National Livestock Development Expert

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an intergovernmental organization comprising over 194 member nations. Since its establishment, FAO has been dedicated to alleviating poverty and hunger by promoting agricultural development, enhancing nutrition, and pursuing food security. Food security is defined as the availability of sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet the dietary needs of all people at all times for an active and healthy life. To achieve its objectives, FAO collaborates with a vast network of partners worldwide, including farmers' groups, traders, non-governmental organizations, other UN agencies, development banks, and agribusiness firms. For more comprehensive information about FAO, please visit FAO Website.

The primary purpose of FAO country offices, led by an FAO Representative, is to support governments in formulating policies, programs, and projects aimed at achieving food security and reducing hunger and malnutrition. These offices work to enhance the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors while ensuring the sustainable use of environmental and natural resources.
FAO Eritrea works with and provides technical support services to the various line Ministries of the Government of State of Eritrea (GoES) including the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), Ministry of Land, Water and Environment (MoLWE) and the Ministry of Local Government among other key institutions. In addition to systematic support to the long-term development programs and policy work, FAO also initiates programs and projects aimed at building resilience of the agriculture-based rural livelihoods (farmers, herders and fishing communities etc) in line with the GoES priorities, particularly the Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan 2024 -2026. FAO’s programs focus on protecting community livelihoods and local ecosystems and boosting local production of nutritious foods and household. To enhance the capacity of the country office in development and implementation of livestock-based livelihoods programs and lead the quality assurance of animal husbandry and health interventions, FAO Eritrea is seeking a National Livestock Development Expert (Local Consultant) to provide technical assistance and take a lead role in FAO’s livestock interventions in close collaboration with MoA.

Reporting Lines

Under the general supervision of the FAOER Representative, and direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Program), Technical Officers in FAO Eritrea and in liaison with the relevant Technical Officers in SFE and RAF, the consultant will provide direct support to the implementation of field projects related to the development of Livestock Resources.

Technical Focus

The Livestock Development Expert will lead the development, implementation and reporting of livestock-based livelihood projects, particularly in the areas of sustainable livestock management, animal health, livestock nutrition and feeding, an

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for the following activities within the scope of their work:
•    Project Management: Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all FAO livestock development projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
•    Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate regular consultations with government agencies, NGOs, community organizations, and private sector partners to gather input, share progress, and foster collaboration.
•    Technical Assistance: Provide expert technical guidance to project teams and local stakeholders on best practices in livestock management, addressing specific challenges and opportunities. Provide technical specifications for livestock inputs and coordinate with Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and Technical Competence Officer for clearances.
•    Training and Capacity Building: Design and deliver training workshops and capacity-building sessions for project staff and local communities, focusing on sustainable livestock practices and management.
•    Research and Data Analysis: Conduct field assessments, surveys, and data analysis to inform project strategies and ensure evidence-based decision-making.
•    Resource Mobilization Strategies: Develop and implement strategies for resource mobilization, including preparing project proposals and engaging with potential donors and partners.
•    Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish performance indicators and a monitoring framework to evaluate project outcomes, impacts, and overall effectiveness, adjusting as necessary.
•    Reporting and Documentation: Prepare regular reports on project progress, lessons learned, and recommendations for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.
•    Policy Advocacy: Engage in advocacy efforts to influence national policies related to livestock development, promoting sustainable practices and stakeholder interests.
•    Networking and Knowledge Sharing: Participate in relevant forums, workshops, and conferences to share experiences, best practices, and lessons learned, contributing to the broader knowledge base in livestock development
•    Enhanced Project Implementation: Execute all FAO livestock development projects, with clear timelines met and deliverables achieved according to established quality standards.
•    Increased Resource Mobilization: Identify  funding opportunities from diverse sources, resulting in increased financial support for livestock initiatives and sustainability of projects.
•    Strengthened Stakeholder Collaboration: Improve partnerships and collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, leading to more cohesive and integrated livestock development efforts.
•    Capacity Development: Enhance knowledge and skills among project staff and local stakeholders, evidenced by increased adoption of best practices in livestock management.
•    Robust Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Implement comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system, with established indicators that track progress and measure impact effectively.
•    Policy Recommendations Delivered: Develop actionable policy recommendations that support sustainable livestock development, informed by evidence and stakeholder input.
•    Increased Productivity and Sustainability: Measure improvements in livestock productivity and sustainability across FAO projects, contributing to food security and rural development.
•    Documentation of Best Practices: Create a repository of best practices and lessons learned from project implementation, promoting knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
•    Active Participation in Knowledge Networks: Engage in relevant forums and networks, enhancing FAO’s visibility and influence in the field of livestock development.
•    Positive Impact on Livelihoods: Improve the livelihoods of local communities engaged in livestock production, contributing to poverty alleviation and food security.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
    
•    Advanced university degree or higher in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field.
•    A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in livestock development, or related fields, preferably within international organizations or NGOs.
•    Working knowledge of English proficiency. 
•    Candidate should be Eritrean and had to provide evidence of completion/exemption from National Service  

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Project Management Skills
•    Proven experience in managing and implementing agricultural or livestock projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation.
•    Technical Expertise
•    Strong knowledge of sustainable livestock management practices, animal health and welfare, animal nutrition and livestock feeding practices, breeding programs, and climate-smart agriculture.
•    Resource Mobilization Experience
•    Demonstrated success in resource mobilization, including experience in preparing project proposals and securing funding from diverse sources.
•    Capacity Building and Training
•    Experience in designing and delivering training programs for diverse stakeholders, including farmers, project staff, and government officials.
•    Stakeholder Engagement
•    Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and building partnerships.
•    Analytical Skills
•    Proficiency in data collection and analysis, with the ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations for project improvement.
•    Policy Development Knowledge
•    Familiarity with national and international policies related to livestock development, food security, and agricultural sustainability.
•    Adaptability and Cultural Sensitivity
•    Ability to work effectively in diverse cultural contexts and adapt to changing environments and project needs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION