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.

These positions are based in Jalalabad or Faizabad, 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

Support the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture systems through improved husbandry practices, fish health and feeding management, farmer capacity building, and data driven production monitoring. Contribute to strengthening aquaculture value chains by promoting association/cooperatives, market linkages, private sector engagement, and environmentally sustainable production practice. Also provide 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 local farmers to enhance livestock production practices, ensuring higher productivity and animal welfare.
•     Assist in the implementation of best practices for animal husbandry and breeding, tailored to local conditions Assist in the implementation of best practices for fish husbandry.
•     Coordinate fish health campaigns and disease prevention interventions.
•     Support the animal production and health team in improving production practices and controlling animal diseases.
•     Support fish farmers and aqua culturists in improving production techniques for both freshwater and marine species.
•     Promote sustainable aquaculture practices to increase fish production and minimize environmental impacts.
•     Promote the benefits of fish farming cooperatives and facilitate their establishment.
•     Build and maintain relationships with fish farmers, cooperatives, private sector partners, and other stakeholders.
•     Collect and analyze data on aquaculture production, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
•     Monitor and evaluate the impact of development interventions on fish production and aquaculture sustainability.
•     Collaborate with private sectors, implementing partners, and local authorities to align development efforts with regional objectives.
•     Analyze market trends for aquaculture products, identifying opportunities for fish farmers.
•     Assist in establishing effective marketing channels and strategies to promote fish and aquaculture products.
•     Evaluate the impact of interventions and report findings to stakeholders.
•     Track and report pricing of fish and aquaculture products in local and regional markets.
•     Support the planning and implementation of projects aimed at enhancing fisheries and aquaculture production.
•     Ensure timely distribution of inputs and resources needed for project success.
•     Organize workshops and training sessions to educate fish farmers on best practices in aquaculture.
•     Provide ongoing support to farmers in implementing new techniques and technologies.
•     Participate in regional meetings and workshops to share knowledge and best practices.
•     Liaise with other regional development assistants to ensure coordinated efforts across initiatives.
•     Prepare and submit reports on fisheries and aquaculture development activities and progress.
•     Communicate regularly with regional coordinators to update on challenges and successes in the field.
•     Respond to requests for assistance from fish farmers and provide solutions related to aquaculture 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, Aquaculture, or a related field
•     At least 5 years of work experience in veterinary or livestock production out of which 2 years 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

•     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 veterinary) 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