Animal Health Specialist

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Subregional Office for Southern Africa (SFS) focuses on developing and implementing strategies for subregional food, agriculture, and rural development priorities. It fosters relationships with regional institutions, including Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). As a subsidiary of FAO's Regional Office for Africa (RAF), SFS provides technical assistance to governments and country offices, supporting the development of policies and programs aimed at achieving food security and reducing hunger and malnutrition sustainably.

Job Purpose

This role focuses on livestock production and health, specifically managing and directing project implementation for transboundary animal diseases within Component 2 of the STOSAR II project. The objective is to improve market access by domesticating regional animal disease strategies and implementing them at the country level. This includes enhancing capacities for Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) requirements in international trade, revamping the Livestock Information Management System (LIMS), piloting e-Veterinary Certification, and advancing Commodity Based Trade, all while ensuring timely achievement of project deadlines and milestones.

Responsibilities

Provide overall management and direction for project implementation concerning transboundary animal diseases within Component 2, focusing on improving market access through regional animal disease management strategies in SADC countries and ensuring milestones are met. Support the domestication of regional strategies for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in collaboration with national veterinary services and the Livestock Technical Committee. Coordinate the implementation of these domesticated strategies nationally and regionally, adhering to international standards and guidelines for animal health, phytosanitary measures, and the WTO-SPS agreement. Facilitate activities to strengthen management capacities for priority animal diseases, including surveillance and early warning systems. Support the development and implementation of innovative risk management approaches for trade-related animal diseases, including regional guidelines, tools, workshops, and advocacy initiatives. Assist the SADC Livestock Technical Committee in its functions and provide technical input for the development or enhancement of LIMS and the e-Veterinary Certification pilot project. Support updating Commodity Based Trade guidelines, conduct awareness campaigns on SPS regulations, and identify collaborations with complementary initiatives and Centres of Excellence. Ensure mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues like Gender, HIV/AIDS, and Poverty into project components. Facilitate the development and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation framework, manage project risks, and supervise affiliate personnel.

Work Experience

Requires at least 10 years of practical experience in working with international and regional institutions, implementing regional development projects in agriculture and animal health within developing countries. Experience should be relevant to the field of animal health.

Skills

Key skills include results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Experience in animal health development work in Southern Africa is advantageous. Strong administrative and organizational skills, computer literacy, and good English technical report writing abilities are essential. Familiarity with the Southern Africa region and experience in multiple work locations or areas are also beneficial.

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