AMU TWG-Human and Animal, National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL), participating AMR/AMU surveillance sites and other government,  and national and international non-government stakeholders, and UN agencies as well as Mott MacDonald, The Fleming Fund Management Agent.

Senior Technical Specialist-Animal Health

Job Summary / Responsibilities:

This position will be responsible for activities related to strengthening the capacity and systems for AMR/AMU surveillance in animals. This position is based in Kathmandu with frequent field visits (30 percent or more) in different parts of Nepal. 

Specific responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Provide technical assistance to collect, assemble, and review data related to 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 CVL, 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/AMU surveillance sites.
• Support Senior Technical Advisor to provide technical assistance to establish and make functional Animal AMR/AMU TWG. Provide support to conduct and participate in Animal AMR/AMU TWG meeting.   
• Share the findings including AMR/AMU trends to Animal AMR/AMU TWG quarterly and annually.
• Provide technical assistance to prepare and submit AMR/AMU-related data and report as per the national, regional and global standard and requirements.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in animal science or other relevant subject and 8 years of experience in animal health, animal science, animal production, veterinary technology, or a related area. Masters’ degree with 5 years of similar experience is considered equivalent. Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist is preferred. This combination of education and work experience would provide the following relevant specialized knowledge and skills in subject areas associated with animal health:

• Livestock management (e.g., nutrition, care, treatment, and health) with an emphasis on poultry
• Biosafety and biosecurity and how to apply principles
• Ability to communicate and coordinate with livestock producers and animal industry stakeholders
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in an IT environment
• Strong coordination, communication, and interpersonal aptitudes
• Fluency in English and Nepali (spoken, written, and typing)
• AMR/AMU and disease surveillance and other relevant health programs (strongly preferred)
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance

The above job descriptions summarize the main duties of the job, and neither prescribe nor restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. 

How to Apply:

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package. Please visit FHI 360's Career Center at http://www.fhi360.org/careers for a list of all open positions. Interested and qualified candidates can apply through FHI 360 career at http://www.fhi360.org/careers .

Deadline for application : July 27, 2018 

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran with respect to policies, programs, or activities.