National Livestock specialist

The FAO Representation in Myanmar supports the Government in all aspects of agriculture development including ensuring that the country has the capacity to reduce the risks of and is well prepared for and effectively responds to food and agriculture threats and crises. FAO works on building resilient agriculture and food systems, ensures humanitarian policy coordination and liaises with humanitarian partners, co-leads Food Security Sector (FFS) with WFP, supports Food Security assessments and early warning activities. In line with FAO’s strategic objective to increase resilience of livelihoods to food and agriculture threats and crises (SO5), FAO Myanmar is implementing a number of projects in response to the recent crises in various States and Regions of Myanmar. The FAO Rakhine Programme includes several short and medium term projects aiming at improving household food security and increasing resilience to floods and cyclones in conflict and natural disaster prone areas with a focus on ethnic minority communities of Rakhine State.

More specifically, FAO Myanmar is implementing a European Union funded project entitled “Improvement of food and nutrition security of vulnerable population in Rakhine State” (Pro-Act). The overall objective of the Project is to contribute to the enhancement of food security conditions and resilience to socio-economic shocks and natural disasters in Rakhine State. The Project’s overall strategy will draw on lessons learned from previous and ongoing FAO Myanmar interventions and it will address low agriculture productivity and input/food purchasing power; household food insecurity and malnutrition and high vulnerability to socio-economic shocks and natural disasters.

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative to Myanmar and the operational supervision of the Emergency and Rehabilitation Coordinator in Myanmar, in close cooperation with ProACT Project Coordinator and the Team dedicated to the Emergency Projects.

• In close consultation with the Supervisor, Project Coordinator, FAO RAP Livestock officer and ECTAD Livestock Specialist, design and conduct integrated livestock production, health care and veterinary drugs and vaccines assessment taking into consideration the needs of the most vulnerable farmers and opportunities to increase the household food security and income in partnership with MOALI/Rakhine State Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD);
• Based on the assessment identify activities which could be implemented within the project timeframe in the current operating context; In particular, design interventions to reinforce livestock production and productivity by improving animal health care and veterinary services through the Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) and link to veterinary pharmacies/stores;
• Finalize selection of CAHWs based form the information indicated in the project inception report and criteria to be jointly developed with LBVD;
• Conduct Needs Assessment (NA) and analysis of the CAHWs and prepare capacity-strengthening plan as a guide to provide support for priority training or learning needs;
• Formulate/Prepare training module/manual/guideline based from NA results (key topics to include\: improve livestock management, appropriate feeding practices, animal health care, breeding, and other) and conduct training, considering the technical specification requirements and in line with what Technical Officers advises;
• In close consultation with the Supervisor, Project Coordinator, FAO RAP Livestock officer and Emergency and Rehabilitation Unit Operation, facilitate the identification of the Implementing Partner and preparation of the Letter of Agreement (LOA) and provide training to the staff of the IPs;
• In close collaboration with the IP and based on the assessment facilitate partnerships with selected local veterinary pharmacies/stores, including providing technical capacity building for sustainable supply of vaccines and medicines to CAHWs;
• Based on the assessment and analysis and in close consultation with LBDV and IP, propose “livestock health kits” contents, design as start-up investment for CAHWs services in the target villages;
• Assist FAO operation for the procurement and delivery of animal health kits to CAHWs;
• Facilitate CAHWs on their application for government accreditation;
• Ensure follow-up and coordination related to the implementation of work plans and procurement plans;
• Support the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to formulate appropriate indicator and data collection system for monitoring purpose
• Closely coordinate with other FAO similar projects and promote synergies in project implementation;
• In the event of animal disease outbreaks occurring in projects sites in Northern Rakhine during the assignment period, coordinate an appropriate response with the LBVD and other UN agencies/humanitarian or development partners, as appropriate;
• Contribute to the supervision of the implementing partners and verification of their technical performances (including LOAs reporting);
• Proactively engage with project beneficiaries, seek feedback and relevant information in order to improve project deliverable;
• Undertake travel to project sites in northern Rakhine State to perform the above tasks, as necessary;
• Prepare and submit mission report after each mission and the end of assignment report before the termination of the contract;
• Contribute to the interim and annual reports of the project as well as a final report at the end of the project; and
• Perform other tasks as required and appropriate for successful implementation of the project.

The above list of tasks will be adapted once the assessment is completed; and additional areas of project intervention identified.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

• Advanced university degree in livestock management, animal health care, veterinary or related field (s)
• At least 5 years practical experience on and working knowledge of livestock management, animal health care and veterinary services in Myanmar.
• Fluency in Myanmar and working knowledge of English;
• Must be familiar with operations under complex and sensitive contexts and eager to work with all communities.
• Affinity with the mandate and role of the FAO and United Nations.
• Myanmar National

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• In depth knowledge of the livestock, animal health care and veterinary issues in Myanmar.
• Excellent knowledge of English is preferable and knowledge of local languages would be an asset.
• Good managerial skills;
• Full command of text and spreadsheet programs;
• High sense of responsibility, willingness to take initiative, excellent communication skills and team spirit are important assets;

• Relevant practical experience on livestock management, animal health care and veterinary services in Myanmar;
• Extent of knowledge in livestock production in Myanmar (including husbandry and management, animal health care and veterinary issues);
• Level of proficiency in English;
• Knowledge of local languages;
• Communication skill level;
• Degree of familiarity with operations under complex and sensitive contexts and preparedness to work with all communities;
• Previous work experience with FAO and/or other UN agencies;
• Demonstrated managerial experience;
• Proficiency level in using text and spreadsheet programs;

Demonstrated team work abilities.