Senior Livestock Expert

Organizational Context

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency dedicated to achieving food security for all and leading international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems globally. With 195 Members, FAO operates in over 130 countries, providing policy advice, technical assistance, and capacity development. FAO Country Offices align with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, ensuring effective operations and impactful delivery of core services.

Job Purpose

The Senior Livestock Expert will lead and coordinate the livestock team, providing high-level technical and strategic guidance to enhance livestock production, strengthen animal health, and support market-oriented livestock value chains. This role involves four key areas: technical leadership, design of livestock-related interventions, implementation of these interventions, and coordination of strategic and policy support. The expert will work in consultation with the project manager to ensure alignment with FAO's objectives and country-specific programming frameworks, contributing to improved food security and livelihoods.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and design of livestock-related project proposals and interventions across the entire value chain, including production, processing, food safety, and market-oriented strategies. Ensure interventions integrate gender and youth empowerment policies, climate-smart approaches, and the One Health approach for animal health and surveillance systems. Guide the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of animal health initiatives, coordinating with UN agencies, INGOs, and government stakeholders. Promote local feed production and good livestock practices. Analyze livestock value chains to identify gaps and provide policy advice to the government. Ensure evidence-based impact reporting through collaboration with assessment and MEAL teams. Lead the design of technical specifications and capacity development programs for farmers and technicians. Supervise implementation requirements and contribute to resource mobilization through proposal preparation. Support the development of policies and investment strategies for the livestock sector, enhancing food security and poverty reduction.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience in livestock development is required. This must include at least five years dedicated to project design and implementation. Experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of livestock production systems, animal health, and value chain development. Familiarity with international development projects and working within the agricultural sector is expected. The role requires practical experience in applying technical knowledge to field interventions and policy support.

Skills

Key skills include strong technical leadership, project design and implementation expertise in livestock development, and strategic planning abilities. Proficiency in coordinating with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, UN agencies, and NGOs, is crucial. The candidate must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster effective relationships and share knowledge. Experience in integrating gender, youth, and climate-smart approaches into interventions is important. Familiarity with the One Health approach and FAO systems is advantageous.

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