Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established in October 1945 with the objective of eliminating hunger, improving nutrition and standards of living by increasing agricultural productivity. FAO contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through its 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. Accordingly, FAO complements the efforts of governments and technical agencies in programs for developing agriculture, forestry, fisheries, land and water resources. It also carries out research; provides technical assistance on projects in individual countries; operates educational programs through seminars and training centres; maintains information and support services, including keeping statistics on world production, trade, and consumption of agricultural commodities; and publishes a number of periodicals, yearbooks, and research bulletins.

FAO has more than 180 member states with offices throughout the world. Through the Botswana Office, FAO is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture, through Department of Animal Production, to implement a national project on Development of National Fodder production Strategy. Fodder Production in Botswana is only now taking hold, albeit at a slow pace and small-scale. The country continues to rely largely on imports. Domestic production of fodder crops, forage and seeds meets about 12% of national demand (10 500 metric tonnes) of which 90% is Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production and 10% is of other fodder species. A Technical working group has been mobilized and it managed to approve the inception report for development of the strategy. With all the necessary information collected, the next phase is to formulate appropriate strategy. Therefore, the international fodder production expert will support a process to develop a comprehensive Fodder Production Strategy for Botswana.

Reporting Lines

The International Fodder production expert will work under the overall managerial and operational guidance of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Botswana, with technical supervision of a Lead Technical Officer (LTO) of the project at the sub-regional office for Southern Africa and Ministry of Agriculture and support from a Technical Officer based in Regional Office for Africa in Ghana and FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy as well as guidance from the National Project Coordinator.

Technical Focus

Development of Fodder Production Strategy for Botswana based on relevant global, continental, and national policy and legal instruments, FAO guidelines and other established methodologies.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Situational analysis: Conduct a comprehensive analysis: Gather and the current fodder production situation in Botswana.  Review and analyze relevant information on fodder production, policies, strategies, legal and regulatory framework to build an understanding of the status.
•    Benchmarking: conduct desk review of relevant global, continental, and national policy and legal instruments, FAO and FAO guidelines, and established methodologies for fodder production.

•    SWOT analysis: Conduct a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) in aspect of fodder production and Animal Feed Act / regulations in the country.
•    Risk assessment:  Identify and prioritize key feed safety risks based on local data, key stakeholder consultations and international standards
•    Inception workshop:  Develop an inception report, working together with a national specialist,
•    Stakeholder consultations: Working together with a national specialist, support consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry representatives, consumer groups, academia, and development partners.
•    Situational analysis report: With the guidance of data gathered from the stakeholder consultations, inception report and literature develop a situational analysis report and present to the TWG, LTO, FAO & Government officials for comments and approval.
•    Develop the Fodder Production Strategy with clear and measurable goals, objectives, and key activities and interventions for improving nutritional status of the livestock.
o    Identify and recommend specific actions for strengthening the regulatory framework for feed safety.
o    Development of the strategy Action and, Monitoring & Evaluation plan and stakeholder engagement plan.
o    Align the Fodder production strategy with the agenda 2036, Sustainable Development Goals, the Botswana National Development Plan, continental, and national policy and legal instruments, FAO guidelines, and best practices.
•    Strategy validation: Share the draft strategy together with the Action and monitoring tools amongst the project team and incorporate their feedback into the document. Present the documents to technical working group and the stakeholders for validation. Address any further comments and feedback received.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements  

•    Advanced University degree in Agronomy or related field.
•    At least seven years of relevant experience in Agronomy.
•    Working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Experience in organizing participatory processes and contribution to processes related to program development through engagement of a wide range of stakeholders from the government, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
•    Experience with development of policies particularly on fodder production.
•    Strong understanding of relevant global, continental, and national fodder production policies and regulations.
•    Experience with projects in Africa preferably in Botswana or similar contexts is desired.
•    Excellent English writing skills and consolidating complex information.
•    Experience with UN projects is desired.
•    Good analytical, presentation and training skills.
•    Leading, engaging, empowering and an excellent team player.
•    Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, work under pressure and deliver assignments on time.