Animal Health Modelling Specialist – FAO
Job Description
| Organization | The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) |
| Organizational Unit | FNSDN |
| Duration | 30 working days within 3-month duration |
| Grade Level | N/A |
| Duty Station | Khartoum, Sudan |
| Deadline for Applications | 14/Jun/2022, 11:59:00 PM |
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
Organizational Skills
The government of Sudan represented by the Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources (HCNER) has received fund from the GCF in support of National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Readiness. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is the implementing entity for the Readiness programme, which is called: “Strengthening adaptation planning processes and capacity for implementation of adaptation actions in agricultural and water sectors in the Sudan” (NAP Readiness).
The NAP Readiness focuses on agriculture and water sectors and addresses the gaps identified in the 2016 NAP of Sudan. The gaps include lack of climate change data and information/ impact assessments, lack of training opportunities on climate change impact modelling at the State- and federal level and lack of capacities of State-level Technical Committees for climate change adaptation planning and implementation.
This project was prepared jointly by the FAO and the HCENR (GCF-National Designated Authority (NDA)/Focal Point (FP)). The objective of the project is to support the generation of mid- to long-term CC projections and vulnerability assessments (and the national capacity to take on such task without external support in the future), and help to re-strengthen the State-level Technical Committees for CC adaptation (which provide the foundation for revising and updating the NAP 2016 in the future).
The third national communication of Sudan, assessed the potential impact of climate change on livestock breeds’ (cattle & sheep) distribution in Sudan using two models and two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5). The analysis included prediction of areas suitable for Sudanese livestock under future (2050 & 270) environmental conditions. The NAP Readiness will support the development of a methodology to assess the impacts of climate change on livestock health. The findings are expected to bridge gaps in research and information associated with livestock sector and augment the previous findings in the sector. Generation of reliable long-term adaptation data and making all information easily and publicly available will be a crucial contribution of the NAP Readiness to climate change adaptation in agriculture sectors in the Sudan. Data and information made available under this project will be absorbed and utilized through the 18 reactivated State-Level Technical Committees, which will operate in an inclusive participatory manner and inform the national-level adaptation planning and implementation in the Sudan.
Recently, the NAP Readiness completed climate change projections and downscaling to station level (44 stations) for the 18 states. The generated results will be used for climate change impact assessments for agriculture and water sectors. In Sudan, livestock and cash crops as main sources of people’s livelihoods, mainly produced along the belt of arid and semi-arid climatic zones which are frequently exposed to erratic changes in rainfall. The climatic changes even put more stress on the scarce water resources available to support good livestock production.
Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) leads the assessment of the impacts of climate change on livestock health in Sudan. The diseases and health issues that will be assessed, will be identified through engagement of national experts including through the livestock health modelling workshop (activity 1.2.2). In addition to the assessment of the impacts of climate change on livestock health in Sudan, the CVRL will also lead/facilitate strengthening of institutional/experts’ capacities, particularly those related to animal health modelling and projection in the medium and long-term to support identification of adaptation measures/ adaptations planning process.
Reporting Lines
The International Animal Health Modelling Specialist reports to the Assistants FAO Representative. He/she works under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Sudan and coordinates closely with the Technical Advisor of the NAP,
Technical Focus
Lead and coordinate the support functions of the NAP Readiness project in Sudan.
Tasks and responsibilities
The Animal Health Modelling Specialist is expect to conduct modelling of climate change impacts on livestock health in the medium and long-term. The work will be conducted through engagement and capacity building/strengthening of the technical team of the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory. The appointed consultant is expected to:
• Work closely with the national Project Coordinator of the NAP Readiness, the National climatologist and the project Coordinator at the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory for achieving the contracted tasks.
• Give guidance on input data required for modelling of livestock health.
• Convene a training workshop for national experts, to build/strengthen their technical capacity on livestock health modelling.
• Conduct modelling of livestock health and model livestock production projections for the mid- (2050) and long-term (2080) using data collected and downscaled climate projections for 44 weather stations (distributed in 18 states in Sudan).
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree in a relevant field (such as veterinary, mathematics)
• At least 5 years Proven Experience in Climate Change projection, downscaling and modelling (particularly animal health modelling).
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of French or Arabic (for Consultants). For PSA.SBS working knowledge of English will be sufficient;
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Extent and relevance of experience in project/programme formulation and implementation of projects, programmes and studies on plant protection including integrated pest management;
• Extent and relevance of experience in the Near East region is considered a strong asset.
• In depth understanding and analytical skills of modelling climate change impacts.
• Training instruction and delivery.
• Capacity Building (hands on training)
• Previous Experience in conducting training in the field of climate change and modelling its impacts on livestock health/production.
• Good analytical skills and strategic thinking.
• Ability to work remotely and under pressure and meet deadlines.
Selection Criteria
• Work experience with international organizations and in technical cooperation projects supporting countries.
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of knowledge and experience in pest and pesticide management.
• Ability to provide technical and advisory services.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
- Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
- 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 more information, visit the FAO employment website
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required. Vaccination status will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help, or have queries, please contact: [email protected]
