Technical Assistant (Laboratory) – SB-3

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. The main aim of the FAO Representation in Cambodia is to assist government to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

The FAO Representation in Cambodia is developing FAO’s Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2024-2028 as well as contributing to the development of United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2024 – 2028, and providing technical assistance to the Government counterparts to develop relevant strategies and action plans. FAO Representation in Cambodia is implementing several projects and programmes under the six thematic areas, namely Food Systems Governance; Agriculture Value Chains; One Health and Livestock Production; Fisheries; Forest, Land and Water; and Data and Digital Transformation.

Reporting Lines

The Technical Assistant (Laboratory) will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Cambodia and the direct supervision of the Technical Adviser (Animal Health). The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the other members of the One Health and Livestock Productions and relevant Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) agencies.

Technical Focus

The Technical Assistant (Laboratory) will be responsible for monitoring laboratory supplies and equipment inventory, collaborating with international and national consultants. He/she will assist with planning and delivering training on laboratory diagnosis, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity. The incumbent will help strengthen linkages between national laboratory and epidemiology systems, will ensure systematic sample transport and storage in a functional cold chain, will participate in outbreak investigation and surveillance activities, and will assist with good laboratory management.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Technical Assistant (Laboratory) will\:
• Monitor laboratory supplies and equipment inventory and needs, including,
o Ensure diagnostic reagents and supplies are continuously available for avian influenza (AI) virological detection;
o Regularly update the inventory list for the laboratory reagents and supplies required to support project activities; and
o Keep the Technical Advisor informed of the laboratory inventory status and procurement needs.
• In collaboration with international and national consultants,
o Assist with planning and delivering training on laboratory diagnosis, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity as required;
o Strengthen linkages between national laboratory and epidemiology systems, and
o Ensure proper sample transport and storage in a functional cold chain.
• Participate in outbreak investigations and surveillance activities, observing gaps and making recommendations for improvement, including,
o Field sample collection, packing and transportation to the laboratory,
o Sample testing; and
o Laboratory data management.
• Assist on good laboratory management, including,
o Support international expert missions;
o Support the operation of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS);
o Support Laboratory Mapping Tool (LMT) exercise when the LMT is due;
o Support the laboratory quality assurance and quality control system (QA/QC) for avian influenza and other priority transboundary animal diseases, linked to the regional laboratory network activities;
o Facilitate sample submission to International Reference Laboratory as part of the regional laboratory network activities, in close collaboration with NAHPRI;
o Help maintain laboratory biosecurity and biosafety standards, including safety cabinet certification;
• Support Cambodia’s participation and networking in the regional laboratory programs;
• Contribute to the regular project reporting
• Perform other duties as and when requested; and
• Submit an End-of-Assignment report upon completion

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in medical science, veterinary science, laboratory or related field;
• At least 5 years of relevant laboratory experience;
• Working knowledge of English
• National of Cambodia

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proficient in relevant computer applications (MS Office, Word, Excel etc.)
• Experience in results-based programme management

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION