Project Description:

FHI 360 seeks a Senior Technical Specialist - Animal Health for an anticipated Fleming Fund Country Grant for Sri Lanka. The Country Grant will address critical gaps in surveillance of antibiotic resistant bacteria in Sri Lanka. This grant will support implementation of national plans for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) surveillance and will focus on selected AMR surveillance sites. We will work closely with local entities that are already involved in AMR surveillance, AMR/AMU oversight and improvement activities, national Technical Working Groups and national reference laboratories for human and animal health, participating AMR/AMU surveillance sites, other government and national and international non-government stakeholders, and UN agencies as well as Mott MacDonald, The Fleming Fund Management Agent.

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 Colombo with frequent field visits (50 percent or more) in different parts of Sri Lanka.

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, particularly in poultry and shrimp 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, and assessing antibiotic distribution and use in food production
• Provide technical assistance for assessments and improvements of the veterinary reference laboratory, microbiology laboratories, and 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 the national reference laboratory, surveillance site laboratories, and animal AMR/AMU survey sites
• Support Senior Technical Advisor to provide technical assistance to establish and strengthen an Animal AMR/AMU TWG
• Provide support to and participate in Animal AMR/AMU TWG meetings
• Share the interim findings, including AMR/AMU trends, to the Animal AMR/AMU TWG quarterly and annually
• Provide technical assistance to prepare and submit AMR/AMU-related data and reports per the national, regional, and global standards 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, aquaculture, 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 and shrimp

•     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
• 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

  This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties.

  How to Apply:

  Interested candidates can apply through FHI 360 career at https://www.fhi360.org/careers or send the resume (max. of 3 pages) to healthjobs@fhi360.org.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

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FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is an equal employment and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.

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