Livestock-Rangeland Specialist

Organizational Setting

Zimbabwe is facing a growing humanitarian crisis due to a combination of underlying socio-economic constraints, as well as the impact of external factors such a climatic change and COVID-19. These issues are stretching the resilience of the Zimbabwean people to the limit. At the peak of the lean season (January-March 2020) 5.8 million people were considered severely food insecure (IPC3 and 4). A poor 2020 agricultural season coupled with even further economic hardship will see households requiring emergency food assistance rising to 8.5 Million by the end of 2020 and into the ’lean season’ (WFP July 2020).

In response to the above, FAO and UNICEF will be implementing the project “Enhanced Resilience for Vulnerable Households in Zimbabwe” (ERVHIZ). The ERVHIZ will achieve its goal by adopting principles of agro-ecology, improving access to local markets, increased nutrition awareness and community WASH interventions that are adapted to the local context and will offer sustainable pathways to resilient livelihoods. A key component of the ERVHIZ will be the promotion of agro-pastoral activities through a participatory based approaches. This will include both fodder banks and also grazing land reinforcement The ERVHIZ is a multi-sectoral project addressing both early and mid-term recovery needs for agriculture livelihoods. In addition, there will be strong gender component to this project which will enhance the inclusion and livelihoods of women.

Reporting Lines

The Livestock Specialist will report to the ERVHIZ Project Coordinator, with further reporting and guidance from the relevant FAO Lead Technical Officer of the project, Regional Office for Africa and technical divisions at FAO Head Quarters

Technical Focus

The technical focus of this position is to oversee the implementation of the livestock component of the project “Enhanced Resilience for Vulnerable Households in Zimbabwe” (ERVHIZ). In addition, there will be an emphasis on partnership building and coordination with other stakeholders working in the agricultural sector – in particular the USAID funded AMALIMA and ZRBF projects).

Key Results

• Provide the overall leadership, management oversight and direction on all aspects of the project implementation to achieve the project Outputs and Outcomes ‘Rural households resilience to food crises and climate change is increased’

Tasks and responsibilities

Working under the overall supervision of the ERVHIZ Project Coordinator, the Livestock - Rangeland Specialist will provide expert technical support to the project. In particular, the incumbent will:

• Be responsible on all matters related to the livestock subcomponent of the project to ensure delivery of project outputs.
• In close collaboration with the implementing partners oversee the development of the Farmer Field School curriculum development with both fodder banks and grazing land reinforcement
• Lead the development of specifications for livestock equipment, infrastructure, accessories and services required by the project.
• Oversee the repair and rehabilitation of the livestock related infrastructure such as handling facilities and dip tanks
• Liaise and collaborate closely with other stakeholders in the same geographical area who are undertaking similar activities
• Coordinate and deliver training on good animal husbandry to implementing partners, extension officers and farmers
• Participate in project monitoring and drawing up lessons learnt and course corrections.
• Organize and supervise the production of all required project reports in line with donor requirements and guidelines maintaining quality control.
• Provide substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.;
• Initiate and coordinate outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;
• Perform other related duties, including the direct implementation of some technical activities, as required

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/