Organizational Setting
Livestock health is a cornerstone of agricultural productivity, food security, and public health. Emerging and endemic animal diseases pose significant threats to the livestock sector, necessitating the availability of effective and timely diagnostic tools and vaccines. Currently, the country relies heavily on imported vaccines and diagnostic biologicals, which are subject to delays, high costs, and supply chain disruptions. For instance, Bhutan procures livestock vaccines worth 12 million and diagnostic biologicals worth 5 million annually. Recently, with the procurement of LSD vaccine, the annual budget for livestock vaccine has shot up to 30 million annually. Additionally, some of these vaccines are in short supply, not available in the region resulting in unavailability.
Moreover, the production of biologicals for diagnostic purposes will require handling and production of certain high-risk pathogens. This will require specialized bio-containment facilities to mitigate risks of accidental release and to ensure biosafety, biosecurity and environmental safety. In this context, establishing a national facility equipped to produce livestock vaccines and diagnostic biologicals under strict biocontainment (e.g., Biosafety Level 2 and 3 standards) is seen as a strategic priority. This facility will cater to national needs and potentially supply regional demand, aligned with international standards and sustainability goals.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of FAOR and technical supervision by the project lead technical officer in RAP (LTO), and in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, national counterparts, FAO CO, the consultant will be directly recruited and under the supervision of the FAOR, Bhutan and the incumbent will work together with the team from the Department of Livestock and PMU, FAO CO.
Technical Focusย
โข ย ย Assess the feasibility of establishing a bio-manufacturing unit with biocontainment capability to produce livestock vaccines and diagnostic biologicals
โข ย ย Develop a detailed blueprint for the infrastructure, including process-specific equipment and technology needs
โข ย ย Develop phased implementation plan with budget estimates, timelines, risk analysis, regulatory considerations, and capacity development strategies for successful operationalization of the facility
โข ย ย Propose institutional, financial, and operational frameworks to ensure sustainability and compliance
โข ย ย Explore potential for exporting high demand vaccines to countries in the region and beyond
Tasks and responsibilities
Needs assessment
โข ย ย Analyze the current and projected livestock disease burden (priority diseases) at national and regional levels
โข ย ย Identify gaps in current diagnostic biologicals and vaccine availability and timeliness
โข ย ย Review current national and regional capacities for vaccine and diagnostic production, including public and private sector actors
Technical and infrastructure feasibility
โข ย ย Define the types of vaccines and diagnostics to be produced (e.g., In-vitro, in-vivo, viral, bacterial, live attenuated, inactivated)
โข ย ย Identify the required biosafety level for handling target pathogens
โข ย ย Develop a blueprint for bio-manufacturing infrastructure suited for high level biocontainment, including layout requirements for the facility (clean rooms, containment areas, animal holding units, quality control labs, shelf life and vaccine storage, etc.)
โข ย ย Recommend process-specific equipment and technology platforms
โข ย ย Conduct site assessment and utility requirement analysis (HVAC, backup power, effluent systems, sterilization units etc.)
Regulatory and policy framework
โข ย ย Review relevant national and international regulations related to vaccine and diagnostic biologicals production, biosafety and biosecurity (e.g., WOAH, WHO, FAO, ISO, GMP standards)
โข ย ย List licenses, certifications, and policy frameworks needed for facility establishment and operation
โข ย ย Suggest policy adjustments or frameworks to support the facilityโs operation
Institutional and operational framework
โข ย ย Propose possible institutional models (e.g., government-led, public-private partnership, autonomous institute)
โข ย ย Outline staffing needs, organizational structure, and required technical expertise
โข ย ย Assess potential for collaboration with research institutions, universities, and private sector partners
Financial and economic feasibility
โข ย ย Estimate capital investment costs for establishing the facility based on the blueprint
โข ย ย Outline recurring operational costs (staffing, maintenance, raw materials, etc.)
โข ย ย Conduct a cost-benefit analysis and economic viability study
โข ย ย Recommend financing options (government, development partners, PPP models)
โข ย ย Suggest pricing and business models for sustainability
Risk analysis
โข ย ย Identify potential risks: biosafety, biosecurity, financial, technical, regulatory, operational
โข ย ย Map supply chain vulnerabilities for raw materials and critical inputs
โข ย ย Recommend mitigation strategies and contingency strategies
Capacity building and human resource development
โข ย ย Assess capacity gaps and training needs for technical and support staff
โข ย ย Propose a phased capacity building roadmap (short-term, mid-term, long-term)
โข ย ย Include potential for international collaboration or twinning programs including technology transfer
Environmental and social considerations
โข ย ย Identify potential environmental impacts (e.g., biological waste, emissions, land use)
โข ย ย Propose environmental safeguards and compliance with national environmental laws
โข ย ย Consider social implications, such as community acceptance and biosecurity awareness
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
โข ย ย Advanced university degree (Masterโs or PhD) in veterinary medicine, microbiology, biotechnology, biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline (with a specialization in vaccine development, bioprocess engineering, or immunology)
โข ย ย Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in animal or human vaccine development and production, including biomanufacturing process design and similar field.ย
โข ย ย Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English
FAO Core Competencies
โข ย ย Results Focus
โข ย ย Teamwork
โข ย ย Communication
โข ย ย Building Effective Relationships
โข ย ย Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skillsย
โข ย ย In-depth knowledge on Vaccinology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Veterinary Medicine, Microbiology, Public Health, Biotechnology, or related disciplinesย
โข ย ย In-depth knowledge on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance, Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), Facility layout and equipment specification.
โข ย ย Demonstrated experience conducting technical and economic feasibility studies for biomanufacturing or vaccine production.
โข ย ย Proven track record in designing vaccine production infrastructure, particularly in low- and middle-income countries or resource-limited settings.
Selection Criteria
ย
โข ย ย Based on requirements, competencies and skills.