Senior VPP Consultant
Organizational Context
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency supporting 194 member states in over 130 countries. FAO aims to transform agrifood systems for greater efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability, contributing to the 2030 Agenda. FAO Country Offices assist governments in developing policies and programs for food security, hunger reduction, and sustainable natural resource management. The FAO Country Office in South Africa collaborates with government departments and international organizations on projects like the "Building a Resilient Future" initiative, focusing on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response through a One Health Approach.
Job Purpose
The Senior VPP Consultant will provide high-level strategic expertise to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the Animal Health Technician (AHT) component within the "Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in South Africa through a One Health Approach" project, funded by the Pandemic Fund. This role is crucial for enhancing national health systems' response to pandemics by strengthening surveillance, laboratory capabilities, and overall capacity building. The consultant will leverage previous project successes to integrate AHT entrepreneurs into zoonotic disease prevention and early warning systems, ensuring effective service delivery to livestock farmers and contributing to improved animal and public health outcomes.
Responsibilities
Provide expert technical input to the AHT project coordinator and the broader Pandemic Fund Project team on activity design, implementation, reporting, and knowledge sharing, with a focus on legal compliance, facility suitability, infrastructure, business establishment, and marketing. Lead efforts to secure funding and foster collaborations supporting AHTs in establishing and sustaining primary animal healthcare clinics, engaging with provincial departments and private sector stakeholders. Identify and explore collaborations with complementary service delivery models, such as Unjani Clinics, to enhance AHT business opportunities. Develop and implement a targeted coaching and training program with associated monitoring tools in collaboration with the project coordinator and business coaches. Provide technical guidance on starter kit procurement, including equipment specifications. Offer ongoing remote and on-site technical support and progress monitoring for AHTs and their businesses. Engage with the South African Veterinary Council and other stakeholders to promote AHT-led businesses and improve veterinarian-AHT collaboration. Contribute to project monitoring, evaluation, communication, and knowledge sharing activities.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the animal health discipline is required. This experience should align with the educational background and responsibilities outlined for the role.
Skills
Key skills include strong project management capabilities, proficiency in data analysis, and experience with computerized financial, travel, and human resources systems. Excellent communication and report writing skills are essential, along with a solid understanding of corporate computerized financial systems, administrative procedures, and organizational structure. Knowledge of key stakeholders in the animal health field and competency in technical and administrative work are also important. The ability to foster teamwork, build effective relationships, share knowledge, and drive continuous improvement is crucial for success in this role.