Chief Veterinary Epidemiologist Job Vacancy in Outjo, Namibia – Animal Health & Agriculture

Job Description

Position: Chief Veterinary Epidemiologist

Company: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Location: Outjo, Namibia

Experience: 10+ years

Education: PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Animal Health & Agriculture

Department: Livestock Health and Production

Vacancies: 1

Company Overview

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. Operating globally, the FAO provides a neutral forum where nations meet to negotiate agreements and develop jointly coordinated strategies. In Namibia, the FAO focuses on sustainable agricultural development, the preservation of biodiversity, and the enhancement of livestock health to ensure the resilience of rural communities. By integrating scientific research with field-based implementation, the organization works to eliminate chronic hunger and promote sustainable farming practices that protect the environment while increasing productivity. Our commitment to Namibia involves strengthening the capacity of local veterinary services and implementing rigorous disease surveillance systems to protect both animal and human health, aligning with the One Health approach. This commitment makes our current hiring in Namibia a critical step toward regional food security.

Job Overview

The Chief Veterinary Epidemiologist will lead the strategic design and implementation of animal disease surveillance and control programs in the Outjo region and surrounding districts. This high-level role is essential for detecting, monitoring, and mitigating the spread of transboundary animal diseases that threaten the livestock economy. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating with government agencies, local farmers, and international health bodies to create a robust early-warning system. As part of our effort to expand career opportunities in Namibia, this role requires a blend of advanced scientific expertise and diplomatic leadership. You will oversee the collection of epidemiological data, analyze trends in livestock morbidity and mortality, and provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers. For more information on current employment in Namibia, please visit https://namibiajobsearch.com to explore our organizational structure.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and manage comprehensive epidemiological surveillance systems for livestock diseases.
• Lead the investigation of disease outbreaks and implement rapid response protocols.
• Analyze complex datasets to identify risk factors and transmission patterns of zoonotic diseases.
• Coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform to align national health strategies.
• Develop technical reports and policy briefs for international stakeholders and UN agencies.
• Supervise a team of field veterinarians and laboratory technicians in data collection.
• Organize community outreach programs to educate livestock owners on biosecurity measures.

Required Skills

• Expertise in spatial epidemiology and the use of GIS software for disease mapping.
• Advanced proficiency in statistical software such as R, SAS, or Stata.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of local languages is a plus.
• Deep understanding of the One Health framework and its application in rural settings.
• Ability to operate independently in remote field environments.

Interested candidates can also look for similar roles via https://botswanajobsearch.com/job-vacancy-in-botswana/ to compare regional standards.

Education

The candidate must possess a PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology, Veterinary Public Health, or a closely related scientific field from a recognized international university. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree is a mandatory prerequisite for the PhD specialization.

Experience

A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in veterinary epidemiology is required. This must include at least 5 years in a senior leadership or managerial capacity, preferably within an international organization or a national government health department. Proven experience in managing transboundary animal diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa is highly desirable for this job vacancy in Namibia.

Benefits

• Competitive tax-free UN salary based on professional grade.
• Comprehensive international health insurance and dental coverage.
• Generous pension scheme and provident fund contributions.
• Relocation allowance and housing subsidies for international recruits.
• Annual leave and special leave for professional development.
• Dependent grants for education and healthcare.

Explore further regional opportunities at https://botswanajobsearch.com/.

Training

• Advanced certification in Global Health Security.
• Training in UN administrative and financial regulations.
• Workshops on the latest WHO and WOAH disease reporting standards.
• Leadership and management training for international civil servants.

Working Environment

The role is based in Outjo, requiring a balance between a professional office setting and extensive field travel to remote livestock farms and veterinary posts. The environment is multicultural and fast-paced, demanding adaptability to various climatic conditions and social contexts. The employee will interact frequently with high-level government officials and rural community leaders.

Application Process

Candidates must submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter outlining their specific achievements in disease control. All applications must be submitted through the official UN Careers portal. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a technical assessment followed by a panel interview conducted via video conference or in person.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The FAO is committed to achieving gender equality and empowering women in all areas of its operations. We encourage qualified women and persons with disabilities to apply for this position. We provide a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees have equal access to growth and development regardless of their background.