One Health Legal Specialist

Organizational Setting

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

FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. 

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 
(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services. 
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation. 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  

Description of the project

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations is implementing a project for improving the country’s preparedness and response to emerging health threats. This project is in alignment with Regional Priority 1 (Transforming Agrifood systems for sustainable production and healthy diets), with a particular focus on Regional Initiative 3 (Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture). The project will be implemented in St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda over a period of 3 years. The project will specifically focus on strengthening surveillance and diagnostics for veterinary and zoonotic pathogens and strengthening the human resource capacity of the veterinary services in the OECS.

Reporting Lines

The Specialist will be under the technical supervision of the FAO Legal Officer and the general supervision of the FAO Livestock Development Officer in SLC.

Technical Focus

•    One Health, including One Health governance and regulatory frameworks.
•    Pandemic Prevention, preparedness and control with a focus on agrifood systems.
•    Animal health, zoonosis management and food safety legislation. 
•    The interface between natural resources management, health, pollution and biodiversity.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Get familiar with the project objectives and One Health legal methodology. 
•    Identify, collect and study the legislation relevant for One Health and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. In doing so, follow the guidance provided by LEGN. 
•    Include electronic copies of the relevant legislation in an electronic folder to be submitted as one of the outcomes. 
•    Collect and revise other material which might support the purpose of the project.
•    Prepare a National Legal Report, following the guidance of the international legal consultant and the LEGN Officer.
•    Help organize and assist in consultation meetings with stakeholders, as requested.
•    Based on the feedback from consultations, and in collaboration with other members of the project team, prepare recommendations to strengthen the legislation under a One Health approach.
•    Assist in the participation of training workshops organized as part of the project and in the organization of similar trainings for national counterparts.
•    During the missions of the project team, support the preparation of the mission agenda, be available to join all meetings and collaborate with the project team in the preparation of mission reports; and
•    If so requested, assist in regional discussions, travel missions and online meetings.
•    Prepare an end-of-assignment short report explaining the activities undertaken and with a commented version of the draft legislation. 
•    Perform other duties as and when requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    University degree in Law or a university degree in legal-related matters.
•    At least 1-year relevant practical experience in legal approaches to One Health, pandemic prevention, animal health or a related matter. 
•    Working knowledge (Level C) of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Familiarity with and understanding of the work of international organizations, regional entities and national governments
•    Experience in legal drafting and implementing national projects would be an asset.
•    Experience working in the Caribbean region will be an asset.
•    Knowledge of project management and strategic planning, budgets and financial reporting
•    Excellent leadership and communication skills.
•    Ability to promote efficiency toward achieving project objectives and advanced knowledge of best business practices.
•    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)