Open position

Programme Officer Antimicrobial Resistance – WOAH SRR Gaborone, Botswana

Gaborone
Context
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH – founded as OIE) is a leading intergovernmental organisation representing 183 Members worldwide. Through its activities, WOAH makes a decisive contribution to improving animal health, protecting animal welfare and strengthening Veterinary Services. The Organisation provides transparent information on world’s animal health situation, and promotes international standards, particularly in terms of the safety of trade in live animals and animal products. More information can be found on WOAH’s website.

Joining WOAH means taking part in the development of one of the leading international organisations, recognised and associated with other multilateral institutions, in the field of worldwide health. It means helping to build a global approach to health, combining animal and human health in a “One Health” approach. It means joining teams motivated by the impact of their actions, the sense of their collective commitment and their recognised professionalism in their respective fields of expertise.

WOAH’s headquarters are based in Paris. The Organisation is present on every continent through 13 Regional or Regional Representations. WOAH has 250 staff members, two-thirds of whom are based at headquarters.
This position is located in Gaborone, Botswana.
Job Description
Positioning and reporting

Under the authority of the OIE Director General, the direct supervision of the WOAH Sub-Regional Representative for Southern Africa and in collaboration with the AMR and Veterinary Products Department.		 
Job purpose

The Programme Officer will support the implementation of the WOAH Strategy on AMR and prudent use of antimicrobials at sub-regional and national levels. He/she will form part of a continental and international network of WOAH staff, working on this particular subject, with colleagues in Regional and Sub-Regional Representations and WOAH Headquarters.

The Programme Officer will also contribute to the overall implementation of the WOAH mandate in relation to animal health, veterinary public health and welfare in Southern Africa sub-region, in line with the WOAH 7th Strategic Plan, with particular emphasis on promoting awareness of AMR and enhancing antimicrobial stewardship in the veterinary profession, assisting the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and WOAH Member Countries (Members) strengthen national drug regulatory authorities in the animal health sector and develop a One Health surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use.		 
Missions and Activities  

Support WOAH Members in the SADC sub-region to implement the WOAH Strategy on AMR and the Prudent Use of Antimicrobials and stewardship, in the frame of the FAO – UNEP  – WHO – WOAH Quadripartite Agreement on One Health, and in particular provide support through regional meetings, consultations and working session to:
 
– Support for and development and review of National AMR Action Plans integrating a One Health approach;
– Support Regional Quadripartite meetings;
– Contribute to Focal Point Seminars for Veterinary Products and promoting antimicrobial stewardship;
– Participate in scientific and other related meetings conducted at (sub) regional level addressing One Health AMR;
– Provide direct guidance to Members in enhancing animal health products regulatory agencies and processes for antimicrobial agent registration.
– Support the SADC AMR Framework and related initiatives;
– Provide direct support to Members in the filling out of questionnaires for the WOAH Global Database of antimicrobial agents intended for use in animals on the (ANIMUSE platform and other AMR surveillance activities;
– Provide direct support to Members in reporting on Substandard and Falsified Veterinary Products;
– Contribute to strengthening Monitoring & Evaluation capability for reporting on AMR; 
– Participate in Performance of Veterinary Services Pathway missions and WHO International Health Regulations / WOAH Performance of Veterinary Services Pathway National Bridging Workshops;
– Facilitate the delivery and evaluation of WOAH AMR communications and advocacy interventions;
– Participate in other relevant events (WAAW), including those organised by the Fleming Fund at regional level;
– Provide support to activities conducted under the support of the Multi-partner Trust Fund (MPTF).

In addition, the incumbent will serve as a liaison person between the WOAH Sub-Regional Representation for Southern Africa and other agencies working on the above topics in the sub-region, for instance (but not limited to): FAO (ECTAD), WHO (AFRO), COMESA, SADC Secretariat, ReACT Africa, Africa-CDC, ILRI (AMR Hub, OHRECA) and AU-IBAR. 

In addition, the Sub-Regional Representative may, when necessary, assign the incumbent to any other duties, responsibilities and activities within his area of competence.		 
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications required

– A degree in Veterinary Medicine or equivalent qualification (e.g. Microbiology, Animal Science, Food Science) in animal production and health sector and/or associated regulatory agencies for antimicrobial products relevant to the duties of this role;
– At least 5 years of professional experience in an international development context demonstrated at regional and national level;
Experience of Antimicrobial Resistance and One Health interventions in the Southern Africa context;
– Demonstrated experience of strategic planning, programme management, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation and results reporting.

Expected skills

Technical skills

– An understanding of the social and political economy at regional and national level under which sustainable One Health AMR outcomes must be delivered;   
– Excellent command of English, spoken and written, including scientific report writing;
– Good command of French, both written and spoken;
– Analytical skills, statistical analysis and mapping / surveillance expertise; 
– Proficiency in the use of Office (i.e. Word, Power Point, Excel).

Additional skills required

– A working knowledge of Portuguese. 

Personal and interpersonal skills

– Demonstrated skills in interpersonal relations and the ability to work in multi-disciplinary partnerships (e.g. The Quadripartite);
– Good communication, facilitation and diplomacy skills;
– Capacity to work in a multi-cultural, national environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.		 
Additional Information
Working conditions

– Salary: Between 3500-4000 EUR net per month (commensurate with qualifications and experience);
– Type of contract: Fixed term contract;
– Contract duration: Two (2) years renewable;
– The post is a full-time position based at the WOAH Sub regional representative in Gaborone, Botswana.

Based in Gaborone, international travel is expected on a regular basis, especially within Southern Africa.		 
General information  

The WOAH places high value on a multicultural and positive work environment. The WOAH is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications of all qualified candidates, irrespective of their ethnic origin, gender, opinions, or beliefs.  If you are interested in the position, please complete your application online at the latest by 7 January 2025.

APPLY HERE