Pig Production Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level. 

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. The current CPF for the period of 2022 - 2025 has four priority areas: (1) One Health (OH); (2) Climate change response, environment and natural resources management; (3) Food safety, sustainable production and consumption, and equitable livelihoods for all; and (4) Governance, Gender and PWDs.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices: 

(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services; 
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation; 
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and 
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.  
The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Viet Nam and direct supervision of the Senior Technical Coordinator of the FAO Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in Viet Nam, with guidance from the FAO Viet Nam and in close collaboration with relevant government’s counterparts.

Technical Focus

The Pig Production Specialist will support FAO ECTAD Viet Nam and government counterparts to assess the state of farming and biosecurity practices in the pilot pig production value chain. The incumbent is also responsible for the field support, development and monitoring of the biosecurity plan for pig farming for the piloted pig supply chain in Ba Ria- Vung Tau province.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide technical support to develop and implement models promoting improved biosecurity and good husbandry practices in the pig production value chain, following the Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity (PMP-TAB) approach.

-    Participate in the meetings, workshops, and discussions with the Department of Animal Health and Production (DAHP) and Sub-Department of Animal Health and Production (SDAHP) in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, as well as with pig farmers involved in pilot model farms. These engagements will focus on risk assessment, identification of interventions, and ongoing support in the development and implementation of biosecurity plans. 
-    Assist in the upgrading of infrastructure and application of improved practices to ensure sustainable biosecurity interventions in pig farming, aligned with the FAO PMP-TAB approach in Ba Ria Vung Tau province.
-    Assist in developing and implementing biosecurity awareness campaigns and tour visits to model farms, aligned with the FAO PMP-TAB approach in Ba Ria -Vung Tau province.
-    Participate in stakeholder meetings to secure commitment and agreement on the implementation of pilot biosecurity models in pig production in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.
-    Support in developing scenarios and scripts for video documentation of model farms before and after interventions in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.
-    Support DAHP in the evaluation and formal acceptance of model farms based on established criteria.
-    Conduct training sessions aimed at strengthening biosecurity, promoting good practices, and reducing risks in pig production for farmers and workers in pilot models.
-    Conduct monitoring visits to pilot model farms and provide technical inputs during implementation in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

•    Work with Senior Pig Production Specialist to implement project intervention in Ba Ria- Vung Tau province.
•    Provide input for the presentations, pilot results, and lessons learned, project report on the pig husbandry and biosecurity practices, and implemented interventions in Ba Ria- Vung Tau province.
•    Prepare an End-of-Assignment report (EoAR) including details of implemented activities, and recommendations for future implementation and scale-up.
•    Perform other tasks as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  
  
•    Advanced university degree in veterinary science, livestock production or a related field.
•    At least 7 years of relevant experience working in livestock production and biosecurity, with a focus on pig farming and disease prevention.
•    Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese
•    National of Viet Nam or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Advance knowledge of Viet Nam legislation on wildlife, captive wildlife management, livestock production and biosecurity
•    Proven experience in conducting field assessments and data analysis
•    Strong analytical thinking, facilitation and interpersonal skills
•    Work experience with government stakeholders, international organizations, or UN agencies is an advantage

Selection Criteria

Based on minimum requirements, core competencies, and technical/functional skills.