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 Mazar-e-Sharif – Afghanistan.  

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) or Deputy FAO Representative (DFAOR) in Afghanistan. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Regional Office, and the day-to-day technical/functional guidance of the Head of Regional Office who will assign and monitor the daily tasks. The performance evaluation will be done by the direct supervisor in consultation with the Technical Supervisor.

Technical Focus

Strengthen livestock and poultry productivity through improved feed quality, nutrition, animal health, and biosecurity, supported by farmer capacity building and data driven extension services. Contribute to the development of sustainable feed and poultry value chains by enhancing market linkages, private sector collaboration, and monitoring the impact of production and marketing interventions. 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 improve feed production practices and enhance overall livestock nutrition.
•     Assist in developing and implementing quality feed formulations tailored to the nutritional needs of various livestock.
•     Assist in the implementation of best practices for animal husbandry and welfare.
•     Coordinate vaccination programs and animal health campaigns to prevent diseases in livestock.
•     Contribute to developing an extension, health, feed, fodder crop, and AI data collection network, and assist in analyzing data for recommendations.
•     Support the head of the animal production and health team in improving practices and controlling zoonotic diseases.
•     Support poultry farmers in improving production practices for meat and egg production through training and technical assistance.
•     Promote best practices for poultry management, including biosecurity, nutrition, and breeding.
•     Collect and analyze data on feed quality and poultry production, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
•     Monitor the impact of feed and poultry interventions on production and profitability.
•     Coordinate vaccination programs and health campaigns for poultry to prevent disease outbreaks and ensure flock health.
•     Develop nutritional programs to optimize the growth and production of poultry.
•     Build and maintain relationships with feed manufacturers, poultry farmers, and other stakeholders in the value chain.
•     Collaborate with private sectors, local authorities and IPs/NGOs to align feed and poultry development initiatives with regional poultry/livestock goals.
•     Analyze market trends for feed and poultry products, identifying opportunities for farmers to expand their markets.
•     Assist in developing effective marketing strategies to promote poultry products and enhance profitability.
•     Track and report on pricing of poultry, meat and eggs in local regional level markets.
•     Support the planning and execution of projects aimed at enhancing feed quality and poultry production in the region.
•     Ensure the timely distribution of inputs and resources necessary for successful implementation. 
•     Organize workshops and training sessions focused on best practices in feed production and poultry management.
•     Provide ongoing support to farmers in implementing new feed formulations and poultry production techniques. 
•     Participate in regional meetings and workshops to share knowledge, insights, and best practices related to feed and poultry development.
•     Coordinate efforts with other regional assistants to ensure comprehensive approaches to value chain development.
•     Prepare and submit reports on the progress of feed and poultry value chain activities and interventions.
•     Maintain regular communication with regional coordinators to discuss challenges and successes in the field.
•     Communicate regularly with regional coordinators to update on challenges and successes in the field.
•     Respond to requests for assistance from farmers and provide solutions related to livestock and poultry issues.
•     Perform any other related duties as required to support regional development goals.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification  in veterinary science / livestock production, Poultry, 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 poultry) 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