Position: Livestock Specialist

Deadline: December, 06/2023

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is the specialized agency of the United Nations for food, nutrition, agriculture, and forestry. FAO’s global vision is for a world free from hunger and malnutrition where food and agriculture contribute to improving the living standards of all, especially the poorest, in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner. Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO's efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active and healthy lives. 

The mission of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is to work to eradicate hunger and promote global food security together with balanced and complete nutrition. Our mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations, and contribute to the growth of the world economy.

Our three main goals are the eradication of hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty and the driving forward of economic and social progress for all; and, the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, including land, water, air, climate and genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

FAO Representation to Ethiopia (FRETH) has various sub-offices across the country and is implementing a number of projects, often in the most inaccessible areas. The FAO Field Office in Hawassa is one of the sub-offices. FAO is implementing a number of development and emergency projects contributing to improved production and productivity of the livestock sector.

The position is located in the Southern Ethiopia Region Hawassa Field office, Ethiopia. 

Reporting Lines

The Livestock Officer will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Ethiopia, technical supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), under the direct supervision of the Field Office Coordinator and in close collaboration with the FRETH Programme Team and FRETH Regional Initiative Teams. 

Technical Focus

The Livestock Officer will be responsible for technical support of FRETH projects focusing on livestock development in mixed farming and pastoral systems within the region and surrounding locations under the regional field office. 

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the FRETH sustainable livestock development work programme across all Regional Initiatives and Strategic Objectives, providing technical support to regional governments that will assist in developing their capacity for introducing Good Agricultural Practices for sustainable livestock intensification in the region; 

• Represent FAO in relevant coordination and technical meetings, such as the regional cluster coordination meetings and similar; 

• Be at all times aware and report on the livestock feed and health situation in the operational area, support or initiate predictive livestock early warning system;

• Stimulate and support the regional bureau with the implementation of the Animal Disease Notification and Investigation System (ADNIS);

• Participate in the preparation and review of FRETH regional field programme/project and thematic work plans to ensure technical consistency;  

• Participate in the preparation of FRETH regional sustainable livestock development projects, and work plans, monitor progress and, where necessary, identify and report corrective measures to ensure timely delivery of projects; 

• Contribute to the drafting and updating of all FRETH Southern Ethiopia Region Field Office reports, occasional updates and any other documentation prepared, either for specific donors or generic bulletins/briefs;  

• Contribute to the drafting of Letters of Agreement (LoA) and other operational documents in support of FRETH Regional sustainable livestock development projects and frequently monitor the implementation of such Agreements; 

• Support the development and implementation of capacity development activities in favor of private and public stakeholders to promote integrated livestock production programes;

• Liaise with other United Nations (UN) and Development Partners in the region to ensure timely and relevant participation of the FRETH Field Office in the UN and other coordination processes and mechanisms put in place to address the development, management and production of livestock resources;  

• Contribute to the analysis and development of livestock in mixed farming and pastoral systems, with a particular view of sustainable intensification of production methods, market development and post-harvest activities;

• Perform other related duties as required. 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in Animal Sciences or other related fields. 

• Five years of relevant experience in managing livestock-related projects and programmes. 

• Working knowledge of English, and the local language of the duty station (Amharic). 

• National of Ethiopia.

FAO Core Competencies

Technical/Functional Skills

• The extent of Experience in Emergency operations and Livelihoods recovery projects, assessments and analysis. 

• Excellent planning, organizing and scheduling skills 

• Excellent communication, writing and presentation in English; and working knowledge of Amharic language. 

• Good Report writing skills. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)

• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/  

• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/ 

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

FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. 

How to apply:

• Register using the following link CLICK HERE

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO using the below apply button and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, and complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills

• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information that may be pertinent to the employment qualifications

• Incomplete applications will not be considered

• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case, FAO will no longer be able to consider your application

• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered

• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile

• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.