About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Representation in South Africa is hiring three Veterinary Paraprofessional (VPP) Business Facilitators under the Pandemic Fund Project. The facilitators will support Animal Health Technicians (AHTs) in business development, mentorship, business coaching, and training delivery across the Eastern Cape, North West, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Key duties include assisting AHTs with field challenges, SAVC compliance, bi-weekly follow-ups, business plan reviews, starter kit procurement, and resource mobilization to help establish sustainable primary animal healthcare businesses.
Salary and benefits
- Paid consultancy / Personal Services Agreement (PSA) contract with FAO.
- Opportunity to contribute to UN pandemic preparedness and one-health initiatives in South Africa.
Who can apply?
- For Consultant role: Advanced university degree in Veterinary Science from an IAU/UNESCO-recognized institution (or a Bachelor's degree with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience).
- For PSA role: University degree or technical degree/certificate in Veterinary Science from an IAU/UNESCO-recognized institution.
- Minimum of 3 years of working experience in the animal health discipline.
- Working knowledge (Level C) of English.
- Selection criteria include experience running a veterinary practice, experience working with farmers in communal areas, strong project management skills, and data analysis proficiency.
Required documents
- Completed online candidate profile on the FAO recruitment portal.
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile.
- Academic credentials from WHED/IAU/UNESCO-recognized institutions.
- Performance assessments and verification authorizations (upon request).
When to apply
- Job Posting Date: August 19, 2026.
- Application Closure Date: September 2, 2026, at 9:59:00 PM (based on personal device time zone settings).
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment portal (Jobs at FAO) and complete your online profile.
- Ensure employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills are fully detailed in your profile.
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile.
- Submit your application through the official FAO recruitment portal before the closure date.
Additional information
- Contract duration is 11 months, structured as 5 days per month.
- Primary location is Pretoria, South Africa, with activities supporting Eastern Cape, North West, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
- Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, security clearances, and residency/visa requirements where applicable.
- FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
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…
- Veterinary professionals with experience in business development, mentorship, or practice management.
- Individuals with at least 3 years of experience in animal health and a desire to support rural farmers.
- Candidates comfortable with a flexible, part-time consultancy structure (5 days per month).
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires travel and engagement across three specific South African provinces.
- This is a part-time consultancy/PSA contract, which may not provide the same stability as a full-time staff position.
- Applicants must ensure their academic credentials are from an IAU/UNESCO-recognized institution.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is ideal for someone looking to leverage their veterinary expertise to drive social impact and economic sustainability in rural communities. It allows for a balance of professional work with other commitments while contributing to critical one-health and pandemic preparedness initiatives.
Our take
Well-suited for veterinary professionals with a passion for business coaching and rural development who are looking for a flexible, high-impact consultancy role.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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