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 agri-food systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and malnutrition. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through TCP/SWA/4003, FAO is supporting Eswatini to assess tick distribution, determine resistance to the commonly used acaricide amitraz, and strengthen national capacity for integrated tick management. The main objective of the assignment is to provide technical support in implementing tick surveillance and acaricide resistance testing, enhancing field-level coordination, supporting training for animal health staff, and contributing to national reporting and policy recommendations
Reporting Lines
The incumbent will work within the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), under the overall functional and administrative supervision of the FAO Representative in Eswatini, Under the overall supervision of the LTO and in collaboration with the National Project Coordinator (NPC) and Ministry of Agriculture.
Tasks and responsibilities
The incumbent will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:
Phase 1: Design and Inception
• Review relevant background materials, including national disease prevalence reports, acaricide use data, and prior tick surveillance studies.
• Design protocols for Tick collection and identification (free-living and parasitic) and Acaricide resistance testing (using FAO’s Adult Immersion Test – AIT).
• Develop detailed survey plans, including sampling strategy, data collection tools, and field team training guides.
• Facilitate and deliver training for national veterinary officials and laboratory personnel in tick sampling and acaricide resistance testing
• Provide Technical Guidance to the National Expert on Animal health
Phase 2: Technical Support During Fieldwork
• Provide remote or in-person support during initial field surveys to ensure quality and adherence to protocols.
• Advise on safe sample handling, preservation, and transport to central labs.
Phase 3: Data Analysis and Reporting
• Analyse data on tick species distribution and acaricide resistance.
• Produce the following outputs:
• Comprehensive status report of tick distribution in Eswatini.
• Tick resistance maps and risk categorization by diptank and agro-ecological zone.
• Technical report on amitraz resistance, including recommendations for resistance management strategies.
• National Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on acaricide use and tick management.
• Present findings to stakeholders in validation workshops and support finalization of reports.
• Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Requirements
Advanced university degree in Veterinary Science, Parasitology, Entomology, or a related field. Consultants with bachelor`s degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience
Seven (7) years of relevant experience in the management or research of tick-borne diseases and acaricide resistance.
Working knowledge of English (level C).
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
Proven experience applying FAO or similar acaricide resistance testing methods (e.g., AIT).
Demonstrated experience in leading field surveys and providing technical training to national staff.
Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
Previous work experience in sub-Saharan Africa or similar agro-ecological settings.
Familiarity with GIS or mapping tools for risk mapping.
Experience working with FAO or other UN agencies.