Animal Influenza (OFFLU) Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Position Overview

Apply for Animal Influenza (OFFLU) Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Roma, Italy.

Job posting date: 23 June 2026. Closure date: 14 July 2026.

Equal Opportunity

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. All employees are required to uphold FAO values, maintain integrity, and adhere to a zero‑tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Scientific coordination and technical support
  • Support implementation and delivery of OFFLU technical activities and workplans.
  • Contribute to the review, updating and implementation of OFFLU strategic and technical frameworks, and the FAO–WOAH global avian influenza strategy.
  • Identify research gaps, avoid duplication and promote innovation in influenza research and surveillance.
  • Provide technical input to global and regional initiatives on animal influenza, including Tripartite/Quadripartite processes.
  • Contribute to strengthening laboratory capacity and molecular surveillance for influenza and emerging pathogens.
• Data analysis, bioinformatics and surveillance
  • Support collection and analysis of genetic, antigenic and epidemiological influenza data from OFFLU networks.
  • Contribute to bioinformatics analysis, phylogenetics and interpretation of molecular markers for risk assessment.
  • Support the development of data‑sharing mechanisms and platforms, including considerations related to the Nagoya Protocol.
  • Contribute to the development of modules within EMPRES‑i related to genomic epidemiology.
• Global coordination and partnerships
  • Support coordination of OFFLU technical groups and liaise with reference laboratories and partners.
  • Facilitate information sharing across regional laboratory and epidemiology networks.
  • Strengthen collaboration with international partners including WOAH, WHO and research institutions.
  • Contribute to the organization of OFFLU meetings, technical consultations and global conferences.
• Vaccine composition and global risk assessment processes
  • Contribute to OFFLU inputs to the WHO Influenza Vaccine Composition Meetings (VCM), including data collection and analysis and preparation of technical reports.
  • Conduct advanced analysis of genetic and antigenic data to inform vaccine strain selection and risk assessment.
  • Support development of an animal health vaccine composition process including OFFLU’s Avian Influenza Matching (AIM) to support countries in their avian influenza vaccine strain selection.
• Knowledge products and communication
  • Contribute to drafting scientific publications, reports, statements and policy documents.
  • Support development of communication materials and OFFLU web content.
  • Assist in updating technical guidelines (e.g., cleavage site documents, diagnostic tools).
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in veterinary or biological sciences, recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO, and relevant post‑graduate training or experience in virology, laboratory diagnostics and bioinformatics, with a focus on animal influenza viruses.
• Relevant experience in animal influenza, epidemiology networks, molecular epidemiology, bioinformatics or related fields.
• Experience working with international organizations, scientific networks, or research institutions.
• At least 1 year (Category C), 5 years (Category B), or 10 years (Category A) of relevant professional experience in bioinformatics and molecular epidemiology.
• Working knowledge of English (level C). Knowledge of a second FAO language is an asset.

Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Technical/Functional Skills—strong demonstrable expertise in bioinformatics or molecular epidemiology.
• Strong communication skills for scientific and policy-oriented outputs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and meet deadlines.

Additional Information

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

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