Organizational Setting
The Subregional Office for Mesoamerica (SLM) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed-upon strategies and projects for transforming food, agriculture and rural development. It also develops and maintains relations with subregion-wide institutions. The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RLC).
The position is located in the Subregional Office for Mesoamerica (SLM) in Panama City, Panama.
Reporting Lines
The Livestock Development Officer reports to the Subregional Coordinator for Mesoamerica.
Technical Focus
Leading multidisciplinary teams and developing frameworks, methodologies and tools to support programme implementation, monitoring and capacity development. Emphasizing technical standards, policy advice, international cooperation and resource mobilization aligned with FAO strategies. Research, technical analysis and project related services to support the preparation and delivery of programmes, projects, products and services related to livestock and livestock development for agrifood system transformation to achieve Better Production, Better Environment, Better Nutrition and a Better Life, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Results
Comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development and implementation of regional programmes, projects, products and services related to livestock and livestock development in accordance with regional objectives and FAO Strategic Objectives.
Key Functions
- Plans and leads components of multidisciplinary teams, leads and/or participates in internal committees, project teams, and technical working groups and/or provides specialized expertise on technical networks and/or international technical policy as well as standard setting bodies.
- Develops technical, analytical, monitoring and reporting frameworks and related methodologies, tools, systems and databases etc. to support the planning, implementation/delivery and monitoring of programmes of work, projects, products and/or services.
- Designs and conducts research, data collection, validation, analysis and/or reporting activities to support the development of technical standards, international instruments, innovative approaches and strategies, new tools, technologies, technical reports/publications, and/or policy proposals as well as the provision of technical/policy/ specialist/advice and expertise.
- Responds to country requests for technical and policy assistance, provides technical advice, assistance and solutions to Decentralized Offices and provides technical backstopping to field projects.
- Collaborates in, provides technical backstopping to and ensures the quality/effectiveness of capacity development and knowledge sharing activities within Member Nations such as policy support, organizational development and individual learning events including preparation of related information, learning materials, on-line tools.
- Promotes international cooperation/advocates best practices, increased policy dialogue and provides technical expertise at international/intergovernmental meetings.
- Participates in resource mobilization activities in accordance with the FAO Strategic Framework.
Specific Functions
- Supports the vision and strategic thinking on animal production and health related matters for the development and implementation of FAO’s programmes of work, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and food systems, food security and nutrition, and resilience.
- Supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental and climate targets at all levels through technical support related to livestock development.
- Provides support to Member Nations in implementing national, global and region-specific strategies to control and eradicate transboundary animal diseases and major zoonosis, with a focus on One Health.
- Provides support to Member Nations in implementing the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources.
- Provides expertise on strategies, approaches, technologies in livestock production and health, including climate smart livestock practices, low carbon emission on livestock production and for emergency preparedness and during emergency response operations.
- Delivers field programmes, projects and technical support to Member Nations, and fulfils duties as a Lead Technical Officer and as a task force member for country and regional Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), GCF/GEF (Green Climate Fund/Global Environment Facility) and emergency projects.
- Provides support for the development and resource mobilization of regional and country programmes and projects.
- Promotes international and regional cooperation, joint policy advocacy, sharing best practices and learning, demonstrating FAO’s technical leadership in climate change mitigation and adaptive agrifood system transformation in the region.
- Performs other tasks requested.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in animal health and production, animal science, veterinary medicine, veterinary epidemiology, environmental sciences, natural resource management or related field.
- Seven years of relevant experience in animal health and production and development or other related fields with emphasis on regulatory aspects, standard setting, project/programme management, technical assistance, resource mobilization and implementation or policy development in areas related to climate change and ecosystems.
- Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian).
Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.
- Extent and relevance of experience in international animal health and production (regulatory and developmental) programmes.
- Extent and relevance of experience in animal health and production.
- Extent and relevance of experience in animal health and production projects and programmes development, resource mobilization and implementation.
- Extent and relevance of experience in drafting technical proposals and reports aligned with international funding institutions' requirements.
- Extent and relevance of experience in climate adaptation, ecosystem management and gender-sensitive approaches.
- Ability to mobilize resources particularly for engaging with stakeholders and funding bodies.
- Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of Spanish is a strong asset.