Organizational Setting

FAO Afghanistan is investing across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan in resilience reinforcing actions that focus on protecting agriculture livelihoods and local ecosystems, boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash-incomes, and safeguarding critical agriculture sectoral development gains achieved over the past couple of decades through revitalizing rural markets and economy. In particular, FAO provides a combination of humanitarian and basic needs/non-humanitarian assistance to female and male farmers and herders across Afghanistan in the agriculture, livestock, irrigation and natural resources sub-sectors through its projects and programs, as described in the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) and the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) 2023-2027, specifically under UNSFA Priority 2 Economic Opportunities and Resilient Livelihoods.

This position is located in Gardez and Kandahar – Afghanistan.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) or Deputy FAO Representative (DFAOR) in Afghanistan. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Regional Office, and the day-to-day technical/functional guidance of the Head of Regional Office who will assign and monitor the daily tasks. The performance evaluation will be done by the direct supervisor in consultation with the Technical Supervisor.

Technical Focus

Support the development of integrated livestock and dairy production systems through improved animal health, feeding, breeding, and farmer capacity building, with a strong focus on productivity and quality enhancement. Contribute to strengthening dairy value chains and market linkages through data driven analysis, stakeholder coordination, value addition, and monitoring of livestock and dairy development interventions. Training farmers on best practices, tracking market prices, and supporting vaccination campaigns are also important for ensuring animal health, production and promoting sustainable practices.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Collaborate with local farmers to improve livestock production practices and enhance productivity.
•    Facilitate training sessions on livestock management, breeding techniques, and health care for farmers.
•    Assist in the implementation of best practices for animal husbandry and welfare.
•    Coordinate vaccination programs and animal health campaigns to prevent diseases in livestock.
•    Develop and implement nutritional programs tailored to the needs of dairy and meat-producing animals.
•    Contribute to developing an extension, health, feed, fodder crop, and AI data collection network, and assist in analyzing data for recommendations.
•    Support the head of the animal production and health team in improving practices and controlling zoonotic diseases.
•    Assist in developing value-added products of dairy from dairy animals.
•    Support dairy farmers in improving milk production and quality through training and technical guidance.
•    Promote the benefits of dairy cooperatives and facilitate their establishment.
•    Build and maintain relationships with farmers, cooperatives, and other stakeholders in the livestock and dairy sectors.
•    Assist in developing value-added dairy products and marketing strategies to increase profitability.
•    Collect and analyze data on livestock and dairy production, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
•    Monitor and evaluate the impact of development interventions on livestock and dairy productivity.
•    Collaborate with private sector, IP and local authority to align development efforts with regional objectives.
•    Analyze market trends for livestock and dairy products, identifying opportunities for farmers.
•    Assist in establishing effective marketing channels and strategies to promote livestock and dairy products.
•    Evaluate the impact of interventions and report findings to stakeholders.
•    Track and report pricing of dairy animals and products in local and regional markets.
•    Support the planning and implementation of projects aimed at enhancing the livestock and dairy sectors.
•    Ensure timely distribution of inputs and resources needed for project success.
•    Organize workshops and training sessions to educate farmers on livestock and dairy best practices.
•    Provide ongoing support to farmers in implementing new techniques and technologies.
•    Participate in regional meetings and workshops to share knowledge and best practices.
•    Liaise with other regional development assistants to ensure coordinated efforts across initiatives.
•    Prepare and submit reports on livestock and dairy development activities and progress.
•    Communicate regularly with regional coordinators to update on challenges and successes in the field.
•    Respond to requests for assistance from farmers and provide solutions related to livestock and dairy issues.
•    Perform any other related duties as required to support regional development goals.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in veterinary science / livestock production or a related field.
•    At least 5 years of experience in veterinary or livestock out which 2 years of experience with UN or INGO is desirable.
•    Working knowledge (level C) of English and local languages (Dari and/or Pashto).
•    National of Afghanistan

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Have knowledge of finalizing the scope of works with the timeline needed for the implementation.
•    Experience of working with the United Nations or other international organizations (especially those working in the field of veterinary) is preferred;
•    Proven skill to coordinate with the relevant institutions and the communities.
•    Excellent knowledge, MS Office package, Internet etc.
•    Strong communication and facilitation 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.

Regional Livestock Assistant (Dairy Industry Development)