National Laboratory and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Specialist

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations with 194 Member Nations, working in more than 130 countries worldwide. In Malawi, where the Organization has operated since 1986, FAO's principal role is to support the Government in identifying, planning, and implementing priority activities aligned with the country's short- and long-term development aspirations.

This support is guided by the Country Programming Framework (CPF), which focuses on three interrelated priority areas:
• Agriculture and food system transformation.
• Sustainable natural resources and the environment; and
• Improved resilience and emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.

The incumbent's work will primarily contribute to the third priority area of the CPF.

FAO Malawi is collaborating with the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development (DAHLD), the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF under the approved third call of the Pandemic Fund for Malawi. The project, titled "Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response through the One Health Approach in Malawi (SP3ROHAM)", aims to strengthen national systems to prevent, detect, and respond to epidemic and pandemic threats through improved surveillance, laboratory systems, and capacity development. FAO serves as one of the Implementing Entities and will work with designated delivery partners to implement the project from August 2026 to 2029.
The project focuses on three key areas:
• Surveillance and early warning systems
• Development and enhancement of systems for the prompt detection of potential pandemic threats.
• Laboratory systems
• Strengthening laboratory capacity to diagnose priority pathogens and respond effectively to outbreaks.
• Capacity development:
• Strengthening the skills and competencies of national institutions and personnel to better prepare for and manage One Health emergencies.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Malawi and the functional supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme), the incumbent will report directly to the Programme Officer (Animal Health). Technical guidance will be provided by the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and Team Leader based at the Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa (SFS), the Coordinating Unit for Animal Production and Health (CUFAPH) thematic leads (One Health and Laboratory), and the Regional and Headquarters Pandemic Fund teams, as relevant

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide technical leadership and day-to-day coordination for the implementation of the laboratory systems and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) workstream under the Pandemic Fund project in Malawi. The role supports strengthening veterinary and One Health laboratory services, including biosafety and biosecurity, quality management systems, laboratory networking, and AMR/antimicrobial use (AMU) surveillance in relevant sectors.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and support/supervise in-country technical missions (e.g. training, troubleshooting, installation, and commissioning of equipment).
• Coordinate with national counterparts, implementing/delivery partners, and FAO technical teams to ensure timely delivery of workplan outputs for the laboratory and AMR/AMU components
• Lead FAO work on laboratory quality assurance, biosafety, and biosecurity, including conducting needs assessments to identify gaps using FAO Laboratory Mapping Tools (LMT) and other relevant assessment results.
• Support the preparation and implementation of national roadmaps for laboratory biosafety/biosecurity (BS/BS) and quality assurance (QA), aligned with relevant regional workshops and national priorities.
• Support the development/adaptation of National Laboratory Standards in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, aligned with Joint External Evaluation (JEE) 3.0 and other national commitments.
• Support the development and implementation of laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) for supported laboratories in line with national laboratory quality standards.
• Supervise and facilitate hands-on training for key laboratory staff on core tests for Priority Zoonotic Diseases (PZDs) and AMR.
• Develop and support the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for PZDs and AMR (surveillance and diagnosis).
• Support the piloting of new technologies (e.g., field-based/portable PCR platforms) to enhance the diagnosis of PZDs, particularly during outbreaks.
• Lead the development and/or strengthening of laboratory data management to facilitate information sharing and storage, including support for Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) deployment and use.
• Conduct regular laboratory capacity assessments using FAO tools (e.g., LMT, ATLASS) and support continuous improvement plans.
• Support monitoring and evaluation (M&E) by coordinating the collection, validation, and reporting of laboratory-related data for the project.
• Support the preparation of lists of laboratory items for procurement, including drafting technical specifications, consolidating laboratory requests as needed, and monitoring delivery to beneficiary laboratories.
• Support the establishment and strengthening of a national laboratory network linking the Central Veterinary Laboratory to sub-national laboratories and improving laboratory workflows.
• Support networking/linkages with regional and international laboratories for confirmatory diagnosis and international sample shipment, as required.
• Contribute to enhanced collaboration with public health laboratories and other One Health partners.
• Facilitate the operationalization of One Health coordination platforms in Malawi on laboratory and AMR/AMU-related matters, including support for resource mobilization efforts.
• Coordinate the implementation of AMR/AMU activities under the Pandemic Fund programme, based on identified gaps and in collaboration with relevant national counterparts (including the National AMR Coordinator).
• Support the preparation of a situational analysis on AMR/AMU surveillance and diagnostic needs across relevant sectors (human, animal, and environment).
• Support the development and/or updating of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.
• Identify and compile relevant technical documents to support the definition of priority bacteria and target antimicrobial agents for AMR surveillance.
• Support implementation of AMR diagnostic and surveillance activities and capacity development of laboratories for AMR testing.
• Promote Quadripartite collaboration (FAO/UNEP/WHO/WOAH) in support of the Global Action Plan on AMR.
• Support the development and implementation of strategies (including legislative and behavioural interventions) to promote prudent antimicrobial use and good practices that reduce the need for antimicrobials.
• Adapt existing advocacy tools to the country context and support AMR awareness campaigns through the One Health approach.
• Participate in monthly SFS–CUFAPH coordination calls and contribute to laboratory networking at national and regional levels.
• Submit periodic progress updates and a final technical report upon completion of the assignment to the Project Coordinator and the FAOR.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in a field relevant to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and/or veterinary/public health laboratory sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory Sciences, or a closely related field
• At least five (5) years of relevant experience in AMR and veterinary and/or One Health laboratory systems
• Working knowledge (level C) of the English language
• National of Malawi

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in the implementation and coordination of laboratory systems and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) workstreams, particularly within a One Health framework.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing laboratory quality assurance, biosafety, and biosecurity programs, including conducting needs assessments and supporting national roadmaps.
• Proficiency in laboratory strengthening, diagnostics, and the development/implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Priority Zoonotic Diseases (PZDs) and AMR.
• Experience in laboratory information systems, data management, and conducting laboratory capacity assessments using relevant tools.
• Proven ability to establish and strengthen national and international laboratory networks and foster One Health collaboration among various stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge and experience in AMR/AMU surveillance, national policy support, and the development of strategies to promote prudent antimicrobial use.
• Extent and relevance of experience in coordinating with national counterparts, implementing partners, and technical teams, particularly in the context of laboratory and AMR initiatives in Malawi.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION