Senior VPP Consultant

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency working in over 130 countries to support the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. The FAO Country Office in South Africa collaborates with government departments, WHO, and UNICEF on the Pandemic Fund Project, “Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response in South Africa through a One Health Approach.” This project aims to strengthen national health systems through improved surveillance, laboratory capacity, and workforce development, focusing on zoonotic disease prevention and early warning systems.

The role builds on the Empowering Veterinary Paraprofessional Entrepreneurs project (2022–2026), which strengthened Animal Health Technicians (AHTs) to deliver primary animal healthcare and establish sustainable private practices. The Pandemic Fund Project will scale these outcomes by positioning trained AHT entrepreneurs as frontline contributors to zoonotic disease prevention, providing starter kits, training, mentoring, and strategic partnerships.

Reporting Lines

The Senior VPP Consultant will report jointly to the FAO Representative in South Africa (via the AFAOR Programmes) and the Project Coordinator, with technical guidance from the National Project Specialist, LTOs for Southern Africa (SFS), and Headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical input on activity design, implementation, reporting, and knowledge sharing, focusing on legal/regulatory compliance, facility suitability, infrastructure, business establishment, and community engagement.
• Lead efforts to secure funding and collaborative arrangements supporting AHTs in establishing and sustaining primary animal healthcare clinics, including engagement with provincial departments and private sector stakeholders.
• Identify and engage complementary service delivery models (e.g., Unjani Clinics) to explore collaboration opportunities for AHTs.
• Develop a targeted coaching and training program, with tools to monitor AHT progress, in collaboration with the AHT project coordinator and business coaches.
• Contribute to workshops, webinars, and training initiatives, focusing on technical expertise in veterinary and business development.
• Provide guidance on procuring starter kits, including equipment specifications and needs assessment.
• Offer ongoing remote and on-site technical support and progress monitoring for AHTs and their businesses.
• Engage with the South African Veterinary Council and key stakeholders to promote AHT-led businesses and improve veterinarian-AHT collaboration.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, communication, and knowledge-sharing products as agreed.
• Perform additional mutually agreed tasks.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in veterinary studies (recognized by IAU/UNESCO) or a bachelor’s degree with two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the animal health discipline.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.

Skills

• Very good knowledge of communication/documentation standards, corporate financial systems, and administrative procedures.
• Familiarity with FAO’s organizational structure.
• Understanding of key stakeholders in the animal health sector.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and project management skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and project management software.
• Competency in technical and administrative work.

Duration: 11 months (home-based).