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 (MOA), the consultant will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

Technical Focus

The incumbent will coordinate monitoring, evaluation, learning and knowledge management to support the implementation of TCP/SWA/4003: “Support to the Control of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases in Eswatini”.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

1.    Technical and Operational Support

•     Assist in preparing and adapting tick surveillance and acaricide resistance survey protocols to local contexts.
•     Support the coordination in the field deployment of veterinary officials to collect free-living ticks using standard sampling methods (e.g., drag sampling).
•     Supervise and participate in the collection, preservation, and transportation of tick specimens from diptanks across the agro-ecological zones.
•     Liaise with veterinary laboratory to ensure samples are analyzed using the standardized FAO Acaricide Resistance Test Method (Adult Immersion Test – AIT).
•     Prepare guidelines/SOPs and supervise tick identification at local laboratory

2.    Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement

•     Support and co-facilitate training of field veterinary staff in surveillance techniques, data recording, resistance testing protocols and diptank management.
•     Provide mentorship and technical backstopping to veterinary officials and livestock extension personnel throughout fieldwork.
•     Facilitate and lead the preparation of manuals/training materials for veterinary officer as well as dip tank committees

3.    Reporting and Dissemination

•     Support the compilation and validation of data from field surveys, working closely with the international consultant and the FAO team.
•     Contribute to the drafting and review of progress reports, technical reports, including the tick distribution map, acaricide resistance status report, and operational recommendations.
•     Plan and Facilitate workshops, validation meetings, and public awareness events as required.

Minimum Requirements  

•     Advanced university degree in Veterinary Science, Parasitology, Entomology, or a related field.
•     Five (5) years of relevant experience in the management or research of tick-borne diseases and acaricide resistance.
•     Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English 
•     National of Eswatini or resident of Eswatini with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Previous work experience in sub-Saharan Africa or similar agro-ecological settings.
•     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.
•     Familiarity with GIS or mapping tools for risk mapping.
•     Experience working with FAO or other UN agencies

Selection Criteria

•     Proven experience in programme implementation, project design, and stakeholder engagement.
•     Ability to develop annual work plans & reporting.
•     Ability to carry-out needs assessments, prepare technical feasibilities and able to supervise/implement interventions accordingly.
•     Ability to develop comprehensive resource mobilization action plans for prioritization of activities to securing funding.
•     Strong analytical, communication, and facilitation skills.