About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking a Livestock Development Officer to join the FAO Representation in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Following the FAO Country Office Network Adjustment, the PNG office is transitioning to a programmatic approach, integrating One Health and livestock support across all projects and programmes. The incumbent will provide technical guidance, coordination, and backstopping for initiatives related to animal health and production systems strengthening, pandemic prevention, zoonotic diseases, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The position operates within a fixed-term one-year contract with the possibility of extension.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive compensation and benefits package based on UN standards
- Dependency allowances
- Rental subsidy
- Education grant for children
- Home leave travel
- 30 working days of annual leave per year
- Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
- International health insurance and optional life insurance
- Disability protection
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in animal science, livestock production, veterinary medicine, epidemiology, or a related field
- Five years of relevant experience in animal health, infectious disease management, zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) including regulatory aspects, standard setting, and epidemiology
- Working knowledge (proficiency level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (proficiency level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish)
- Higher educational qualifications must be obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED)
Required documents
- Online profile including employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
When to apply
- Job posting date: 09/Oct/2026
- Closure date: 30/Oct/2026, 10:59:00 PM
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile with accurate details
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal before the deadline
Additional information
- All applications are treated with the strictest confidentiality
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- FAO applies family-friendly policies and flexible working arrangements
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- An ideal match for professionals with an advanced degree in veterinary medicine, epidemiology, or animal science and at least five years of international or field-level experience in animal health and zoonotic disease management.
- Well-suited for candidates experienced in cross-functional programme coordination, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement within multilateral or UN environments.
- Offers a meaningful opportunity to influence national and regional livestock policy and sustainable agrifood systems transformation in the Pacific region.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is a fixed-term appointment for one year based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, with extensions contingent upon performance and fund availability.
- Requires proficiency in English and intermediate knowledge of a second UN language, which may narrow the applicant pool.
- Relocation to Papua New Guinea is required for the duration of the assignment, subject to medical clearance and visa accreditations.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This P-3 staff position offers a platform to solidify a career in international development, public veterinary health, and policy implementation within a specialized UN agency. It provides high-visibility field experience in coordinating multi-donor projects and partnering with government institutions, strengthening competencies in One Health frameworks and agricultural sustainability.
Our take
This opportunity is strongly recommended for mid-career animal health and livestock experts seeking a high-impact international assignment in the Pacific. It is less suitable for candidates without the requisite five years of specific disease management and epidemiology experience or those unable to relocate to Papua New Guinea.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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