Wildlife Epidemiologist at Food and Agriculture Organization: (Deadline 8 April 2025)
Organizational Setting
The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, program, and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
The position is located at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Head Offices, Kigali, Rwanda.
FAO Rwanda is the Implementing Entity for the Pandemic Fund project “Strengthening Pandemic, Prevention, Preparedness & Response Through One Health Approach in Rwanda” in collaboration with RDB as a Delivery Partner (DP) for wildlife related activities.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Rwanda, the direct supervision of the Head of Wildlife Veterinary Unit at RDB in collaboration with the ECTAD Country Team Leader at FAO, the incumbent will support wildlife disease surveillance, reporting, and response in Rwanda.
Technical Focus
Monitoring, analysing, and mitigating disease risks affecting wildlife populations, with a strong emphasis on zoonotic diseases and their implications for public and livestock health, with special focus on development of standard operating procedures (SOPS) , guidelines for wildlife disease surveillance, and national wildlife disease surveillance strategy, establishment of wildlife disease surveillance system in selected national parks, monitoring of priority zoonotic diseases of wildlife origin. The incumbent will work collaboratively with other health sectors of the National One Health Platform, including human health, livestock health, and environmental health, under a One Health approach to enhance disease surveillance, early detection, and response to emerging health threats.
Tasks and responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Wildlife Veterinary Unit at RDB, the incumbent will deliver the following specific tasks:
• Develop and implement wildlife disease surveillance protocols, guidelines and SOPs for early detection and monitoring of zoonotic and emerging diseases.
• Conduct field investigations to assess disease outbreaks, collect, analyse and report epidemiological data, and identify transmission pathways.
• Utilize modelling and risk assessment tools to predict disease spread and assess the potential impact on wildlife, domestic animals, and humans.
• Maintain a wildlife disease database and contribute to national and regional disease reporting systems.
• Develop and deliver training programs for wildlife rangers, veterinarians, and health professionals on disease detection, biosafety, and response measures.
• Lead and participate in rapid response teams for wildlife disease outbreaks, ensuring timely collection of field samples and epidemiological data.
• Develop and implement biosecurity measures to minimize disease spillover between wildlife, livestock, and human populations.
• Provide technical support for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease cases in collaboration with veterinary laboratories.
• Support the development of wildlife health policies and strategies aligned with international standards.
• Work closely with animal and human health sectors to strengthen integrated disease surveillance and response efforts.
• Prepare technical reports, research articles, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Train and mentor field veterinarians, and other staff on basic epidemiology, data collection, and biosafety protocols.
• Submit a final technical report upon completion of the assignment to the Head of Wildlife Veterinary Unit at RDB and ECTAD Country Team Leader at FAO Rwanda.
• Performs any other related duties as required.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent.
• At least 5 Years of experience in wildlife health surveillance, epidemiological research, or veterinary fieldwork.
• Working levels (Level C) of English
• Be the national of Rwanda
• Registered with the Rwanda Council of Veterinary Doctors (RCVD) or eligibility to register.FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in the planning and management of zoonotic diseases, wildlife disease ecology, and One Health concepts.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
- For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
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