Veterinary Epidemiologist Project Manager

Veterinarians Without Borders (VWB) seeks to recruit a Veterinary Epidemiologist Project Manager for the ILRI-led project ‘Surveillance and early-warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases in Vietnam in Laos’, which is funded by the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).

The position will be based in Xaythani, Laos. The successful candidate will be responsible to the VWB Regional Director/Managing Director and will start on August/September 2015.

Background
Veterinarians without Borders (Vétérinaires sans Frontières) Canada (VWB) is a charitable, humanitarian organization whose mission is to work for, and with, communities in need to foster the health of animals, people, and the environments that sustain us. With its local partner, the National University of Laos (Faculty of Agriculture, NUOL), and with regional collaborators, VWB works with local communities to build capacity in animal health management and livelihoods, making close linkages to human and environmental health.

As a development organization, VWB believes that it can best help facilitate change by supporting local partners on the ground. VWB has grown significantly as an organization since its inception in 2005 and is contributing to the emerging field of EcoHealth (Ecosystem approaches to health) and One Health in creating links between applied research and evidence-based development. Our programs include primary animal health worker (PAHWs) training, supporting livelihood activities, such as poultry and insect production, and contributing to rabies prevention. Previous outreach has focused on communities in Xaythany District, near Vientiane, while this new role will also include partnerships and extension activities in other districts and provinces of central Laos.

Main duties and responsibilities

Project management and partnerships

Set up, coordinate and manage projects in all their aspects, including planning, budget and financial oversight, research design, communications, and monitoring and evaluation (including action learning approaches).
Communicate regularly with VWB colleagues, partners and funders, and report on activities and outcomes.
Supervise project staff and volunteers.
Contribute to VWB communications through stories, photos and sharing of results.
Help build project sustainability and inter-sectoral linkages.
Contribute to VWB’s long-term strategy in Laos through identifying new and complimentary opportunities, sourcing grants and other funds, and building relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Research

Design and planning of epidemiological-based surveillance for climate-sensitive
diseases in Laos.
Manage, combine and input data from the surveillance system.
Analysis of data related to climate-sensitive diseases and risk reduction, and co‐authorship of publications.
Setting up of risk and recommendation communication systems with farmers and project partners.

Outreach and training

Support training of partners as required, such as District Agriculture and Forestry Officers and NUOL students.
Co‐deliver introductory or refresher trainings for primary animal health workers on basic animal health services.
Provide support as required to veterinary and livelihoods village‐based extension activities.

Minimum requirements, qualifications, experience and desired skills

Required

Degree in veterinary medicine.
Masters/PhD in Epidemiology.
Experience in the field of tropical diseases.
Experience in project coordination/management.
Excellent English skills (written and spoken).
Demonstrated skills in statistical analysis.

Preferred

Research/work experience in developing countries.
Familiarity with climate change research, GIS, disease modelling and/or climate‐ related mapping.
Experience in veterinary public health, One Health and/or involvement in human/environmental health issues.

Competencies

Self‐starter, able to take initiative and identify opportunities, motivated by challenges and problem solving.
A collaborative team player, works cooperatively with people from different backgrounds and languages.
Adaptable and resourceful, willing to adapt to situations which change and evolve.
Ability and willingness to grow into a wider role as VWB’s programs develop.
Interest in teaching, training and sharing of knowledge.
Interest in a variety of communication forms with different stakeholders (e.g. participatory and consultative approaches, mobile technology, video/radio messaging).
Organizes time efficiently and can work on parallel tasks.
Integrates sensitivity to gender and equity in work and relationships.
Able to work in a rural setting with limited resources.
Willing to learn basic spoken Lao.
Committed to the mission and values of VWB.