Senior Animal Production Officer (Team Leader and Secretary of the Committee on Agriculture (COAG) Sub-Committee on Livestock)

Job Posting Organization:
The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is dedicated to promoting sustainable livestock transformation. Established to integrate scientific and technical expertise with policy advice, NSA aims to enhance the efficiency, inclusiveness, and resilience of the livestock sector. The division plays a crucial role in facilitating policy dialogue through intergovernmental bodies and partnerships, generating knowledge, and providing technical assistance for the sustainable development of the livestock sector, aligning with the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The division operates globally, engaging with various stakeholders to optimize the contribution of livestock to sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Animal Production Officer will serve as a Team Leader within the Sustainable Animal Production, Feed and Genetics Branch (NSAP) of the Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This role involves providing technical and policy guidance on sustainable animal production systems, particularly focusing on small-scale dairy, poultry, and small-ruminant production systems. The officer will lead multidisciplinary teams, coordinate cross-divisional committees, and ensure the integration of gender equality and women's empowerment in FAO's work. The position requires a strategic thinker who can analyze global and country-specific requirements to contribute to the FAO Strategic Framework and Programme of Work. The officer will also represent the organization at international meetings, advocate for best practices, and develop effective working relationships with stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Animal Production Officer will be responsible for planning, managing, and leading specialized teams, participating in organization-wide committees, and providing technical leadership on international policy and standard-setting bodies. Key responsibilities include analyzing technical issues to inform the FAO Strategic Framework, implementing and monitoring work programmes, conducting research from a gender perspective, providing technical support to Member Nations, and leading capacity development activities. The officer will also organize biennial sessions and intersessional meetings for the COAG Sub-Committee on Livestock, ensuring effective planning and implementation of the programme of work. Additionally, the officer will provide guidance and mentoring to junior staff and engage in resource mobilization activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in agriculture or animal science/production, along with ten years of relevant experience in animal production and policy development. Experience in intergovernmental processes and project management, particularly in developing or transition countries, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish). Familiarity with gender issues and experience in planning and implementing sustainable animal production systems are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in agriculture or animal science/production is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address the complexities of sustainable animal production systems and related policies.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in animal production, policy development, and project management. Experience in working in multiple locations, particularly in field positions, is essential. Familiarity with gender issues and demonstrated results-based management capabilities are also important. Experience in developing countries is considered an asset, as it provides valuable insights into the challenges faced in these regions.

Languages:
Proficiency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This language proficiency is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the international context of the FAO's work.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. While the deadline for application is not specified, candidates who have previously applied do not need to reapply. The role is full-time and involves significant international engagement, requiring the officer to represent the FAO at various international meetings and conferences. The position may involve resource mobilization activities and collaboration with various stakeholders in the livestock sector.