Policy Officer (One Health)

Organizational Setting

The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes and facilitates the sustainable transformation of the livestock sector, integrating scientific and technical expertise, policy advice, capacity development, innovation and field support. NSA hosts technical networks in areas related to animal production, animal health, genetics, feed, animal husbandry, biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic disease prevention and One Health. It provides analysis, policy dialogue, technical assistance and support to Members in strengthening sustainable animal production and health systems.

FAO supports Members to build and implement effective collaborative One Health strategies and capacities, simultaneously addressing the health of people, animals, plants and the environment. One Health in agrifood systems transformation is a key Priority Programme Area and part of FAO's Strategic Framework.

The One Health and Disease Control Branch under NSA leads and coordinates work on the prevention and control of endemic and emerging transboundary animal diseases and health threats that arise at the animal-human-plant-environment interface, including zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance. It contributes to FAO's work on One Health policy, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety, risk communication, sustainable livestock transformation, country capacity development and intersectoral coordination.

The One Health coordination and AMR Cluster coordinates and implements work across FAO divisions to mainstream One Health and AMR in FAO activities, integrating scientific and technical expertise, policy advice, programme development and country support. Externally, the cluster supports FAO's collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, the World Health Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health as the Quadripartite to address health threats at the human-animal-plant-environment interface and to promote health and sustainable development.

The position is located in the One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH/CJW), Animal Production and Health Division, at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Policy Officer (One Health) reports to the Chief, One Health and Disease Control Branch (NSAH-CJW).

Technical Focus

The Policy Officer (One Health) provides support to policy, programme and resource mobilization for the advancement of One Health approaches across agrifood systems, with emphasis on antimicrobial resistance, food safety, animal production and health, plant health, environmental health, risk communication and sustainable agrifood systems transformation.

The Policy Officer (One Health) also supports Members in translating One Health principles into practical policies, governance mechanisms, programmes and investments. It contributes to strengthening country capacity, multisectoral coordination, implementation of relevant international standards and guidance, programme development and strategic partnerships. Moreover, the incumbent  supports FAO's efforts to connect technical expertise, country demand and resource partner priorities into coherent and fundable One Health programmes.

Key Results

Development and implementation of coherent, integrated and effective policy assistance and governance i) in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework and its delivery mechanisms, and ii) in response to new policy assistance requests.

Key Functions

• Provides technical and policy advice and/or support to FAO Members and relevant stakeholders in the development and implementation of their policies and programmes for improved food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture.

• Advocates strategic partnerships, best practices and policy dialogue in support of enhanced governance for food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture and food systems.

• Participates in specialized or multidisciplinary teams and high-level policy analysis missions or projects, policy networks and/or international policy setting bodies.

• Interacts with headquarters, Regional and Country Teams to improve cross-sectorial policies and strategies concerning food and nutrition security and sustainable development.

• Designs and participates in resource mobilization activities.

• Plans, organizes and participates in capacity development activities involving the provision of technical advice and assistance, and oversees the development of related materials, on-line tools and information kits.

Specific Functions

• Provides policy and technical support for the development and implementation of One Health strategies, governance frameworks and multisectoral coordination mechanisms in agrifood systems.

• Supports the integration of One Health approaches across food safety, AMR, animal health, plant health, environmental health and sustainable agrifood systems programmes.

• Supports Members in addressing AMR through improved governance, prudent antimicrobial use, surveillance, risk communication and evidence-based decision-making.

• Promotes application of relevant international standards and guidance, including Codex Alimentarius, International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) frameworks.

• Supports the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of One Health projects and programmes aligned with FAO priorities and country needs.

• Facilitates collaboration across FAO offices and with international and national partners, including Quadripartite organizations and development partners.

• Contributes to resource mobilization, programme development and donor engagement for FAO's One Health portfolio.

• Supports synergies with relevant FAO initiatives, including RENOFARM and InFARM, and perform other related duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political sciences, agricultural economics, development economics, rural sociology, food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture (including livestock, forestry and fisheries), or subjects relevant to the work of One Health and policies.

• Seven years of relevant experience in policy advice and analysis relating to food and nutrition security, agriculture and rural development, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.

• Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results focus

• Leading, engaging and empowering

• Strong communications skills

• Partnering and advocating

• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.

• Relevance and extent of experience in policy analysis and advise relating to food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.

• Relevance and extent of experience in working with inter-governmental bodies and multidisciplinary teams.

• Relevant experience in One Health, AMR, food safety, animal health, agrifood systems or related international development programmes.

• Experience in supporting countries in developing and implementing policies, strategies, governance frameworks and coordination mechanisms related to One Health and AMR.

• Experience in programme and project development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and country-level capacity development.

• Experience in resource mobilization, donor engagement and development of funding proposals and partnership frameworks.

• Familiarity with international standards and frameworks, including Codex Alimentarius, International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), WOAH and the Global Action Plan on AMR.

• Strong analytical, partnership-building and communication skills, including the ability to translate technical issues into practical policy and programme support.