National Specialist for Animal health and Production

Organizational Setting

Livestock forms part of the traditional agricultural system in Pacific island Countries (PICs), however, in development of agricultural policies and research priorities the focus has often been on crop production, neglecting the role of livestock and their wide range of functions (e.g. source of income, fertilizer provider for crops, draught power and serve as a bank for the storage of assets). In addition, there is very limited veterinary and livestock production capacity across the PICs with little or no efficient disease surveillance, testing and reporting on common animal diseases as well as transboundary animal diseases. These identified gaps need to be addressed in order to improve livestock production sector in this region. Hence, there is a need to provide technical assistance to Pacific Island government counterparts to improve planning, preparedness, and response capacity for transboundary animal diseases that affect livestock production, including African swine fever (ASF). Furthermore, there is a need to improve livestock production capacity and raise awareness on safe farming practices, biosecurity and animal welfare to improve the management of livestock in the Pacific Islands, prevent animals from being more susceptible to diseases, prepare for disease introduction, and improve response to ASF and other TADs to mitigate their impact on livelihoods, economies, food and nutrition security. In support of the FAO project TCP/SAP/3805 which looks into enhancing regional animal health capacity to prepare and respond to risks of ASF introduction and spread in the Pacific”, FAO is seeking to recruit a national consultant for Kiribati. The consultant will be assisting with implementation of project activities in close collaboration with the Government of Kiribati through its Agriculture and Livestock Division under the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development and FAO project team.

Reporting Lines

The National Specialist will implement project activities in close collaboration with the national project coordinators under the overall supervision of the FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands (SAP), the direct supervision of the Senior Animal Health and Production Officer of FAO Regional Office for Asia-Pacific (RAP), in close collaboration with the SAP Junior Professional Officer (JPO), and in consultation with the Regional Animal Health Emergency Management Specialist.

Technical Focus

To provide technical implementation support for Kiribati in close collaboration with the national project coordinator under TCPSAP3805 FAO project Tasks and responsibilities

• Identify and confirm activities/timeline under the project work plan for implementation and assist the Ministry in implementing activities, in consultation with the Ministry and project technical team • Assist the responsible Ministry to develop training and awareness materials and submit final drafts of documents for FAO review and inputs, together with the NPC • Assist the responsible Ministry in arrangement or organization of trainings, workshops, awareness programs and recurrent meetings, together with the NPC • Draft and submit final training, workshop or meeting reports and minutes • Collect and provide information required by the project technical team that is not accessible online and that is required • Assist with the preparation of a list of expendable and non-expandable equipment, supplier details and other documents required by FAO procurement team and ensure equipment is transported to the relevant sites. • Assist the communication team in conducting pre-campaign survey and KAP (Knowledge attitude and practice) to assess the level of KAP in the targeted communities and identify possible community support team members. • Assist the communication team in conducting post-campaign and KAP survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the awareness programme. The awareness materials and communication program should be ongoing. • Coordinate project reporting on a quarterly basis for submission to project technical team • Perform any other task as assigned by FAO-SAP for successful implementation and completion of project activities. • Prepare a final report summarizing accomplishments, challenges, & opportunities linked with all duties covered, and recommendations for improved programming in the future.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in Agriculture/Animal science or other related field • At least 2 years’ experience with livestock farming is an advantage. • Working knowledge of English • National of Kiribati or resident in the country with a regular work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work • Extent and relevance of experience in developing training materials or conducting or facilitating trainings or workshops • Extent and relevance of experience in working with communities