National Livestock Capacity Development

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a technical, knowledge-based organization aimed at moving forward policy dialogues and advocating for the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty, advancing economic and social progress for all, as well as the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, including land, water, air, climate and genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

The project entitled “Inclusive agriculture and agro-industrial value chain development as an enabler of poverty reduction” aims to build and strengthen inclusive dairy and beef value chains especially through the agro-industry and agribusiness development for the benefit of smallholders in southwestern Bangladesh. The project responds to the request of the Government of Bangladesh to promote the development of the livestock sector and is aligned with its national priorities and development strategies. The project is implemented under the joint global initiative “the Accelerator for Agribusiness and Agroindustry Development and Innovation plus” (3ADI ) by FAO and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and is primarily funded by a grant under the China-IFAD South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) Facility. The main objectives are to identify value chain upgrading opportunities and to carry out the pilot implementation of selected upgrading interventions to support the inclusive and sustainable development of the dairy and beef value chains in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, particularly for the benefit of smallholder producers and entrepreneurs, and through knowledge and experience exchanges via South-South Cooperation (SSC) with China.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Bangladesh and direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), and in close collaboration with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), HQ Technical Officer (HQTO), the international consultant, SSC partners and other relevant project team members and partners.

Tasks and responsibilities

The incumbent will carry out tasks and deliver outputs for the implementation of the above 3ADI SSC project for livestock value chain development as well as other livestock related projects. The duties and responsibilities will include, but not limited to the following:

• Provide the technical and managerial support to the assigned projects to ensure the successful implementation so that activities are carried out and outputs are delivered according to the workplan to achieve expected objectives and outcomes.
• Work closely and collaboratively with project team members and partners within and beyond FAO, such as technical officers, international and national consultants, support staff, the ministry counterpart, the donner, SSC partners, UNIDO, research institutes to ensure effective project implementation and create synergies.
• Actively engage with partners and stakeholders in the public and private sector and carry out stakeholder consultations, such as relevant agencies/ministries, local governments, development partners, financial institutions, NGOs, research institutions, companies, value chain actors, producer groups and local communities, to facilitate and promote linkages and partnerships.
• Support the development and implementation of agreements (e.g. Letters of Agreement) and contracts under the projects, and monitor and ensure activities and outputs delivered with agreed standards and timeline.
• Carry out activities deemed necessary for the project implementation and output delivery as specified in the Project Document, in close collaboration with project team members and partners. In particular, for the 3ADI SSC project on beef and dairy value chain development, these include but not limited to:
  • Design and implementation of selected upgrading interventions for beef and dairy value chains, including the development of business models, training programs and partnerships, support the procurement of equipment/tools to be provided to the beneficiaries, the delivery of equipment/tools and training programs, etc.
  • Support SSC exchange activities with China;
  • Facilitate and promote partnerships (including public and private partnerships), linkages, resource mobilization and investment promotion for the sustainable development of beef and dairy value chains.
  • Provide support to the conduct of other analytical and advocacy work under the project, besides the forementioned, such as recommendations on policy changes and a multi-stakeholder platform, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, etc. The activities may include desk research, data collection, surveys/interviews, qualitative and quantitative analyses and drafting and reviewing reports.

• Organize or provide support to the organization of workshops, webinars, training and other capacity development programs, and stakeholder consultation meetings, etc.
• As required, organize and undertake field missions and facilitate and participate in missions of the international project team, and prepare mission reports.
• Support the monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities.
• Collaborate and work innovatively using relevant digital and virtual tools and devising effective solutions in response to the challenges imposed by, for example, COVID-19 pandemic.
• Support the development of project proposals(s) on livestock sector.
• Support the implementation of livestock related other projects implemented by FAO Bangladesh.
• Any other assignment not listed above but deemed necessary for the successful implementation of the assigned projects/work, and/or designated by FAO Representative /AFAOR (Programme).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Animal Husbandry/ Veterinary science, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics, Agribusiness, supply chain management, development studies, or related fields.
• At least 10 years of working experience in the design and implementation of development projects. Practical working experience in the livestock sector and/or agribusiness and value chain development in Bangladesh would be an asset.
• At least 5 years of working experience in agribusiness and value chain development in developing economies.
• Working knowledge of English, particularly advanced level in writing.
• Only Bangladesh Nationals

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Proficient computer skills - Microsoft Office software, email, internet, spread sheets;
• Good diagnostic and decision-making skills;
• Survey designs questionnaire development;
• Skills in staff management and capacity development.
• Good knowledge of the livestock sector in Bangladesh.