Job Posting: 14 April 2026
Closure Date: 29 April 2026, 12:59 AM
Organizational Unit: FRMLW – FAO Representation in Malawi
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Duration: 12 months, with possibility of extension
Post Number: N/A
Important Notice: Please note that the closure date and time displayed above are based on the date and time settings of your personal device.
FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background, and culture. Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Members, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values. As a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, FAO has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives, and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to its strategic objectives and operations.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, supporting the transformation toward 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 and operations in more than 130 countries worldwide. In Malawi, where FAO has worked since 1986, the Organization’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 systems transformation
- Sustainable natural resources and the environment
- 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), and 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 for One Health and Laboratory Systems, 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 the strengthening of veterinary and One Health laboratory services, including biosafety, biosecurity, quality management systems, laboratory networking, and AMR/antimicrobial use (AMU) surveillance across relevant sectors.
Tasks and Responsibilities
The incumbent will carry out the following tasks:
- Plan, organize, and support or supervise in-country technical missions, including training, troubleshooting, installation, and commissioning of equipment.
- Coordinate with national counterparts, implementing and 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 needs assessments using FAO Laboratory Mapping Tools (LMT) and other relevant assessment results.
- Support the preparation and implementation of national roadmaps for laboratory biosafety/biosecurity and quality assurance, aligned with relevant regional workshops and national priorities.
- Support the development or 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 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, including surveillance and diagnosis.
- Support the piloting of new technologies, including field-based or portable PCR platforms, to enhance the diagnosis of PZDs, particularly during outbreaks.
- Lead the development and/or strengthening of laboratory data management systems 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 such as LMT and ATLASS, and support continuous improvement plans.
- Support monitoring and evaluation by coordinating the collection, validation, and reporting of laboratory-related project data.
- Support the preparation of laboratory procurement lists, including drafting technical specifications, consolidating requests, 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 and 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.
- 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 the human, animal, and environmental sectors.
- 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 the implementation of AMR diagnostic and surveillance activities, as well as laboratory capacity development 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 any 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 and/or veterinary/public health laboratory sciences, including 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 AMR workstreams, particularly within a One Health framework
- Extensive experience in developing and implementing laboratory quality assurance, biosafety, and biosecurity programmes, including needs assessments and national roadmaps
- Proficiency in laboratory strengthening, diagnostics, and the development and implementation of SOPs for Priority Zoonotic Diseases and AMR
- Experience in laboratory information systems, data management, and laboratory capacity assessments using relevant tools
- Proven ability to establish and strengthen national and international laboratory networks and foster collaboration among One Health 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
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. FAO only considers higher education qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Any appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, as well as accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. FAO also seeks gender, geographical, and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve its Members in all regions.
How to Apply
- Visit the Jobs at FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile
- Ensure that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment record, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Once your profile is complete, submit your application
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the WHED, aligned with ISCED mappings
- Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization for verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military, and police records where relevant to employment qualifications
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Personal information provided in the application may be shared within FAO and with service providers acting on FAO’s behalf for recruitment support services
- Only applications received through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered
- Applications will be screened based on the information provided in the online profile
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their application well before the deadline
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