Chief, Livestock Innovation, Climate and Post Harvesting Solutions Branch (NSAL), D-1

Position description

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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) promotes and facilitates the sustainable development of the livestock sector, integrating scientific and technical expertise and policy advice. It hosts technical networks in areas of animal health, genetics, feed and animal husbandry and provides analysis, policy dialogue (including intergovernmental bodies) and technical assistance. It also supports emergency responses, mostly in animal health.

The Livestock Innovation, Climate, and Post-Harvesting Solutions Branch (NSAL), within the Animal Production and Health Division (NSA), is dedicated to fostering sustainable development and transformative change in the global livestock sector, with a strong emphasis on environmental and socio-economic sustainability. It spearheads efforts in data compilation, harmonization, and management regarding livestock populations, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental performance, and post-harvesting practices. Analyzing sector trends across social, economic, and environmental dimensions, it develops tools, policies, and guidelines for sustainable livestock transformation.

The position is in the Livestock Innovation, Climate and Post Harvesting Solutions Branch (NSAL) of the Animal Production and Health Division (NSA) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Chief, the Livestock Innovation, Climate and Post Harvesting Solutions Branch (NSAL) reports to the Director Animal Production and Health Division (NSA).

Summary of Duties and Functions

Under the overall guidance of the Director, NSA, and as a member of the NSA Management Team, the Chief of NSAL will:

• Provide leadership, vision, strategic design, technical and policy advice, and programme formulation for the Organization’s work in fostering sustainable development and transformative change in the global livestock sector, with strong emphasis on environmental and socio-economic sustainability, thorough data compilation, harmonization, and management regarding livestock populations, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental performance, and post-harvesting practices;
• Support FAO Members toward sustainable livestock transformation pathways through evidence-based and innovative solutions, focusing on the environmental and socio-economic dimensions of the sector;
• Position FAO as a global leader in animal health and production in the context of international public goods and the transformation of agrifood systems in support of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
• Lead NSAL team in preparation of livestock sector analysis, tools, policies and guidelines for sustainable livestock transformation;
• Plan, manage and report the use of resources in support of programmes and projects in the field of livestock policy preparation as well as livestock innovation, climate and post harvesting practices, ensuring coherence and technical quality of the normative and operational work;
• Ensure effective liaison, integration and linkage between the work and staff of NSAL with other groups/clusters/hubs of NSA at headquarters, as well as in Decentralized Offices;
• Support resource mobilization consistent with NSA’s work plan and strategic vision, as well as the FAO Strategic Framework;
• Guide, supervise and evaluate the work of the NSAL staff;
• Ensure provision of technical advice, information and support to FAO Members, UN agencies and global, regional and national bodies, including inter-governmental fora, for the discussion and negotiation of agreements, codes, standards and good management and manufacturing practices in animal health and veterinary public health throughout the food chain;
• Represent the Organization in external meetings and handle day-to-day matters in the absence of the Director, as needed;
• Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in animal science/agricultural economics/veterinary medicine with post graduate qualifications in livestock system analysis, livestock development policy, agricultural economics or related fields;
• At least twelve years of relevant experience at progressive level in livestock system analysis, livestock development policy and planning, livestock production and processing economics combined with extensive experience in intergovernmental processes, and in identification, formulation and implementation of projects and programmes in the context of developing and/or transition countries, in national and international development and research organizations;
• Demonstrated professional competence, management skills and knowledge of international livestock sector development issues with potential implications for FAO’s field of activities;
• Extensive and relevant professional experience related to the functioning of multilateral and multi-stakeholder processes;
• Familiarity with FAO and UN reforms;
• Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills of a high order with maturity and the ability to apply judgment in the exercise of professional independence and to manage complex and/or sensitive issues with diplomacy and confidentiality;
• Ability to lead and work effectively with a diverse team of people from different national and cultural backgrounds in an international setting;
• Demonstrated abilities in advocacy and resource mobilization including coordinating project proposals for funding and interacting with donors and funding agencies;
• Excellent communications and negotiations skills;
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Leadership Competencies

Results focus: Takes accountability for the delivery of agreed results in service of FAO’s strategic framework – Leading, engaging and empowering others: Coordinates, directs, facilitates and recognizes team efforts; creates an enabling environment and assists others to realize and develop their potential – Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication – Partnering and Advocating: Promotes ideas and develops partnerships to advance the Organization’s work – Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement: Continually seeks to improve the knowledge, skills and work processes of oneself and others – Strategic thinking: Makes informed and coherent decisions aligned with broader goals and strategies.

Application instructions

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