Organizational Setting

FAO Afghanistan is investing across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan 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 particular, FAO provides a combination of humanitarian and basic needs/non-humanitarian assistance to female and male farmers and herders across Afghanistan in the agriculture, livestock, irrigation and natural resources sub-sectors through its projects and programs, as described in the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) and the United Nations Strategic Framework for Afghanistan (UNSFA) 2023-2027, specifically under UNSFA Priority 2 Economic Opportunities and Resilient Livelihoods.

This position is located in Kabul– Afghanistan.  

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Afghanistan. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Animal Production and Health team or as may be assigned. The Head of Animal Production and Health team or as assigned, will be responsible for all day-to-day supervision, technical guidance and the performance evaluation.

Technical Focus

Support the enhancement of livestock productivity through improved production techniques, feeding systems, and data driven extension services tailored to local conditions. Contribute to strengthening livestock production systems by building farmer capacity, supporting extension networks, and translating field data and lessons learned into practical recommendations and technical guidance. Also support the animal health and production unit in training farmers on best practices, tracking market prices, and supporting vaccination campaigns are also important for ensuring animal health, production and promoting sustainable practices.
 

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Collaborate with farmers to implement best practices in livestock production to enhance growth, health, and overall productivity.
•     Assist in the development and application of production techniques tailored to local conditions and livestock species.
•     Collect and analyze data related to livestock production, including growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and reproductive performance.
•     Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving livestock productivity.
•     Conduct training sessions and workshops for farmers on advanced production techniques, animal husbandry, and health management.
•     Provide ongoing support and guidance to farmers in the adoption of new practices and technologies.
•     Assess the nutritional needs of livestock and develop feeding programs to optimize growth and production.
•     Collaborate with local authorities, NGOs, and international organizations to align livestock production initiatives with national livestock sector goals.
•     Analyze market trends for livestock products, identifying opportunities for producers to enhance profitability.
•     Assist in the development of marketing strategies to promote livestock and improve market access for farmers.
•     Maintain regular communication with regional and national coordinators to provide updates on livestock production initiatives.
•     Work closely with other assistants and experts/specialists to ensure comprehensive approaches to livestock productivity enhancements.
•     Respond to requests for assistance from farmers regarding livestock production and management issues.
•     Perform any other related duties as required to support livestock production and productivity initiatives in Afghanistan.
•     Assist the Head of the animal production and health team and partners to develop livestock production in the project area.
•     Assist the Head of the animal production and health team to develop an extension, animal health, feed, fodder crop, and AI data collection network and help in analysing the data to prepare recommendations for extension staff and farmers.
•     Assist Head of the animal production and health team and partners to develop animal feeding extension services through training, demonstration, and seed multiplication of improved fodder crops, silage, hay, and urea treatment. 
•     Synthesize lessons learned and best practices gained during the program implementation in collaboration with the program team and feed those into the discussions with other stakeholders.
•     Contribute to the preparation of extension material and technical and other reports, monthly or as required.
•     Perform any other related duties as may be required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with in veterinary science / livestock production, agriculture, or a related field. 
•     At least 5 years of experience in veterinary or livestock production out which  2 years of experience with   UN or INGO  is desirable .
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English and local languages (Dari and/or Pashto).
•     National of Afghanistan

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Have knowledge of finalizing the scope of works with the timeline needed for the implementation.
•     Experience of working with the United Nations or other international organizations (especially those working in the field of animal production) is preferred;
•     Proven skill to coordinate with the relevant institutions and the communities.
•     Excellent knowledge, MS Office package, Internet etc.
•     Strong communication and facilitation skills

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION