National Laboratory Specialist

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Disease (ECTAD) in Cambodia is implementing activities related to antimicrobial resistance, avian influenza and other emerging and zoonotic animal diseases. The ECTAD program is looking for a National Laboratory Specialist who will undertake the following duties and responsibilities.

Reporting Lines

The National Laboratory Officer reports to Head of Operations, FAO Representation in Cambodia

Veterinary Laboratory Support

1. Monitor laboratory supplies and equipment inventory and needs, including
1. Ensure diagnostic reagents and supplies are available for avian influenza (AI) serological and virological detection;
2. Regularly update the inventory list for the laboratory reagents and supplies required to support project activities; and
3. Keep the ECTAD Country Team Leader informed of the laboratory inventory situation.
2. In collaboration and coordination with other international and national consultants,
1. Assist in trainings of laboratory staff on laboratory diagnosis, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity as required;
2. Strengthen linkages between national laboratory and epidemiology systems, and
3. Ensure systematic sample storage in a proper cold chain.
3. Participate and assist in outbreak investigation and surveillance activities, including
1. Field sample collection,
2. Sample packing and transportation to the laboratory,
3. Sample testing; and
4. Laboratory data management.
4. Advise on good laboratory management, including
1. Support to international expert missions;
2. 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;
3. Facilitate sample submission to International Reference Laboratory as part of the regional laboratory network activities in close collaboration with NAHPRI;
5. Support participation of Cambodia in the regional laboratory programs including quality assurance, proficiency testing, biosecurity and biosafety, bioinformatics and networking;
6. Perform other duties as and when requested; and
7. Submit an End-of-Assignment report upon completion

• Advanced university degree in medical diagnostics, medical technology, veterinary medicine, biology, biochemistry

or related field;

• More than five years of relevant experience in dealing with routine laboratory work, laboratory quality assurance and biosafety, and laboratory networking, including international relations;
• Proficiency in basic computer software (MS Word, MS Excel and spread sheet packages);
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; and, Work experience with FAO, other UN agencies and with other International Organizations, would be an asset.
• Cambodian Nationality

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Veterinary Laboratory Support
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement