National specialist on development of policy framework

Organizational Setting: FAO Representative in Madagascar, to Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles.

Background One of the major constraints in the Mauritian livestock sector is the present lack of traceability of animals and animal products. At present, tagging is being used to identify animals but this system is not backed by an efficient record-keeping system that would enable authorities to follow-up. Moreover, tags are regularly lost or tampered with, leading to considerable confusion in the administration of animal identification. The Republic of Mauritius is therefore seeking to set up a National Livestock Information System (NLIS) to address the problem of animal identification. In 2019, short-term technical support was obtained from the FAO which enabled the country to define the traceability system for cattle, goat and sheep. A traceability system was set up utilizing microchips as the main method of identification. The microchipping of the cattle herd is more or less complete.

Within the ambit of this technical cooperation programme, the traceability system for pigs, poultry, deer and bees will be developed. A software shall also be designed for the system. Processes for animal identification, registration of farms, movement of animals and other aspects of the system have been defined for both Mauritius and Rodrigues. In parallel, the Animal Health and Livestock Production Bill is being enacted to provide the legal framework for the National Livestock Information System.

A consultant is recruited for designing and drafting the official policy and institutional set-up document for the National Livestock Information System. The draft document shall be presented to the Cabinet through the NPSC for approval. The policy, institutional set-up and regulatory document should capture the processes, methods and concepts developed by precedent consultants, technical and non-technical staff in the implementation of the NLIS project. It should also be in line with the Animal Health and Livestock Production Bill. It must be noted that the policy document shall be used to develop a detailed procedure manual subsequently.

Reporting Lines: Under the direct managerial and administrative leadership of the FAO Representative in Madagascar as the Budget Holder, the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and in close collaboration with the national team

Technical Focus: Livestock

Tasks and responsibilities

The consultant is expected to: • Work with the NPC to develop the policy, and institutional framework. • Draft the mission statement of the NLIS and submit to the NPSC through the NPC for approval. • Draft institutional set-up • Determine incentives for farm owners register in NLIS and submit to the NPSC through the NPC for approval. • Make necessary amendments to the documents following review by NPSC, if required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements • A degree in Agriculture or Veterinary Science or Animal Production or any related field • A Master’s degree would be an advantage. • Knowledge and proven experience in a regulatory setting. • Experience in the drafting of legislation and policy documents • Nationality of Mauritius 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 • Strong administrative and organisational skills, • Computer literacy • Good English technical report writing skills. • Ability to provide team leadership and motivation • Ability to work independently, with minimum supervision