One Health Expert

ORGANISATION

Vétérinaires Sans Frontières International (VSF-Int) is a network of 13 NGOs (the national VSF organisations based in Europe, Canada and Australia), working in 48 countries around the world to support small-scale farmers, livestock keepers and local animal health and welfare initiatives. Through the implementation of our projects, we serve the most vulnerable populations whose livelihoods depend on livestock, and we act collectively to support small-scale family farming, pastoralism, animal and human health and a healthy environment.

VSF International and its members have identified the One Health approach as paramount in achieving their vision and mission.

The One Health approach brings together multiple sectors, disciplines and communities at different levels of society to promote well-being and address threats to health and ecosystems, while meeting collective needs for clean water, energy and air, healthy and nutritious food, taking action on climate change and contributing to sustainable development. On 2020, VSF International published a technical and a policy brief on One Health implementation in the Global South, to highlight the principles that guide the VSF International network in One Health implementation.

CONTEXT AND ROLE

The One Health Expert position is open due to a new project funded by USAID/BHA, and implemented by a consortium led by International Medical Corps (IMC), aiming at strengthening localized multi-sectoral readiness and response to infectious disease outbreaks in humanitarian settings in 14 countries in Africa and Middle East. As a consortium member, VSF International will provide cross-cutting technical assistance for the integration of One Health throughout the project.

The One Health Expert will act as VSF-Int Project Manager for this five-year project, providing coordination and guidance for the integration of One Health into project activities, and will strengthen the VSF network’s knowledge management system, partnerships, and expertise building around One Health.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The One Health Expert will be responsible for:

• Leading on the integration of the One Health approach within the project:
  • Provide technical inputs to project activities related mainly to:
    • Capacity development and training of local/national NGOs for readiness and multisectoral response to infectious disease outbreaks (zoonotic diseases);
    • Community awareness and engagement;
    • Analysis, adaptation and development of guidelines, protocols and tools adapted to the local needs and community-level structures.
  • Deliver trainings on One Health to staff and volunteers of local/national NGOs involved in humanitarian response.
  • Mobilize and coordinate the contributions of One Health experts from the VSF International network, who will bring and in-depth knowledge of the local One Health contexts and stakeholders.
• Project management and administration:
  • Develop annual workplans aligned with donors and consortium partners’ requirements.
  • Contribute to the project’s MEAL plan and track progress of output and outcome indicators.
  • Ensure and monitor progress of VSF activities against project milestones and objectives.
  • Liaise with project partners and participate to regular consortium meetings.
  • Liaise with members of VSF-Int network and their field teams and with other relevant stakeholders to facilitate seamless collaboration.
  • Produce financial and narrative reports, in line with contract deadlines and requirements.
• Knowledge management and institutional representation on One Health:
  • Contribute to the VSF-Int network’s knowledge management on One Health: production of project capitalization documents, strategic and technical notes, etc.
  • Create opportunities for exchanges between peers or with experts.
  • Participate in relevant One Health networks and platforms.

The One Health Expert will operate under the supervision of the VSF-Int Coordinator and will work in close collaboration with the VSF-Int One Health Advocacy Officer, other One Health experts and staff members from the different VSFs, and the One Health Working Group.

PROFILE

Education:

• University degree of at least master’s level (or equivalent) of a relevant study area: veterinary medicine, public health or in a related discipline linked to One Health.

Knowledge and experience:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in one or more of the following fields: One Health, animal health, veterinary public health, emerging infectious diseases, zoonoses.
• At least 3 years’ experience in project management, preferably in the NGO sector or in international contexts.
• Experience in humanitarian interventions is an advantage.
• Experience in training, capacity building and/or community-based approaches will be highly valued.
• Excellent knowledge of both English and French, spoken and written.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, TEAMS etc.) and other digital platforms such as Zoom, videoconference and webinar platforms, and relevant IT resources for managing workflow and virtual collaboration through meetings, workshops, webinars, etc.

Competences:

• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate remotely with distant teams and partners.
• Ability to generate engagement with other stakeholders and partners.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Well planned and organized even within a complex working environment.
• Capacity for initiative and decision making with analytical and problem-solving skills.

Attitudes:

• Share VSF International’s values, vision and mission and commitment to humanitarian principles.
• Is of impeccable integrity and sets high standards of integrity to others.
• Displays intercultural sensitivity, displays respect in dealing with others.
• Awareness and sensitivity to gender and diversity.
• Is willing to travel.

The candidate must have the necessary work permits to work in Belgium.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Fixed-term contract of 12 months, renewable up to 5 years, full-time (part-time working arrangement can be negotiated). Position based in Brussels.
• Salary range: 3400 – 3600 € gross per month, according to experience.
• 20 days statutory vacation + 5 days annual non-statutory vacation; meal vouchers; 100% public transport reimbursement or bicycle mileage reimbursement.
• Flexibility in terms of working arrangements and teleworking.
• The opportunity to work within a stimulating multicultural environment where innovation and creativity are encouraged.
• International travels (2 to 5 per year).