National Antimicrobial Resistance Specialist at FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization: (Deadline 28 December 2023)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (“FAO” or “Organization”) is an intergovernmental organization with more than 194 member nations. Since its inception, FAO has worked to alleviate poverty and hunger by promoting agricultural development, improved nutrition, and the pursuit of food security – defined as the access of all people at all times to the food they need for an active and healthy life. To achieve its goals, FAO cooperates with thousands of partners worldwide, from farmers’ groups to traders, from non-governmental organizations to other UN agencies, from development banks to agribusiness firms (further and more detailed information on FAO can be found on the internet site: http://www.fao.org).
The main aim of FAO country offices, Ih are headed by an FAO RepresentatiIe, is to assist governments in developing policies, programs, and projects to achieve security and reduce hunger and malnutrition to help develop the agricultural, fisheries, and forest sectors, and use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Within the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), with the functional, administrative, and overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Rwanda, (who is the project budget holder), in close collaboration with the FAO project Lead Technical Officer (LTO); who would support the project implementation from the FAO Sub-regional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE).

The technical focus of the work of the National Antimicrobial Resistance Specialist will coordinate the implementation of Antimicrobial Resistance activities under the GHS program, based on the identified gap as well as supporting the preparation of situational analysis of AMR Surveillance and diagnosis of the needs in the relevant sectors for AMR and AMU (human, animal, and environment sectors) including community outreach activities.

Technical Focus

•    Coordination of AMR activities
•    Support development of national antimicrobial stewardship guidelines
•    Support the development of national action plan on AMR
•    Support the development and implementation of strategies including legislation/behavioral interventions to promote prudent use of antimicrobials and adherence to good practices that reduce the need for antimicrobials and the reduction of transmission of resistant microbes along the food chain and associated environment
•    Support resource mobilization efforts for One Health approaches

Tasks and Responsibilities

The incumbent will specifically:

•    Coordinate implementation of AMR activities under the GHS programme, based on identified gaps;
•    Support preparation of a situational analysis of AMR Surveillance and diagnosis of the needs in the relevant sectors for AMR and AMU (human, animal and environment sector).
•    Support the development of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.
•    Support the development of national antimicrobial stewardship guidelines for animal health, and environmental health sectors in Rwanda.
•    Identify and collect all documents relevant to support the draft of a list of target/priority bacteria for AMR surveillance and target antimicrobial agents in coordination with the surveillance and laboratory team.
•    Collaborate with relevant national authorities to support the implementation of existing surveillance systems and capacity building of existing laboratories for the diagnosis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
•     Support implementation of AMR/AMU surveillance activities in collaboration with the National Coordinator for AMR;
•    Support Multisectoral Antimicrobial Resistance surveillance, and coordination governance in Rwanda.
•    Support in strengthening national Laboratory diagnostic capacity in areas of AMR, PZDs and TADS.
•    Promote FAO/UNEP/WHO/WOAH Quadripartite collaboration in support of the implementation of the Global Action Plan on AMR.
•    Facilitate the operationalization of One Health (OH) coordination platforms on AMR/AMU-related matters including the establishment of AMR and food safety technical working groups (TWG) with clear ToRs.
•    Adapt existing advocacy tools to the country’s situation and support AMR awareness campaigns through the One Health approach.
•    Support the development and implementation of strategies including legislation/behavioral interventions to promote prudent use of antimicrobials and adherence to good practices that reduce the need for antimicrobials and the reduction of transmission of resistant microbes along the food chain and associated environment.
•    Support resource mobilization efforts for One Health approaches to reduce AMR/AMU and promote food safety.
•    Submit a final technical report upon completion of the assignment to the ECTAD Rwanda Team Leader and the FAOR.
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

•    At least a master’s degree in veterinary medicine, Global Health, Public health, Animal production, or animal sciences
•     Having at least 5 years of working experience in veterinary medicine, public health, Animal production, or animal sciences,
•    National of Rwanda
•    Working knowledge of English
FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional Skills 

•    Having contributed to the development of the National (Rwanda) Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance/, AMR Support implementation of AMR/AMU surveillance activities in collaboration with the National Coordinator for AMR surveillance strategy in Human and animal health sectors
•    Strong analytical skills, knowledge of governance in veterinary sciences, Public Health, and Agriculture sectors similar engagement/involvement in antimicrobial resistance development strategies
•    Having skills/experience in research in AMR-related fields
•    Having a background in AMR assessment/surveys
•    Past work experience with international organizations is an advantage.
•    Demonstrate ability to perform in-depth statistical and quantitative &qualitative analysis and report the results in multiple formats including reports presentations on AMR,
•    Demonstrated ability to perform in-depth statistical and quantitative& qualitative analysis and report the results in multiple formats including reports, papers, and presentations.
•    Having past experience in conducting related AMR research and assessments
•    Strong background in One Health and familiarity with AMR development strategies.
•    Demonstrated experience and capacity in the overall framework of the Rwanda National AMR National action plan/ strategic plans development.
•    Sound expertise in conducting situational analyses engaging public institutions, members of the National One Health Platform, and other development stakeholders in One Health.
•    Capable to work independently and perform under tight deadlines.
•    Good interpersonal and teamwork skills, networking aptitude, and ability to engage effectively with policy and decision-makers;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION