Job Title: Animal Health Specialist
Job Posting Date: 15 May 2026
Closing Date: 30 May 2026
Duty Station: Gaborone, Botswana
Duration: Up to 11 months, renewable
Contract Type: Consultant
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Organizational Unit: FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is recruiting an Animal Health Specialist based in Gaborone, Botswana, to support regional animal health activities under the STOSAR II project in Southern Africa.
The position will focus on transboundary animal diseases, livestock information systems, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, e-veterinary certification, commodity-based trade and market access for livestock and livestock products.
Organizational Context
FAO’s Subregional Office for Southern Africa supports governments and country offices in developing policies, programmes and projects to improve food security, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and promote sustainable use of natural resources.
The Animal Health Specialist will contribute to the implementation of Component 2 of the STOSAR II project, with a focus on improving access to markets through strengthened animal disease management, regional strategies and national implementation.
Reporting Lines
The consultant will work under the general supervision of the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and under the guidance of the Director of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the SADC Secretariat.
The Animal Health Specialist will also work under the direct supervision of the STOSAR II Regional Project Coordinator and the technical supervision of the FAO Livestock Development Officer.
Technical Focus
The assignment focuses on livestock production and animal health, particularly the coordination and implementation of activities related to transboundary animal diseases in Southern Africa.
Priority diseases include:
- Foot-and-mouth disease;
- Peste des petits ruminants;
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The position will also support the revamping of the Livestock Information Management System, the piloting of e-veterinary certification, and the promotion of commodity-based trade and market access.
Main Responsibilities
The Animal Health Specialist will provide overall management, coordination and technical direction for the animal disease component of the project at regional and national levels.
The consultant will support the domestication and implementation of regional strategies for the prevention, control and eradication of priority transboundary animal diseases, including FMD, PPR and HPAI.
The role will also involve strengthening surveillance and early warning systems, supporting national veterinary services, and working closely with the SADC Livestock Technical Committee and relevant ministries.
Support to Trade, SPS and Regional Market Access
The specialist will contribute to innovative approaches for managing animal disease risks linked to trade.
This includes developing regional guidelines and tools, supporting stakeholder consultations, promoting compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, and raising awareness among livestock value chain actors.
The consultant will also provide technical support for updating commodity-based trade guidelines and supporting the implementation of e-veterinary certification in selected countries.
Livestock Information Systems and Laboratory Support
A key part of the assignment will be to provide technical input for the development or revamping of the Livestock Information Management System and support its implementation.
The specialist will also contribute to laboratory strengthening, including support to equipment, accreditation and quality management systems, to improve animal health service delivery in the region.
Monitoring, Reporting and Coordination
The Animal Health Specialist will support the development and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation framework for Component 2 of the project.
The consultant will monitor implementation risks, support timely reporting, guide short-term personnel, review technical reports and ensure that project milestones are achieved.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Advanced university degree in Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Science or an animal health-related field;
- At least 10 years of practical experience working with international and regional institutions and implementing regional development projects in agriculture and animal health;
- Working knowledge of English;
- Experience in Southern Africa will be considered an advantage.
FAO Core Competencies
Candidates will be assessed against the following FAO core competencies:
- Results focus;
- Teamwork;
- Communication;
- Building effective relationships;
- Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
Technical and Functional Skills
The ideal candidate should have strong experience in animal health, transboundary animal disease control, project coordination, technical reporting and regional development work.
Familiarity with the Southern Africa region, strong organizational skills, computer literacy and experience working in more than one location or technical area will be considered important assets.
Important Information for Applicants
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks. Appointment will be subject to medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements and security clearance.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official FAO recruitment portal by completing their online profile and attaching a motivation letter.
Deadline: 30 May 2026
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Duration: Up to 11 months, renewable
