Technical Advisor of Livestock Census

Organizational Setting

FAO Afghanistan is investing, across all 34 provinces, 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 2023, FAO will contribute to the humanitarian components of the UN Strategic Framework 2023-2025 through four priority actions: (i) Safeguarding Wheat Seed Security, (ii) Enhancing Local Production of Nutritious Food, (iii) Livestock Protection and Dairy Sector Support, and (iv) Restoring Irrigation Structures to Boost Cash Incomes. FAO will also contribute towards resilience building activities and longer-term transformational processes as part of the implementation of the UN Strategic Framework 2023-2025.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative, the direct supervision of the Head of the Livestock Team and in close coordination with the Head of the Field Program Team, project LTO, and Regional Coordinators of FAO Afghanistan.

Technical Focus

The TA of the Livestock Census will provide technical expertise and guidance in planning, implementing, and analyzing the Livestock Census in Afghanistan. The TA will work closely with relevant local authorities’ agencies, national consultants, and local stakeholders to ensure the effective execution of the census and the delivery of high-quality data.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:

Technical Planning:

• Leading and conducting a comprehensive review of existing livestock census methodologies, tools, and best practices. • Collaborating with national livestock census specialists and relevant stakeholders to understand the Afghan context and adapt international best practices to local requirements. • Developing a detailed Livestock Census framework, including methodologies, survey instruments, and data collection protocols. • Designing appropriate sampling methodologies and sample sizes to ensure representative data collection.

Capacity Building:

• Providing technical training and guidance to the census team, including enumerators and supervisors. • Developing training materials, manuals, and guidelines for data collection, ensuring adherence to international standards. • Leading and conducting workshops and training sessions to enhance the capacity of local stakeholders involved in the census.

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Providing technical oversight and quality assurance during the implementation of the Livestock Census, ensuring adherence to the established methodologies and protocols. • Leading and conducting data analysis using appropriate statistical methods and software. • Interpreting and presenting census findings in a clear and concise manner, including the preparation of reports, presentations, and visualizations.

Coordination and Collaboration:

• Collaborating with relevant national and regional stakeholders, national consultants, and local stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and cooperation throughout the census process. • Participating in meetings, workshops, and technical working groups related to the census. • Providing technical inputs and advice to support policy development and decision-making based on census results.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in Livestock, veterinary sciences, economics, statistics, or a related field. • At least 7 years of professional experience in designing and implementing livestock censuses or large-scale agricultural surveys in diverse international contexts. • Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese or Russian) for consultants

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, particularly in field positions is essential. • Relevant experience in livestock data collection methodologies, sampling techniques, statistical analysis, and designing and implementing livestock censuses or large-scale agricultural surveys in diverse international contexts. • Previous experience with the UN is an advantage. • Ability to establish effective working relations with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds. • Extent and relevant experience in developing various strategic programming/technical documents and liaising with relevant stakeholders. • Excellent organizational skills. • Familiarity with FAO technical tools. • Experience with the United Nations or other international agencies. • Experience working with governments in developing countries. • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. • Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member in complex multi-cultural environments. • Demonstrated initiative and ability to deliver results within deadlines.

• Strong technical expertise in livestock data collection methodologies, sampling techniques, and statistical analysis.

Selection Criteria

• Familiarity with livestock sectors in developing countries, preferably in conflict-affected or post-conflict settings. • Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R) and data visualization tools.