Livestock Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UNICEF, WFP and WHO, is implementing a Joint United Nations Nutrition Programme (UNN) aimed at strengthening food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and livelihoods in Sierra Leone.
The programme targets vulnerable populations (particularly women, youth, and children) and supports national priorities including the Feed Salone Strategy and UNSDCF outcomes.
The Joint Programme focuses on:

1. Climate-resilient livelihoods and food systems
2. Improved access to nutrition-sensitive services
3. Strengthened governance and coordination in food and nutrition systems

Within this framework, FAO leads on agriculture, livestock, and livelihood interventions, including poultry and apiculture value chains, as well as integrated farming systems.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative (FAOR) in Sierra Leone and the direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR (Programme) and the National Technical Coordinator, the Livestock Specialist will provide technical leadership for livestock-related interventions.

The incumbent will work closely with:
• Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS)
• Local authorities and extension services
• UN partner agencies
• Implementing partners and community groups.

Technical Focus

The Livestock Specialist will provide technical expertise and operational support for the design and implementation of livestock and integrated farming interventions, with a focus on:
• Poultry production systems
• Apiculture (honey production)
• Integrated crop-livestock systems
• Climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive approaches.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Lead the planning and implementation of livestock interventions (poultry, apiculture, small livestock systems);
• Develop technically sound intervention models aligned with climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture;
• Promote integrated farming systems linking livestock and crop production;
• Develop and deliver training programmes on:
o Good animal husbandry practices
o Poultry and apiculture production systems
o Feed management and disease prevention
• Strengthen extension services through farmer field schools, demonstrations, and field visits;
• Support transparent identification and validation of beneficiaries, with emphasis on women, youth and vulnerable households
• Promote inclusive and community-based approaches to livestock distribution and management;
• Support community-based asset transfer mechanisms (e.g. revolving livestock schemes);
• Coordinate disease prevention and control measures in collaboration with MAFS;
• Promote improved livestock productivity through:
o Better feeding practices
o Improved breeds (where applicable)
o Biosecurity measures
• Support development of livestock value chains (poultry, honey, by-products);
• Facilitate market linkages between producers and buyers;
• Promote income-generating opportunities through livestock enterprises;
• Develop technical specifications for procurement of livestock inputs and services;
• Support quality assurance of procured goods and services;
• Provide technical input to procurement processes;
• Contribute to development of:
o Annual, quarterly and monthly workplans
o Procurement and activity plans
• Support monitoring of field activities and results
• Prepare technical inputs for project reports (FAO, donor, partners);
• Submit final technical report at the end of assignment;
• Liaise with government institutions, NGOs, and private sector actors;
• Participate in coordination meetings and technical working groups;
• Ensure alignment of livestock interventions with overall project objectives;
• Perform any other duties as required by the FAOR.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Production, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in livestock production and rural development projects
• Working knowledge of English (Level C).
• National of Sierra Leone

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong experience in:
o Poultry and/or apiculture systems
o Livestock extension and training
o Integrated farming systems
• Knowledge of climate-resilient agriculture approaches
• Experience in community-based livestock programmes
• Experience in results-based project implementation (RBM)
• Strong analytical, communication, and training skills

Selection Criteria

Strong experience in:
• Poultry and/or apiculture systems
• Livestock extension and training
• Integrated farming systems
• Knowledge of climate-resilient agriculture approaches
• Experience in community-based livestock programmes
• Experience in results-based project implementation (RBM)
• Strong analytical, communication, and training skills

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.