Pig Production Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 195 Members, which consist of 194 countries and the European Union. The organization operates in over 130 countries worldwide, providing policy advice and support to nations in areas related to food and agriculture. FAO's mission is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. The organization emphasizes the importance of partnerships and resource mobilization to support agrifood systems transformation, ensuring that operations are accountable and effective at the country level. The current Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2022-2025 outlines four priority areas: One Health, climate change response, food safety and sustainable production, and governance, gender, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Job Overview:
The Pig Production Specialist position is designed to support the FAO Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) in Vietnam, specifically focusing on the pig production value chain. The incumbent will be responsible for assessing farming and biosecurity practices, developing and monitoring biosecurity plans, and providing technical support to improve biosecurity and husbandry practices. This role requires collaboration with government counterparts and stakeholders in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, where the pilot pig production models will be implemented. The specialist will engage in various activities, including risk assessments, infrastructure upgrades, awareness campaigns, training sessions, and monitoring visits to ensure the successful implementation of biosecurity interventions. The position demands a proactive approach to fostering partnerships and facilitating the adoption of best practices in pig farming, ultimately contributing to the overall goal of enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Pig Production Specialist include:

• Providing technical support to develop and implement models that promote improved biosecurity and good husbandry practices in the pig production value chain, following the Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity (PMP-TAB) approach.
• Participating in meetings, workshops, and discussions with the Department of Animal Health and Production (DAHP) and Sub-Department of Animal Health and Production (SDAHP) in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, as well as with pig farmers involved in pilot model farms.
• Assisting in upgrading infrastructure and applying improved practices to ensure sustainable biosecurity interventions in pig farming.
• Developing and implementing biosecurity awareness campaigns and organizing tours to model farms.
• Participating in stakeholder meetings to secure commitment for the implementation of pilot biosecurity models.
• Supporting the development of scenarios and scripts for video documentation of model farms.
• Assisting DAHP in evaluating and formally accepting model farms based on established criteria.
• Conducting training sessions aimed at strengthening biosecurity and promoting good practices among farmers and workers.
• Conducting monitoring visits to pilot model farms and providing technical inputs during implementation. 1
• Collaborating with the Senior Pig Production Specialist to implement project interventions. 1
• Providing input for presentations, project reports, and lessons learned regarding pig husbandry and biosecurity practices. 1
• Preparing an End-of-Assignment report detailing implemented activities and recommendations for future implementation and scale-up. 1
• Performing other tasks as requested.

Required Qualifications:
The minimum requirements for the Pig Production Specialist position include:

• An advanced university degree in veterinary science, livestock production, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in livestock production and biosecurity, specifically focusing on pig farming and disease prevention.
• A working knowledge of English and Vietnamese.
• Candidates must be nationals of Vietnam or residents of the country with a valid work permit. Additionally, candidates should possess FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. Technical and functional skills required include advanced knowledge of Vietnam's legislation on wildlife and livestock production, proven experience in conducting field assessments and data analysis, strong analytical thinking, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, and experience working with government stakeholders or international organizations.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have an advanced university degree in veterinary science, livestock production, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the specialist possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the improvement of biosecurity and husbandry practices in the pig production value chain.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant experience in livestock production and biosecurity, with a specific focus on pig farming and disease prevention. This level of experience is crucial for the specialist to effectively assess and implement biosecurity measures and good practices in the pilot pig production models.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of both English and Vietnamese. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders, government counterparts, and farmers involved in the pilot projects. Additional language skills may be considered an advantage but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. Candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders and participate in field activities as required. The role may involve contract duration specifics, seniority level considerations, and potential compensation and benefits details, which will be discussed during the recruitment process.