Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (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. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 countries and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.

FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.

The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources. The current CPF for the period of 2022 – 2025 has four priority areas: (1) One Health (OH); (2) Climate change response, environment and natural resources management; (3) Food safety, sustainable production and consumption, and equitable livelihoods for all; and (4) Governance, Gender and PWDs.

Specifically, FAO Country Offices:

(i)    advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate;
(ii)    provide technical assistance and deliver core services;
(iii)    assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation;
(iv)    position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v)    ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.

The position is located in the FAO Country Office in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Viet Nam and direct supervision of the Senior Technical Coordinator of the FAO Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in Viet Nam, with guidance from the FAO Viet Nam and in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Technical Focus

The National Livestock Production and Biosecurity Specialist will work closely with FAO ECTAD Viet Nam and stakeholders to assess the state regulations on biosecurity practices in livestock farming and improve the management of farming practices and biosecurity measures for captive wildlife farming (CWF), including waste management and disease prevention and control, for captive civet farming. The incumbent also leads the field assessment for the biosecurity checklist at civet facilities.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Work with the National Captive Wildlife Farming Specialist to conduct a desk review of documents, legislation, regulations, studies, and project outcomes relevant to livestock biosecurity farming, good farming practices, assessment check list focusing on disease prevention and control applicable to livestock production;
•    Review and revise the biosecurity baseline questionnaire developed by FAO to assess current farming practices and biosecurity measures for CWF, including waste management and disease prevention and control, for captive civet farming;
•    Conduct tools pretest in Bac Giang province;
•    Present the desk reviews results and draft of biosecurity baseline assessment tools at technical consultation meeting;
•    Lead one team of field assessment for assessing the current practices for development of minimum biosecurity check list;
•    Analyse field data to draft a report and a comprehensive biosecurity checklist reflecting key findings and recommendations;
•    Participate in stakeholder consultation meetings to gather feedback from stakeholders and incorporate contributions into the final biosecurity checklist;
•    Perform other tasks as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in veterinary science, animal husbandry, biosecurity, or a related field.
•    At least 7 years of relevant experience working in livestock production and biosecurity, with a focus on wildlife farming and disease prevention.
•    Working knowledge of English and Vietnamese
•    National of Viet Nam or resident of the country with valid work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Advance knowledge of Viet Nam legislation on wildlife, captive wildlife management, livestock production and biosecurity
•    Proven experience in conducting field assessments and data analysis
•    Strong analytical thinking, facilitation and interpersonal skills
•    Work experience with government stakeholders, international organizations, or UN agencies is an advantage

Selection Criteria

Based on minimum requirements, core competencies, and technical/functional skills.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements