Veterinary Paraprofessional Business Facilitator

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. With presently 194 member states, and working in more than 130 countries worldwide, including South Africa. 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 agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The main objective 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 develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.
FAO Country Office activities include the design and implementation of country-specific field programs, liaison with local donors' representatives and active outreach activities related to FAO initiatives.

The FAO Country Office in South Africa is working with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to implement the approved second call on Pandemic Fund for South Africa in the project entitled “Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in South Africa through a One Health Approach” (“Pandemic Fund Project”). The project is led by the DOH and DALRRD. FAO, WHO and UNICEF are the Implementing Entities who are going to work with designated delivery partners in the project. The Pandemic Fund Project aims at strengthening national health systems to effectively respond to pandemics through improved surveillance, laboratory systems, and capacity building.  It will focus on enhancing pandemic preparedness and will be implemented during 2025 to 2027. The project is centered around three key areas of focus which are:
•     Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: Development and enhancement of systems that can promptly detect potential
pandemic threats.
•     Laboratory Systems: Strengthening laboratory capacity to diagnose and respond to emerging pathogens effectively.
•     Capacity Development: Building the skills and competencies of local institutions and personnel to better prepare for and manage one health emergencies.
The FAO country office in South Africa implemented the Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs project (“VPP Project”) from 2022–2026 to strengthen the capacity of Animal Health Technicians (AHTs) to deliver quality primary animal healthcare while establishing sustainable private practices. The project supported AHTs through entrepreneurship training, business coaching, and partnerships that enhanced their contribution to livestock health, rural livelihoods, and disease surveillance.

Building on this foundation, the Pandemic Fund Project offers a strategic opportunity to scale the outcomes of the VPP Project by positioning trained AHT entrepreneurs as frontline contributors to zoonotic disease prevention and early warning systems. The project will provide needs-based support to help AHT entrepreneurs establish sustainable Primary Animal Healthcare businesses that directly serve livestock farmers. This support will include tailored starter kits, targeted training, and structured mentoring from veterinarians and business coaches. The project will also maintain and strengthen the strategic partnerships developed under the VPP Project to address key business-environment challenges affecting effective AHT service delivery. To support the sustainability of AHT-led Primary Animal Healthcare businesses, regular business guidance and coaching will be provided across the Eastern Cape, North West and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The services of Business Advisors are required to support the AHTs in Business across the three mentioned provinces.

Reporting Lines
 

Three VPP Business Facilitators are being sought to assist the project team, on the VPP component of the Pandemic Fund in timely reporting in accordance with the project’s objectives and framework during implementation of the project. Under the overall supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative in South Africa the direct technical guidance the Senior Advisor-Training and the South Africa VPP Project Country Coordinator
 

Technical Focus

The VPP Business Facilitator will work as part of the project team in South Africa and will support the AHTs business development and support delivery of the training programme to the first and second cohort. The facilitator will focus on a) effective engagement and monitoring of the AHTs business development, with expertise input to primary animal healthcare entrepreneurship and business administration b) providing coaching and technical assistance to the AHTs

Tasks and responsibilities

•     Provide dedicated technical support to AHTs during referrals, and technical assistance as needed to help them navigate challenges experienced in the field and enhance compliance with the SAVC rules and regulations. 
•     Deliver presentations during meetings on progress update under business coaching. This may include sharing insights on the progress of AHTs' businesses.
•     Organize bi-weekly meetings and activities with AHTs to follow up on their business development.
•     Monitor development of the AHTs businesses and provide progress update on mentorship, business coaching, and business development to FAO.
•     Provide support services to the old and new cohort of AHTs including technical support to AHTs 
•     Follow up on the progress of the 14 AHTs who have received equipment, provide monthly update about their business set up and challenges with solution provided. 
•     Provide support in reviewing business plans, assisting AHTs business profiles, compiling work plan, collect and process data of the AHTs in their businesses. 
•     Support the development and review of specifications for starter kit, consumables to be procured to support the AHTs in various provinces. 
•     Present AHTs starter kit requirements to the planning and procurement committees for AHTs starter kits procurement. 
•     Support efforts to mobilize resource for the AHTs businesses and expose AHTs to funding and business opportunities. (1 days)
•     Prepare monthly reports on progress of AHTs including the work conducted within the project.
•     Participate in monthly meetings with FAO team and live calls/webinars

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Veterinary Science. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     For PSA: University degree (or technical degree/certificate) from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Veterinary Science.
•     A minimum of 3 years working experience in animal health discipline
•     Working knowledge (C) in English

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Very good knowledge of the communication and documentation standards
•     Very good knowledge of corporate computerized financial systems and administrative procedures and policies
•     Very good knowledge of the organizational structure

Selection Criteria

•     Running a Veterinary Practice.
•     Experience working with farmers in communal area.
•     Strong project management skills, with experience in computerized financial/travel/human resources systems and administrative procedures and policies
•     Proficiency in data analysis and the use of project management software
•     Knowledge of key stakeholders in animal health related field
•     Excellent communication and report writing skills