Senior Livestock Officer

RE-VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT - NO. FAO/KBL/PRJ/SC/46-2019

Functional  Title:

Senior Livestock Officer

Type of Contract:

National Project Personnel / Service Contract (NPP/SC)

Grade / Level:

SB-4

Number of Post (s) :

1 (One)

Duration :

6 Months

Extendable / Renewable:

Extendable, Based on Satisfactory Performance and Budget Availability

Probationary Period:

Initial 3 Months

Project / Programme / Unit: 

Resilience Projects/ Programme

Duty Station:

Kabul – Afghanistan, with frequent domestic travel to other project locations

Sub – Station:

Nil

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organization Settings:

Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, Programmes and projects to address hunger, food security and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, livestock, animal health, and irrigation and forestry sectors as well as emergency preparedness and response. The activities of the FAO Representation include design and implementation of country-tailored field Programmes, liaison with local donor representatives and active public awareness raising and outreach activities related to the mandate of FAO.

FAO assistance in Afghanistan achieves its objectives through capacity development and direct project implementation in four specific areas of FAO’s technical expertise: 

• Better governance through improved capacity for policy planning, land reform, decentralization, and management of common natural resources;
• Fostering expansion of irrigation and field water management; 
• Intensive agriculture for surplus commercialization, value chains development, and job creation;
• Supporting vulnerable farmers for improved food and nutrition security, resilience, and emergency response to natural and man-made disasters and climate change.

This position is established under the FAO Resilience Project/Programme in Afghanistan, and the duty station is Kabul, with frequent travels to project locations in the provinces covered by the respective offices.

Reporting Lines / Supervision Received/Exercised:

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Afghanistan, with direct supervision of Resilience Programme Officer, in consultation with the relevant FAO staff and units in FAO in Afghanistan, the incumbent will undertake and be responsible for the following tasks:

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Conduct and lead livestock assessments in Afghanistan for project formulation and project development;
• Collect and analyses appropriate data that contribute to the programing;  
• Provide technical assistance to the communities and implementing partners on improving sustainable livestock practices and increase livestock production and productivity;
• Develop periodic work plans and work collaboratively with relevant government agencies and other key stakeholders to ensure that the livestock related intervention work plans are mainstreamed into local development plans;

Play a key role in identifying livestock issues to be addressed and enhance visibility of the project.

• Promote reflective learning and create an environment that facilitates two-way learning within the project team;
• Ensure coordination and enhance collaboration with relevant partners and stakeholders already operating in Afghanistan in animal health and production activities;
• Maintain a close collaboration with the Director General of Animal Health and Production of MAIL to ensure that activities foreseen under the  project  run smoothly;
• Make regular or ad hoc visits to the project sites and ensure a good relationship between regional project sites and DAIL and MAIL provincial offices;
• Assist the Resilience programme officer and Technical Advisors in developing national protocols and guidelines related to livestock health and management with reference to: disease detection, control and containment, sample collection, handling and submission to diagnostic laboratories and epidemiological investigations in FMD/PPR outbreaks of disease etc.;
• Organize and participate in national workshops with implementing partners ;
• Prepare the technical specifications of the different items and services to be procured under the project;
• Coordinate closely with the relevant staff and provide technical advice to MAIL and implementing partners;
• As member of the Technical Working Group, to attend the meetings whenever called and assist the Resilience & Emergency Coordinator in preparing the necessary documentation to be discussed at the meetings;
• Assist the International Resilience & Emergency Coordinator in preparation of Project Progress Reports using the standard FAO format;
• Plan, organize and participate in scientific and technical meetings, make project related presentations for local/international audiences; prepare and edit reports, manuals, guidelines and other specialized publications concerning the above;
• Assist national institutions through the decentralized offices in planning, designing and establishing training, extension, research and human resources development program for efficient animal nutrition and utilization of feed resources;
• Keep up-to-date and informed on relevant developments; design and conduct analytical studies on specific technical and policy issues affecting animal nutrition, feed resources and feed safety;
• Contribute to the work of and participate in FAO’s interdisciplinary programmes, international and regional institutions, NGO networks and producer organizations as they relate to animal production and nutrition and feed safety;
• Contribute to and technically support appropriate supplementary/emergency feeding interventions for livestock in FAO emergency and/or rehabilitation programmes;
• Advise the feed industry in developing and complying with feed safety/quality standards;
• Solve local technical poultry issues where possible and report on-going problems including outbreaks of disease and poultry mortality;
• Prepare project technical reports and Contribute to the project progress and terminal reports;
• Submit End-of-assignment report after completion of the contract.

Other Activities:

• Any other duty that the FAO Representative requests on emergency and ad hoc tasks including field need assessment, reporting, meeting, and workshop related to area of works of FAO Representation in Afghanistan.

Expected Outputs:

• Draft project proposals in the relevant fields to be completed and cleared by 31 December 2019.
• Contribute to the project reporting and ensure the quality of reports from technical prospective;
• Strengthen the collaboration and cooperation with line government entities;
• Ensure the result based management of the projects/programme for quality results;
• Enhance the visibility of programme.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (TECHNICAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION)

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine or Animal Husbandry (Poultry), or closely related field.

Work Experience and Additional Skills:

• At least 7 (Seven) years of extensive and demonstrated experience in Veterinary Public Health in specific areas of: (i) food safety of products of animal origin and (ii) zoonotic diseases at national and/or international level with UN,  international NGOs and Government of Afghanistan;
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable;
• Ability to use computer software. Familiarity with the office computer software used by the Organization especially in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word and Outlook);
• Previous work experience with UN is an advantage
• The candidate will have skills and experience in need assessment, project formulation and reporting.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English, Dari & Pashto

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Excellent writing and analytical skill in drafting concept notes, proposals and reports;
• Strong interpersonal and communication, reporting and presentation skills, analysis and interpretation of data, ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Understanding of the purpose and functional of technical Programmes, operational guidelines and Programme/project management procedures, preferably those adopted by the United Nations and/or FAO;
• Working experience with ministries, national institutions and the rural sector in Afghanistan;
• Ability to effectively coordinate a large, multi-stakeholder project with results-based management;
• Ability to deal with political, technical, and people management challenges, administer budgets and work effectively with all staff and with groups involved in the project;
• Experience in multi stakeholder analysis, and in mobilizing or creating awareness about resilience projects;
• Extent of experience in institution and capacity building in the livestock feed/production sector;
• Extent and relevance of working experience in main livestock feeding systems, livestock health and livestock management  in different regions of the country;
• Extent of knowledge of and experience in the application of improved animal nutrition;
• Depth of understanding of the technical (nutritional), institutional and policy constraints affecting major livestock feeding systems in both developed and developing countries;

Language Skills:

• Good knowledge of the national/local languages (Dari and Pashto) of the duty station;

COMPETENCIES:

• Core competencies: FAO core competencies include: Understanding FAO’s mandate and its global context; planning, organizing, and delivering quality results; communicating to build understanding and support; working together in teams and partnerships; engaging in continuous learning.
• Operational Effectiveness: Working independently, structuring tasks, establishing priorities and adhering to deadlines. Show a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Contribute ideas and suggestions for process improvement.
• Client Orientation: Focus on results for the client. Attend to inquiries from internal and external clients in an effective, timely and courteous manner. Treat clients with courtesy and respect even when working under pressure. Express a high level of professionalism.
• Interpersonal Communications and Teamwork: Work effectively and efficiently with staff at all levels, listen to others and openly share own ideas. Express sensitivity, cultural empathy and respect for diversity. Productively handle differing views and opinions and strive for achievement of shared goals. Respond positively to feedback.
• Knowledge Exchange and Learning: Share own knowledge and promote a learning culture within the work environment. Actively work towards professional development, including personal learning.  Apply newly acquired skills and support flexibility within the work environment.

REMUNERATION:

• The remuneration for the post of Senior Livestock Officer is between USD 1,947 to USD 3,111 (SB-4, Step 1 to 4) monthly based on the salary history, qualification and experience of the candidate.
• The selected candidate will also receive an additional 8.33% monthly salary as pension benefit/coverage on a monthly basis.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINE:

Interested Afghan nationals should complete the FAO Personal History Form (PHF) and submit it along with their application letter and CV to the email address below, clearly mentioning the vacancy number and post title (Senior Livestock Officer - FAO/KBL/PRJ/SC/46-2019) in the subject line of the email, otherwise your email will not be considering for further process.

FAOAF-vacancies@fao.org

NOTE: Applicant who failed to attach the FAO Personal History Form (PHF) to their Application will not be considered for further process.

The above required documents can also be submitted in writing (marked “Confidential” and clearly indicating on the sealed envelope the Vacancy Announcement number and position title) to: the Assistant FAO Representative (Administration), FAO Representation, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Jamal Mina, Opposite Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan.

The FAO PH Form can be downloaded using the following internet link:

http://www.acbar.org/applicationform

The last date for receiving applications is 27 November 2019. Please note that applications received after closing date will not be given consideration. Only short listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for test/interview.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce gender diversity
• Qualified females are strongly encouraged to apply
• People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization
• Candidates endorsed in the selection process for this vacancy announcement will be considered for the FAO NSHR Roster for a period of two years. The Roster is used to fill other similar positions at the same or lower grade, and in the same or another duty station inside the country;
• FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.
• Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).
• Candidates who wish to apply for the positon should indicate their preferred duty station(s) in their application letter (or email).
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview/test.
• Application received after closing date will not be given consideration.
• Please make sure to sign the first page of your PHF while applying for the vacant post.
• Do not forget to write the post title and VA number on subject of your email.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments;
• Email will only be sent to the interviewed candidates.