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 based in Herat – 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 Animal Production and Health team 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

Key activities include implementing breeding techniques like natural breeding and artificial insemination, monitoring animal health, and developing tailored nutrition programs during critical growth stages. Maintaining detailed breeding records and analyzing performance data are essential for assessing success. Training farmers on best practices, tracking market prices, and supporting vaccination campaigns are also important for ensuring animal health and promoting sustainable practices.

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Collaborate with local farmers to select and improve breeding stock for enhanced genetic quality in livestock.
•     Assist in implementing best practices for breeding techniques, including natural breeding and artificial insemination.
•     Monitor the health status of breeding animals, ensuring they receive appropriate veterinary care and vaccinations.
•     Develop and implement nutritional programs tailored to the needs of breeding livestock, especially during critical stages such as pregnancy and lactation.
•     Maintain detailed breeding records, including pregnancy, birth, and sex rates.
•     Track and analyze performance data to assess breeding success and inform future breeding decisions.
•     Conduct training sessions for farmers on breeding practices and animal health.
•     Develop tailored nutritional programs for different growth stages (e.g., pregnancy, lactation).
•     Promote awareness of sustainable practices and the importance of genetics.
•     Track and report pricing of animals in local/regional markets.
•     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.
•     Coordinate vaccination schedules to prevent common diseases.
•     Implement health-related vaccination campaigns.
•     Provide training and supervision for field staff on animal feeding, fodder crops, animal health, and breeding practices.
•     Support timely distribution of project inputs to households, ensuring proper storage.
•     Collaborate with field officers to monitor partner activities for smooth project implementation.
•     Assist team members in providing a sessional calendar for livestock interventions in the region.
•     Participate in regional training workshops as appropriate.
•     Conduct regular field visits to monitor livestock conditions and address challenges faced by farmers.
•     Respond to requests and provide advice related to livestock activities to the Regional Coordinator.
•     Liaise with the Regional Coordinator to share updated information on livestock activities.
•     Perform any other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in veterinary science / livestock production or a related field
•     At least 5 years of experience in veterinary or livestock production out of 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

•     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