Livestock Specialist

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 is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. 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. 

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.  

For more than four decades, FAO has been working with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, community-based organizations, the academe and the private sector to address challenges in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector. Joint efforts have included increasing sustainability in agricultural production, promoting value-adding practices, mechanization and modernization through improving post-harvest management, enhancing productivity and increasing the resilience of agriculture-based livelihoods to natural disasters, climatic hazards and armed conflict. 

FAO is implementing a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) on the development of Halal Livestock Production Systems in Mindanao, Philippines (TCP/PHI/3903) with the objective of increasing incomes of stakeholders in the Halal food supply chain and contributing to the improvement of food security and nutrition. This is through capacity building of agricultural technicians and farmers on the use of developed Halal protocol and standards in the production of feeds/forage for small and large ruminants, good agricultural practices and technologies on Halal livestock production. Similarly, the project aims to promote and disseminate information on Halal livestock production systems in farming communities in Mindanao.

The position is home-based with occasional travel to the municipalities of Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte, Datu Odin Sinusat in Maguindanao, and other areas as deemed necessary. The engagement is on a part-time basis (When Actually Engaged) from January to August 2025, subject to the project needs, consultant performance assessment, and budget availability.

Reporting Lines

The Livestock Specialist will be under the direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in the Philippines and works closely with the Mindanao Coordinator.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will assist in the implementation of activities under the technical cooperation project by providing technical and operational support at the field level, assist in the conduct of trainings, prepare and/or review project work plans and documents, review outputs of service provider, and act as focal person on halal, livestock health and production concerns related to the project.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide technical and operational support in the implementation of Halal production systems with large and small ruminants in selected pilot sites in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte province
•    Assist in the drafting and review of technical specifications and procurement documents of livestock and agricultural inputs
•    Assist in the conduct of inspection and quality control of procured agricultural inputs of the project
•    Assist in the design of Halal compliant livestock production systems and training modules
•    Assist in the finalization of Letters of Agreement with relevant service provider
•    Contribute to training sessions on Halal production and health management, through the design of training modules, preparation of training material and implementation of the trainings, in collaboration with DA Halal Program Management Office and MAFAR-BARMM
•    Assist in the review of project work plans, documents, and outputs of service provider
•    Provide technical support on the activities of the Technical Working Group on Halal production systems
•    Provide regular progress report and updates during project delivery meeting
•    Prepare an end of assignment report and inputs to the TCP terminal report
•    Perform any other duties related to the deliverables as deemed necessary by the FAO Representative.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    University degree in animal science, livestock production, veterinary medicine, agriculture, or related field
•    At least five (5) years of work experience in livestock/animal health management and production; knowledge of Halal practices is desirable
•    Full proficiency / working knowledge (level C) of English
•    A national of the Philippines or a legal resident with a valid work permit

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Must be familiar with the local rural setting in Central Mindanao and Bangsamoro areas
•    Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute complex processes across a wide range of stakeholders, advance ability to work quickly and under pressure.
•    Experience in working with government partners, farmers organization, and local government units.
•    Experience in implementing trainings and projects.
•    Good communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
•    General knowledge and skills in the use of standard office software, such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).