Vacancy title:
Wildlife Epidemiologist

[Type: FULL_TIME, Industry: Nonprofit, and NGO, Category: Animal Care]

Jobs at:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Deadline of this Job:
Friday, May 30 2025

Duty Station:
Kigali | Kigali | Rwanda

Summary
Date Posted: Monday, May 19 2025, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

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JOB DETAILS:

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 two (2) positions are 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.
  CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent.
  •    At least one (1) year of experience in wildlife health surveillance, epidemiological research, or wildlife related fieldwork.
  •    Working knowledge (Level C) of English
  •    National of Rwanda

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
  •    Communication
  •    Teamwork
  •    Building Effective Relationships
  •    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Proven experience in wildlife disease surveillance, wildlife related disease management and response, epidemiological research, and wildlife disease ecology
  •    Experience in the development and implementation of wildlife health related policies and strategies.
  •    Experience in working with multiple disciplines and sectors at the human-animal-ecosystem interface using a One Health approach.
     Excellent communication and leadership skills.
  •    Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
  •    Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

Selection Criteria

•    Registered with the Rwanda Council of Veterinary Doctors (RCVD) or eligibility to register.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 12

Level of Education: bachelor degree

Job application procedure

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