Deadline for submission of applications: 16:00hrs on 4th November 2024
The Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO) in the Welsh Government is responsible for raising the standards of health and welfare for all animals kept in Wales – farmed animals, companion animals (pets), sporting and working animals.
The OCVO is seeking a PhD student for a placement within its small One Health team focusing on One Health working across OCVO and the wider Welsh Government. The teams remit falls under the portfolio of the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, which supports delivery of the objectives proposed by the One Health subgroup following a cabinet paper published in 2024. The aim of paper was to encourage One Health working within the Welsh Government and to investigate the benefits of joined up working.
Purpose of the Post
The role will significantly contribute the development of a One Health situation analysis. The successful candidate will join the One Health policy team, developing an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. The following objectives, will provide the focus for this specific post:
- Identify and share information with internal and external stakeholders across the UK on the approach being taken in Wales.
- Outline One Health governance and national One Health assessment plans.
- Draft a One Health situation analysis report.
- Support publication of the situation analysis.
- Make sound recommendations to the WG One Health subgroup
Key Tasks
The role will also include, but is not limited to –
- Collation and review of relevant information sources.
- Engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
- Assistance with drafting and presentation of briefing papers for senior officials and the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales.
- Contributing to development of policy recommendations.
- Publication of key policy documents including situation analysis.
The exact tasks required of the student will be dependent on the particular focus of the team at the time of the placement and the student will likely have the opportunity to become involved in other work areas where they have a specific interest. We do not expect the successful applicant to have specific veterinary knowledge – this will be provided by others however knowledge of One Health is desirable. The core task is that of drafting and aligning objectives, linked to wider WG and UK wide outcomes.
For further information about the role and details of how to apply please download the following document: